Junctional Tourniquet Binder with Spring Buckle and Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices fail to effectively control hemorrhage in non-tourniquettable and non-compressible hemorrhages, particularly in junctional or torso areas, where direct pressure is not possible, and pelvic fractures require immediate stabilization to prevent internal bleeding.
Innovation Solution
A combination device featuring a belt-like binder with adjustable circumferential compression and point pressure devices, including a spring-controlled buckle mechanism and inflatable bladders, to provide controlled tension and pressure for stabilizing a fractured pelvis and occluding blood vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct pressure is applied to control hemorrhage, then compressible hemorrhage can be stopped, but non-compressible and non-tourniquettable hemorrhage (especially in junctional or torso areas) cannot be effectively controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the compression function into two independent components: a binder for circumferential compression and separate point pressure devices for focal arterial occlusion. This segmentation allows each component to address specific hemorrhage types independently, enabling the system to handle both compressible and non-compressible hemorrhage scenarios that single-device approaches cannot address
Solution Approach 2:
The binder is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides circumferential compression for pelvic fracture stabilization, creates a platform for attaching point pressure devices at various locations, and can be adjusted to different tension levels. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address diverse hemorrhage scenarios including junctional, truncal, and extremity bleeding, greatly expanding adaptability across body locations
2Reliability
If a tourniquet is used to occlude vasculature proximal to the injury site, then non-compressible hemorrhage can be controlled, but tourniquets cannot be used when the wound is not on an extremity or is too close to the torso
Solution Approach 1:
The binder acts as an intermediary structure that enables vascular occlusion in junctional and torso areas where traditional tourniquets cannot be applied. By providing a circumferential compression platform with attached point pressure devices, the binder mediates between the need for proximal vascular occlusion and the anatomical constraints of non-extremity locations, achieving hemostasis without requiring a conventional tourniquet configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from the linear occlusion approach of traditional tourniquets (single point application) to a two-dimensional circumferential compression system. The binder wraps around body segments (pelvis, torso, or extremities) providing area-based compression, while attached point pressure devices add focal occlusion capability. This dimensional change enables effective hemorrhage control in junctional and torso regions where linear tourniquet application is anatomically impossible
3Reliability
If pelvic fracture stabilization is prioritized with high circumferential compression, then internal bleeding is reduced, but excessive force may prevent proper fracture reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The binder incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable fasteners and adjustable tensioning mechanisms, allowing the compression force to be precisely controlled and modified during application. This dynamic system enables operators to apply sufficient circumferential compression to control internal bleeding while maintaining the flexibility to adjust the force level to achieve proper fracture reduction, avoiding the fixed-force limitation of rigid stabilization devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables independent control of compression parameters by separating circumferential compression (via binder tension) from focal pressure (via point pressure device inflation). Operators can adjust the binder tension to provide controlled compression for hemorrhage management while using separately inflatable bladders to apply precise focal pressure for fracture reduction. This parameter independence allows simultaneous optimization of both bleeding control and fracture alignment without the trade-off inherent in fixed-compression systems
4Reliability
If point pressure devices are added to provide arterial occlusion, then junctional hemorrhage control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the binder structure with integrated point pressure devices into a single unified system. The bladders are positioned within or attached to the binder, sharing the same structural platform and fastening system. This merging reduces the number of separate components that would need to be independently applied and secured, simplifying the overall device configuration while maintaining the dual functionality of circumferential compression and focal arterial occlusion
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 reduces pelvic fractures, controls junctional hemorrhage, and occludes blood vessels, ensuring consistent tissue compression and hemostasis, even in challenging anatomical locations.
Implementation Method 1
The device is secured using a spring controlled buckle mechanism, which guides the user to a controlled baseline circumferential force.
Implementation Method 2
combined with one, two or more point pressure devices which when activated may either occlude vessels or compress a wound
Data Source
AI summary
A junctional and truncal tourniquet and a hip-girdling pelvic sling device for maintaining a desired amount of tension surrounding a person's hips and pelvis to securely support and stabilize a pelvis that has been fractured and for securing a pressure applying device to a person so that blood vessel-occluding pressure can be applied. Areas of mating types of fastener material such as mating hook-bearing fastener material and loop pile fastener material are arranged on the device to enable a strap to be secured at various effective lengths to provide a wide range of adjustability. The device may include inflatable bladders, stays, and a chin support and may be wrapped around a patient's neck as a cervical support collar, or around the torso to occlude blood vessels proximal to an injury on a limb.