Heel Protector Cushioning With Bolster Tubes for Rotational Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing limb protection devices can lead to skin breakdown or pressure ulcers due to incorrect positioning, prolonging rehabilitation time when used improperly.

Innovation Solution

A cushioned device with integrated bolster tubes provides rotational stability to prevent leg rotation, featuring a compressible cushion layer and removable bolster tubes for ambidextrous support, ensuring proper positioning and reducing the risk of skin breakdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional limb protection devices are used, then limb protection and pressure alleviation are provided, but skin breakdown and pressure ulcers occur due to improper positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin protectionVSAvoidskin breakdown and pressure ulcers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple functional segments: a heel receiver portion for positioning the heel, a leg engaging section for securing the leg, and a foot engaging section for securing the foot. Each segment addresses specific positioning needs to prevent skin breakdown while maintaining overall device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device pre-positiones the heel within a dedicated heel receiver before the patient moves or rolls, preventing improper positioning from occurring in the first place. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the harmful effect of skin breakdown by ensuring correct alignment is established beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If protection devices are worn, then limb protection is provided, but rotational movement and dislodgment of the heel occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelimb protectionVSAvoidheel positioning stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The heel receiver portion is designed with an asymmetric structure that fits the natural anatomy of the heel, creating a secure fit that prevents rotational movement. The asymmetric design ensures the heel is stabilized in the correct position while maintaining comfort and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The heel receiver portion is nested within the leg engaging section, which itself is nested within the overall protection device structure. This nested arrangement ensures that the heel positioning function is integrated at multiple levels, providing stable positioning while allowing the device to conform to the patient's limb.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If external stabilization devices are added, then rotational stability is improved, but device complexity and the need for multiple components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heel receiver portion with its asymmetric structure is merged directly into the leg engaging section of the protection device. This integration combines the stabilization function with the existing device structure, eliminating the need for separate external stabilization devices while maintaining rotational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heel receiver portion serves multiple functions: it positions the heel correctly, prevents rotational movement, and integrates with the leg and foot engaging sections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated stabilization components, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device effectively prevents skin breakdown and maintains proper positioning during rehabilitation, enhancing patient comfort and reducing rehabilitation time by stabilizing the leg and heel.

Implementation Method 1

The leg engaging section includes a compressible cushion layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

At least one bolster tube is disposed within the leg engaging section. The bolster tube can be used to keep the device supported without the need of external stabilization devices such as pillows or stabilization wedges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12616595B2Heel protector and corresponding rehabilitation systems and methods for using the same

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 MEDLINE INDUSTRIES

AI summary

A device (100) includes a leg engaging section (101) and a foot engaging section (102) intersecting at a heel receiver (103). The leg engaging section and the foot engaging section define a leg insertion aperture (104). A compressible cushion layer (402) is disposed at least in the leg engaging section. At least one bolster tube (401) is disposed interior the leg engaging section. The bolster tube (401) can be selectively removable through one or more apertures (1105,1106).