Force-Controlled Buckle for Pelvic Ring Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pelvis-stabilizing devices face challenges in maintaining desired tension around a patient's pelvis while securing the outer end of the strap, as excessive tension can lead to reduced stability and improper engagement of the buckle with the strap.
Innovation Solution
A force-controlled buckle mechanism with a slider and latch system that engages pins with the strap once sufficient tension is achieved, maintaining tension even if the outer strap tension is relieved, and allows for easy release and re-engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional buckle mechanism is used, then the device can be applied to the patient, but the tension in the strap cannot be maintained when the outer end of the strap is not continuously tensioned
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle mechanism automatically maintains tension through its internal components. When the strap is tensioned, the slider moves to expose pins that engage with the strap, and the latch mechanism automatically engages to lock the slider in position. This self-servicing mechanism maintains tension without requiring continuous manual adjustment or tensioning of the outer strap end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical friction-based retention of conventional buckles with a sophisticated mechanical system involving springs, sliders, pins, and latch mechanisms. This substituted mechanical system provides positive engagement and reliable tension maintenance through controlled mechanical interactions rather than relying on continuous external tensioning.
2Reliability
If the outer end of the strap is not properly secured, then the buckle may move and retract pins from engagement, but using a more complex retention mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated buckle mechanism. The frame, slider, springs, pins, and latch mechanism work together as one unified assembly that simultaneously provides tension sensing, pin exposure, engagement, and retention functions. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle mechanism serves multiple functions through its various components: the springs provide both force storage and slider actuation, the pins provide both tension sensing and engagement features, and the latch mechanism provides both locking and retention functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity while enhancing reliability.
3Reliability
If the slider moves to expose pins for strap engagement, then tension can be maintained, but the slider may move back and hide pins if tension is relieved
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the slider moves to its tensioned position, preliminarily securing the pins in their exposed state. This preliminary action ensures that once tension is achieved and pins are exposed, they remain exposed and engaged even if the tension fluctuates or is temporarily relieved, maintaining engagement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded slider provides continuous feedback about the tension state in the strap. When tension is applied, the slider moves to expose pins; when tension is relieved, the spring returns the slider to its initial position. The latch mechanism provides additional feedback by engaging only when the slider is in the correct position, creating a feedback system that maintains proper engagement state.
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
Ensures consistent tension around the patient's pelvis, preventing excessive tension and maintaining stability during application and use, while allowing for secure attachment and easy handling of the device.
Implementation Method 1
the slider's motion is resisted by a pair of springs that ordinarily keep the slider in a position obscuring the outer ends of a pair of pins or prongs
Implementation Method 2
catches are carried on fingers provided on the slider and the fingers are urged by elastic force developed in the fingers to carry the catches into engagement with corresponding receptacles formed in the buckle frame
Data Source
AI summary
A belt-like hip-girdling pelvic sling device for maintaining a desired amount of tension surrounding a person's hips and pelvis to securely support and stabilize a fractured pelvis, including a force-controlled buckle that automatically latches to control the tension and that includes a releasable latching mechanism. The latching mechanism maintains engagement of the buckle with a strap at the required position of the strap with respect to the buckle. The latching mechanism includes a movable member of the buckle that is moved to and latched in a position in which the buckle engages the strap, once a desired amount of tension is reached, limiting and maintaining the required tension.