Fluidized Particulate Lower Leg Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional supports for the lower leg, such as those with air chambers, apply pressure that can lead to joint locking, nerve entrapment, and compromised circulation, and fail to contour effectively to the leg, especially when a patient is recumbent.
Innovation Solution
A fluidized lower leg protection system comprising an inner positioner with a bladder filled with fluidized particulate material and an outer ultra low pressure plenum, which provides three-dimensional contouring and support without significant elevation, maintaining neutral leg alignment and minimizing pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air chamber supports are used to elevate the leg and heel, then support is provided, but pressure is applied to the heel and leg causing joint locking, nerve entrapment, and compromised circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluidized particulate material as an intermediary between the air chamber and the leg/heel. This material allows the air chamber to provide support through distributed pressure rather than direct contact, eliminating concentrated pressure points that cause joint locking and nerve entrapment while maintaining reliable support capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the support medium from compressed air alone to a fluidized particulate material suspended in air. This parameter change allows the system to maintain support functionality while transforming the pressure distribution characteristics from concentrated to distributed, eliminating harmful pressure effects
2Reliability
If conventional supports apply pressure to maintain heel elevation, then support is provided, but the leg can be raised too high causing joint locking and nerve entrapment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure distribution parameter from concentrated to distributed through the use of fluidized particulate material. This allows the heel to be supported at the optimal minimal elevation without excessive lifting, preventing joint locking and nerve entrapment while maintaining support stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using just enough elevation to achieve heel support without over-elevation. The fluidized material allows support at minimal elevation, avoiding the excessive lifting that causes joint locking and nerve entrapment
3Reliability
If conventional air chambers are used, then support is provided, but the intralumenal pressure minimizes the ability to contour to the leg
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidized particulate material serves as an intermediary that allows the air chamber to maintain intralumenal pressure for support while the particulate material itself conforms to the leg's shape. This intermediary layer enables both support functionality and contouring ability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the support medium to fluidized particulate material, which has the unique property of being able to conform to irregular shapes while maintaining volume and pressure. This allows the air chamber to provide support through pressure while the material contours to the leg's shape
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively supports the leg and heel while preventing joint locking and nerve entrapment, maintaining neutral alignment and promoting comfort by distributing pressure evenly and contouring to the leg's shape, thus reducing shear forces and friction.
Implementation Method 1
an inner positioner having a bladder filled with a fluidized particulate material to provide three-dimensional contouring to the lower leg and heel
Implementation Method 2
The inner positioner can include a temperature regulating material for keeping the leg in an optimal range of skin temperature to keep the leg comfortable longer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluidized lower leg protection and support system and method. The system can include an inner positioner. The inner positioner can displace and contour three-dimensionally as though it was fluid to the sides and top of the leg while not having flow characteristics that would result in migration of the medium under the force of gravity. The system can also include an outer support which is received over the inner positioner. The outer support can be in the shape of an open boot. The outer support can include an ultra low pressure plenum. The ultra low pressure plenum is filled at a predetermined low pressure for distributing pressure along the length of the outer support, but not providing significant elevation of the lower leg and heel by itself.