Foldable Pelvic Binding Structure for Portable Immobilization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing immobilization devices, such as splints and pelvic binders, are either cumbersome and heavy when not in use or too flimsy when in use, lack versatility, require multiple components that can be lost, and are designed for single-use or limited reuse.

Innovation Solution

A foldable immobilization device with a main body composed of panels and segments connected by living hinges, allowing for various configurations, including a stowable and deployed state, secured by fasteners, and capable of distributing compressive loads across a larger area when used with a tourniquet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If existing splints and pelvic binders are made rigid and durable for use, then they provide sufficient strength and stability, but they become cumbersome and heavy when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength and stabilityVSAvoidweight and bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The splint is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be segmented for folding and compact storage while maintaining structural integrity when deployed. This segmentation enables the device to transition between a compact stored state and a rigid deployed state, resolving the contradiction between strength and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splint incorporates hinges that enable dynamic transformation between different configurations (stored and deployed states). The hinges allow panels to rotate relative to each other, transforming the splint from a compact folded state to an extended rigid state, thereby resolving the contradiction between weight/bulk when not in use and strength when in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If existing immobilization devices are made rigid for immobilization, then they provide stability, but they cannot be easily stored or transported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization stabilityVSAvoidease of storage and transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The splint is divided into multiple panels connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be segmented for folding and compact storage while maintaining structural integrity when deployed. This segmentation enables the device to transition between a compact stored state and a rigid deployed state, resolving the contradiction between strength and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splint incorporates hinges that enable dynamic transformation between different configurations (stored and deployed states). The hinges allow panels to rotate relative to each other, transforming the splint from a compact folded state to an extended rigid state, thereby resolving the contradiction between weight/bulk when not in use and strength when in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If existing splints are designed as single-piece rigid structures, then they maintain structural integrity, but they lack versatility and require multiple separate components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidversatility and configuration options

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The splint is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) connected by hinges, allowing the structure to be segmented for folding and compact storage while maintaining structural integrity when deployed. This segmentation enables the device to transition between a compact stored state and a rigid deployed state, resolving the contradiction between strength and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splint is designed with multiple panels and hinges that can be configured in various ways to accommodate different patient needs and injury types. The adjustable configuration allows a single device to serve multiple functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate components while maintaining structural integrity through the hinged connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250262083A1Pelvic binding apparatus, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 ALPHAPOINTE

AI summary

A foldable pelvic binding device and method of use is provided. The device includes a main body divided into a plurality of panels and segments by a grid of living hinges, thereby facilitating movement between stowed and flat configurations. The main body is configured to couple with one or more other main body, as necessary or desired, to create a binding device that is sized for the required application, thereby accommodating a variety of applications in a variety of situations for a variety of body shapes and sizes. By engaging the binding device with a tourniquet, a binding system is created. When not in use, each the main body of the binding device can be moved to the stowable configuration by folding the various panels over each other.