Pelvic Fracture Splint With Triangular Groin Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pelvic fracture splints fail to effectively immobilize the pelvic region due to poor fit, leading to potential exacerbation of injury or secondary trauma, and often cause unnecessary pressure on sensitive areas.
Innovation Solution
A pelvic fracture splint with a first portion and a second portion, featuring vertically positioned rigid supports and adjustable strips for secure fitting around the waist and groin, with a triangular opening in the second portion to avoid pressure on genitals, allowing for customizable immobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid splints are used to immobilize the pelvic region, then immobilization strength is improved, but fit to individual anatomy deteriorates and storage difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pelvic splint is divided into multiple rigid support elements (first support, second support, third support, fourth support) that are spaced apart rather than forming a single rigid structure. This segmentation allows the supports to adapt to individual anatomical variations while maintaining immobilization strength, as each support can be positioned independently to match the patient's pelvic geometry.
2Strength
If rigid splints are used to immobilize the pelvic region, then immobilization strength is improved, but ease of storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The splint incorporates flexible components including a flexible strap system with buckles and adjustable fasteners that allow the rigid structure to be collapsed and compacted for storage. The flexible elements enable the device to transition from a rigid immobilization configuration to a compact storage configuration, solving the contradiction between maintaining strength during use and ease of storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inflatable splints are used to immobilize the pelvic region, then conformability to individual anatomy is improved, but blood flow restriction occurs due to pressure on injured extremity
Solution Approach 1:
The splint design incorporates strategic openings and cutouts in the rigid support structure, particularly in areas corresponding to the groin and genital regions. These localized modifications allow the splint to conform to individual anatomy while creating pressure-relief zones that prevent blood flow restriction. The openings are positioned to accommodate sensitive areas while maintaining immobilization effectiveness in the pelvic region.
4Strength
If conventional pelvic splints are used, then immobilization is provided, but unnecessary pressure is applied to genitals causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The splint design extracts or removes material from the structure in the groin area to create openings and relief zones. Specifically, the third support and fourth support are positioned and configured to leave open spaces that accommodate the genital region without applying pressure. This extraction approach maintains the rigid structure's immobilization effectiveness while eliminating the harmful pressure on sensitive areas.
Data Source
AI summary
The pelvic fracture splint includes a first portion having a first end and an opposing second end and a second portion having an opening defined therein, the second portion extending downward from the first portion of the pelvic fracture splint substantially at the mid-section of the first portion. The pelvic fracture splint also includes a plurality of strips (preferably three strips) selectively fastening the opposing ends of the first portion and the second portion of the pelvic fracture splint to secure the pelvic fracture splint around the person's waist or hips and groin. The first portion includes a plurality of splints (rigid supports, preferably six in number) vertically positioned along the first portion at spaced apart positions. The opening in the second portion of the pelvic fracture splint may have a triangular shape to avoid placing any unnecessary pressure on the person's genitals.