Limb Off-Weighting System With Adjustable Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current limb off-weighting devices are inadequate for providing rapid and effective weight redistribution for injured lower extremities, as they often require extensive application time, fail to redirect weight adequately, and can cause discomfort, especially for soldiers, medical patients, and athletes with acute or chronic injuries.
Innovation Solution
A limb off-weighting system comprising a sleeve that wraps around the leg, coupled with extendable support struts and a foot assembly, which redirects weight from the foot to the struts and then to the ground, allowing for adjustable fit and high off-weighting capability, including a conformable sleeve with air bladders and perforations for comfort and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional splint devices are used, then limited stability is provided, but off-weighting capability and portability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a sleeve for circumferential support, extendable struts for weight bearing, and a foot assembly for stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in providing stability while collectively enabling off-weighting capability through their coordinated arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The struts are designed to be extendable and adjustable, allowing the device to adapt dynamically to different weight loads and leg configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to provide both stability and customizable off-weighting functionality.
2Reliability
If current off-weighting devices are applied, then weight redirection is attempted, but extensive application time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-adjustment mechanism allows the struts to be rapidly extended and locked into position without complex assembly steps. This dynamic adjustment capability reduces application time while maintaining reliable weight redirection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-adjusting features that allow minimal intervention during application. The struts can be quickly positioned and secured with simple mechanisms, enabling rapid deployment by minimal personnel while ensuring proper weight redistribution.
3Ease of operation
If current off-weighting devices are used, then partial weight offloading is achieved, but substantial weight redirection is not accomplished
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed to be applied first and positioned correctly before the struts are attached and extended. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the struts are activated, they immediately engage with the leg at the optimal location for maximum weight redirection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of the flexible sleeve material with rigid strut structures creates a composite system that is both easy to apply and highly effective at force redirection. The sleeve provides comfort and initial positioning, while the struts deliver the mechanical strength for substantial weight offloading.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional off-weighting devices are applied, then wound area off-weighting is achieved, but entire foot off-weighting is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to off-weight the entire foot and lower leg simultaneously, providing universal protection for all weight-bearing areas. This multi-functional capability covers both wound protection and comprehensive foot off-weighting through the circumferential sleeve and multi-point strut attachment.
5Strength
If traditional devices are used, then basic support is provided, but comfort and ventilation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve incorporates perforations that allow air circulation and moisture vapor transmission. These porous features provide ventilation and reduce sweat accumulation, significantly improving comfort while the sleeve maintains its structural support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies support and ventilation features locally where needed: the sleeve provides circumferential support with integrated ventilation holes in contact areas, while the struts provide focused mechanical support at specific attachment points. This localized quality optimization balances support strength with comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for limb off-weighting, including a sleeve operable to wrap at least partially around a leg, a support strut coupled to the sleeve to receive weight applied to the sleeve, and a foot assembly configured to support and protect the bottom of a foot, wherein the foot assembly is coupled to the support strut and operable to receive weight applied to the sleeve and transfer the weight to underlying surfaces, thus off-weighting and reducing pressure and shearing forces on the foot and ankle. According to some embodiments, foot assembly pivots around the support strut providing an assembled mode and a storage mode. According to other embodiments, sleeve is an open-ended conical shape. According to various other embodiments, the support strut may be tilted to accommodate legs and/or calves of varying sizes, and the foot assembly may adjust to feet of varying sizes.