Peri-pelvic Post-operative Support Assembly for Transverse Incision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current post-Cesarean section support binders inadequately address transverse incision site needs, leading to wound complications due to inadequate support and potential for fluid and gas accumulation, while also impeding mobility and providing inconsistent support.
Innovation Solution
A peri-pelvic post-operative support assembly with adjustable arms and a pelvic support layer that encircles the abdomen, providing targeted support to the transverse incision site, allowing for greater mobility and wound visualization, and featuring a detachable design for easy use and wound care access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional abdominal binders are used to support the abdomen post-Cesarean, then abdominal discomfort is addressed, but the transverse incision site receives inadequate support and experiences increased pressure from downward fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The support garment is segmented into distinct functional zones: an abdominal support portion and a pelvic support portion with a peri-pelvic cradle. This segmentation allows each zone to address specific needs - the abdominal portion provides general comfort while the pelvic cradle specifically supports the transverse incision site, preventing fluid accumulation and reducing pressure on the wound.
Solution Approach 2:
The pelvic support portion features a peri-pelvic cradle with localized compression zones designed to apply pressure specifically to the transverse incision area. This local quality approach ensures that support is concentrated where most needed (at the incision site) rather than distributed uniformly, addressing the specific problem of incision pressure while maintaining abdominal comfort.
2Reliability
If binders are pulled down to address the incision area, then incision support is improved, but hip joint mobility is impeded and sitting and walking become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pelvic support portion is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to different body positions and movements. The elastic materials and flexible construction enable the garment to move with the patient during sitting, walking, and hip joint motion, maintaining incision support without restricting mobility. The design accommodates the natural range of motion required for post-operative recovery activities.
3Ease of operation
If compression is applied superior to the incision to support the abdomen, then abdominal support is provided, but gas and fluids flow inferiorly into the incision area
Solution Approach 1:
The peri-pelvic cradle is positioned to apply preliminary counter-pressure at the pelvic level, preventing the downward flow of fluids and gases toward the incision site. By establishing this opposing force at the pelvic region, the design preemptively blocks the harmful flow path before fluids can accumulate at the wound, addressing the root cause of incision-related complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the natural downward flow of gravitational force into a beneficial pressure distribution pattern. By strategically positioning the pelvic cradle, the garment utilizes gravitational pull to maintain pressure differential that directs fluids away from the incision site toward areas where accumulation is less harmful, transforming a potentially harmful mechanism into a therapeutic effect.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If wound visualization is prioritized for routine care, then wound examination is facilitated, but consistent support during movement and positioning becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The pelvic support portion can be temporarily removed or adjusted to allow direct access and visualization of the transverse incision site for wound care activities. This extraction capability enables clinical staff to examine, clean, and treat the wound without the obstruction of the support garment, while the garment can be quickly repositioned to resume support function.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly (100) for supporting a transverse incision site (420) of a user (101) includes an assembly body (106) and a first assembly arm (102). The assembly body (106) is configured to encircle an abdomen (107) of the user (101). The assembly body (106) includes a pelvic support layer (214) that is configured to provide a transverse supportive force to the transverse incision site (420) of the user (101). The first assembly arm (102) is coupled to the pelvic support layer (214). The first assembly arm (102) is configured to adjust the transverse supportive force relative to the user (101). The first assembly arm (102) has a first arm end (403) that is detachably fastenable to the assembly body (106). The first arm end (403) includes a first arm fastener (304) that detachably fastens the first assembly arm (102).