Hip Traction Device Self-Service Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hip traction methods are cumbersome, require multiple individuals for setup and operation, and are not feasible for daily use outside a clinical setting, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A hip traction device with a base, guide, carrier, and tensioner system that allows for self-administered traction using a pneumatic or electric tensioner, enabling adjustable force and duty cycles, and a body coupling mechanism for secure leg attachment, allowing users to apply traction without assistance in various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional traction arrangement is used, then traction force can be applied to hip joint, but setup requires multiple individuals and takes much more time than actual treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit with tensioner mechanism, a carrier that moves along the guide, and a body coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently operated and adjusted, reducing the need for multiple individuals during setup while maintaining proper traction force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-administered traction through its design features: the tensioner can be operated by the patient themselves, the carrier moves automatically along the guide when tension is applied, and the body coupling mechanism securely attaches to the leg without requiring assistance from another individual.
2Extent of automation
If traditional traction arrangement is used, then traction can be applied, but requires regular attachment and removal of weights by another individual
Solution Approach 1:
The patient can independently operate the tensioner to apply and remove traction force without requiring another individual's assistance. The automatic movement of the carrier along the guide eliminates the need for manual weight attachment and removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous traction application through automated mechanisms. The carrier can be moved continuously along the guide as tension is applied, and the system can operate for extended periods without requiring interruption for manual adjustment or weight changes.
3Reliability
If manual traction application by medical provider is used, then effective traction can be applied, but requires patient to be in clinical setting and another individual to apply traction
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be operated by the patient themselves in various settings such as home, office, or any location with electrical power. The tensioner can be manually or electrically operated, eliminating the need for a medical provider to be physically present while maintaining effective traction application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device can be used across multiple settings (clinical and non-clinical) and can be operated by different users (patient alone or with minimal assistance). The system adapts to different usage scenarios through its portable design and independent operation capability.
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
Enables efficient and self-administered hip traction with adjustable force and duty cycles, reducing the need for multiple individuals and facilitating use outside clinical settings, thereby improving accessibility and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the tensioner includes a pneumatic cylinder. In a specific aspect, the tensioner further includes a pump to pressurize the pneumatic cylinder
Data Source
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AI summary
A hip traction device and associated methods is disclosed. Such a device may include a base having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide coupled to the base, a carrier configured to move along the guide, a tensioner coupled to the base and configured to provide a force to the carrier to move the carrier toward the distal end of the base, causing a leg to be put in tension, and a single body coupling mechanism being removably attached to the carrier and being configured to securely attach to a lower portion of a leg when the body coupling mechanism is detached from the carrier.