Inflatable Limb Splint With Independent Wrist-Hand-Forearm Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing splints lack customizable fitting for supporting the wrist, hand, and forearm, failing to allow for individualized adjustment of pressure distribution across these areas.
Innovation Solution
A splint device with a rigid shell assembly and inflatable bladders on both dorsal and volar sides, allowing independent inflation of each bladder to provide a customizable fit and pressure distribution tailored to the user's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single adjustable bladder is used on the dorsal or volar side of the patient's arm, then the splint can provide general support, but it does not allow for customization of pressure on individual areas (wrist, hand, forearm) of the patient's arm
Solution Approach 1:
The single bladder is divided into multiple independent bladders (first bladder on dorsal side, second bladder on volar side, and additional bladders for different anatomical regions). Each bladder can be independently inflated or deflated to provide customized pressure distribution to specific areas such as wrist, hand, and forearm, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the limb are equipped with different bladder configurations tailored to their specific anatomical needs. The wrist area, hand area, and forearm area each have dedicated bladders that can be adjusted independently, allowing local customization of pressure and support according to the specific injury or anatomical requirements of each region.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single bladder extends from the hand to the forearm, then the splint can provide continuous coverage, but it does not allow for independent pressure adjustment on the wrist while lowering pressure on the hand
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous bladder is segmented into multiple discrete bladders (wrist bladder, hand bladder, forearm bladder) that can be independently controlled. Each bladder has its own inflation/deflation mechanism, allowing the operator to adjust pressure on the wrist independently from the hand or forearm, thereby improving both adaptability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint system transitions from a static, uniform pressure application to a dynamic, region-specific pressure control system. The multiple independently controllable bladders enable real-time adjustment of pressure distribution according to the patient's specific needs and comfort, allowing dynamic adaptation during the immobilization process.
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 rapid on-site immobilization with reduced inflammation and pain by conforming to the user's anatomical contours, enhancing support and healing of injuries.
Implementation Method 1
One or both of the dorsal compressible assembly and the volar compressible assembly includes an inflatable forearm bladder adjacent the forearm portion, an inflatable wrist bladder adjacent the wrist portion, and an inflatable hand bladder adjacent the hand portion of the corresponding shell body. Each of the inflatable forearm bladder, the inflatable wrist bladder, and the inflatable hand bladder includes a valve to allow each of the inflatable bladders to be inflated independently of the other inflatable bladders.
Data Source
AI summary
A splint for use on a forearm, a wrist, and a hand of a user, including a rigid shell assembly with dorsal and a volar shell bodies, the dorsal and volar shell bodies each including a forearm portion, a wrist portion, and a hand portion. The dorsal and volar shell bodies are configured to releasably receive the forearm, wrist, and hand of the user therebetween. A dorsal compressible assembly and a volar compressible assembly extend along the inner surfaces of the dorsal and volar shell bodies, respectively. The volar compressible assembly includes an inflatable forearm bladder, an inflatable wrist bladder, and an inflatable hand bladder, each of which includes a valve to allow each of the inflatable bladders to be inflated independently of the other inflatable bladders.