Adaptable Partial Circumferential Tourniquet With Segmented Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tourniquet devices struggle to apply a focused compression force effectively on major arterial vessels, such as the abdominal descending aorta, to achieve arterial occlusion, especially in field conditions where precise placement and skill are required.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic tourniquet with a pair of segmented arms and a centrally disposed baseplate, featuring a V-shaped bladder that applies focused pressure and elongated side bladder portions for precise control and automated adjustment, allowing for use on various body parts without extensive training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a broad application of constricting force is applied around a limb, then the tourniquet can be easily applied to various body parts, but the focused compression force required to occlude major arterial vessels cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The tourniquet is divided into multiple independent inflatable chambers (bladders) that can be selectively inflated. Each chamber can be controlled separately to apply pressure at specific locations, allowing the device to adapt to different body parts while maintaining the ability to deliver focused compression force where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tourniquet have different properties - some chambers are designed to be rigid for focused compression on major arteries, while others are more compliant for general limb application. The baseplate provides a rigid anchor point that concentrates force, while the inflatable chambers can be configured to provide either focused or distributed pressure based on the specific application requirement.
2Reliability
If precise placement and skill are required to achieve arterial occlusion, then effective compression can be applied, but the device becomes difficult to use in field conditions without extensive training
Solution Approach 1:
The tourniquet incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms and pre-configured chambers that automatically position and inflate to the correct pressure levels. The device performs its own alignment and pressure regulation, eliminating the need for extensive training or precise manual placement while maintaining reliable arterial occlusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The tourniquet uses adjustable inflatable chambers that can be controlled to provide different pressure levels and configurations. This allows the device to adapt to different patients and injury scenarios automatically, providing reliable occlusion without requiring the user to manually adjust parameters or receive extensive training.
3Force
If a rigid structure is used to provide focused compression force, then arterial occlusion can be achieved, but the device becomes difficult to adapt to different body parts and injury locations
Solution Approach 1:
The tourniquet is divided into multiple independent inflatable chambers that can be selectively inflated. Each chamber can be controlled separately to apply pressure at specific locations, allowing the device to adapt to different body parts while maintaining the ability to deliver focused compression force where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tourniquet transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with inflatable chambers that can change shape and volume. This allows the device to maintain focused compression force while adapting its configuration to match different body contours and injury locations.
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 tourniquet achieves effective arterial occlusion with minimal training, allowing for rapid application in field conditions, and enables remote operation or robotic control, making it suitable for both medical and non-medical personnel.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic tourniquet with a pair of segmented arms and a centrally disposed baseplate, featuring a V-shaped bladder that applies focused pressure
Implementation Method 2
uses cables that extend over and control the plate segments so that a ratcheting in the baseplate can control the size and shape
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptable partial circumferential tourniquet is disclosed that allows for broad application to hemorrhage sites on a human patient. The tourniquet includes a baseplate having an adaptable size with a pair of depending arms that extend lateral from each side of the baseplate. A cable and ratchet arrangement allow for the extension of the depending arms to form a semi-circumferential enclosure around a tourniquet site with the ability to cinch or constrict around the tourniquet site. A V-shaped bladder with integrated side portions expands once the tourniquet is arranged on a patient to apply pressure to tissue resulting in vasculature occlusion. Due to the unfolding segmented nature of the depending arms, the tourniquet has broad application to different body tissue sites. The based plate also includes ports, slots, and openings to allow for other medical procedures to proceed even after tightened positioning and inflation of the tourniquet.