Custom-Fit Joint Splint Kit Using Segmented Adhesive and Rigid Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard wound dressings and bandages are ineffective for joints as they cannot be customized to fit specific joint sizes and shapes, failing to adequately restrict joint flexion for wound healing or pain relief, and often re-open wounds over joints due to improper fit.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising adhesive fabric, semi-rigid splint material that can be pre-bent or shaped, and non-adhesive fabric, allowing users to assemble a customizable device to restrict joint movement and prevent wound re-opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard sized bandages are used, then the product is ready-to-use and simple to apply, but the bandage cannot be adapted to various joint sizes and shapes, making it useless for custom wound care needs
Solution Approach 1:
The bandage is divided into separate components: a flexible adhesive layer and a rigid support layer that can be independently positioned and sized. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while enabling customization to fit different joint geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The bandage incorporates a rigid support layer that can be positioned at different angles and orientations relative to the joint axis. This dynamic positioning capability allows the bandage to adapt to various joint shapes and provide effective mechanical support for different anatomical configurations.
2Reliability
If a bandage is designed to restrict joint flexion for wound healing, then wound re-opening is prevented, but the bandage must be custom-shaped which reduces ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The bandage separates the adhesive function from the structural support function into distinct layers. This allows the rigid support layer to be optimized for joint immobilization while the adhesive layer provides simple attachment, combining reliability with ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The bandage design can be adapted to work with different joint types (fingers, toes, elbows, knees) by adjusting the positioning of the rigid support layer, providing a universal solution that maintains effectiveness across multiple applications while keeping the assembly process simple.
3Reliability
If the bandage includes a rigid support layer for joint stabilization, then joint pain is alleviated and wound healing is promoted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bandage is segmented into exactly two functional layers: an adhesive layer for attachment and a rigid support layer for stabilization. This minimal segmentation provides the necessary joint stabilization functionality while keeping the device structure simple and the assembly process straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The bandage combines flexible adhesive material with rigid support material in a laminated structure. This composite construction achieves both joint stabilization and ease of application without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple separate components.
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 the creation of a custom-fit bandage that effectively restricts joint flexion, alleviating pain and preventing wound re-opening over joints by allowing users to select and assemble components for various sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a fabric material with adhesive on one side
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for assembling a device designed to prevent flexing of a joint to reduce joint pain or to prevent reopening of a wound over said joint. The kit allows a user to assemble a device of any desired size or shape.