Hernia Belt with Segmented Fasteners and Knit Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with hernias, particularly ostomates, face discomfort and difficulties in managing and securing ostomy bags due to parastomal hernias, which can lead to intestinal twisting or kinking, and existing abdominal support devices do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A hernia belt featuring a stretchable support belt with a two-part fastening system and a knit construction that includes mesh layouts for breathability and compressive support, along with a wider front torso portion for targeted positioning and a narrower portion for flexibility, to provide secure and comfortable abdominal support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a continuous fastener strip is used, then the fastening area is extended, but the stretchability of the support belt is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous fastener strip is segmented into multiple discrete fasteners spaced apart from each other. This segmentation allows the support belt material to stretch in the gaps between fasteners while maintaining a large overall fastening area through the distributed arrangement of multiple fasteners across the belt width.
Solution Approach 2:
The fasteners are arranged in a two-dimensional distributed pattern across the width of the support belt rather than as a single continuous strip. This spatial distribution across multiple positions simultaneously provides extended fastening coverage area while preserving stretchability in the regions between fasteners.
2Force
If compression force is increased to support hernia, then support effectiveness is improved, but comfort and breathability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support belt incorporates mesh panels with larger gaps between knit stitches in specific regions (such as the front torso portion) to provide breathability and reduce discomfort, while maintaining compression force through the overall elastic construction and targeted fastening system that distributes pressure effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The support belt combines different knit constructions including mesh panels with larger gaps and background areas with tighter stitches. This composite knit structure provides both compression force for hernia support and breathability zones to reduce discomfort and heat buildup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support belt is made stretchable to accommodate body movements, then comfort is improved, but the compressive support effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support belt is constructed with elastic stretchable material that dynamically adapts to body movements and changes in abdominal circumference. The elastomeric components provide reversible deformation that maintains compressive support during movement while allowing the belt to stretch and relax during rest periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The support belt utilizes materials with specific elastic properties that allow controlled changes in length and tension. The compression force is maintained through the elastic recovery of the stretchable material, which automatically adjusts the compressive parameter based on the degree of stretching and body movement.
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 hernia belt effectively prevents hernias, reduces discomfort, and facilitates easier management of ostomy bags by providing consistent compression and breathability, thereby minimizing the risk of intestinal complications.
Implementation Method 1
a support belt formed from a stretchable material
Implementation Method 2
mesh layouts configured to provide larger gaps between stitches than the background areas when stretched to provide breathable areas
Data Source
AI summary
A hernia belt (500) may include a digitally knitted support belt (502) and a two-part fastening system (504,505). The two-part fastening system may include a first part (504) and a second part (505), in which the second part includes a plurality of fastener strips (508, 510, 512, 514, 516) arranged spaced apart from each other. The digitally knitted support belt may include mesh stitch layouts (518, 520, 522) for providing breathability and support.