Pneumatic Digit Compression Device for Ring Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing rings from swollen digits, such as the ring cutter method and the string method, are either time-consuming, require significant skill, or risk damaging the digit.

Innovation Solution

A compression device with a rigid outer body and an inflatable bladder is used to apply pressure to the digit, reducing swelling and allowing the ring to be removed by sliding it past the distal end of the digit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the ring cutter method is used to remove a ring from a swollen digit, then the ring can be removed, but the digit may be damaged and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvering removal speedVSAvoiddigit damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an inflatable bladder within a compression device that uses pneumatic pressure to compress the swollen digit. The bladder is inflated through a fluid inlet connected to a pressure source, applying controlled hydraulic/pneumatic force to reduce digit swelling and enable ring removal without cutting or mechanical damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state of the digit by applying controlled pressure to alter its volume and dimensions. By adjusting the inflation pressure of the bladder, the digit's swelling is reduced, changing its physical parameters (volume, diameter) to facilitate ring removal without damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the string method is used to compress a swollen digit, then the ring can be removed, but the process requires significant skill and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcompression time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The compression device is designed to be self-regulating through a pressure-regulating valve that automatically maintains optimal compression pressure. The system includes a pressure gauge and flow control mechanism that enable the device to self-adjust, reducing the need for operator skill while maintaining effective compression for rapid ring removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical string-wrapping method is replaced with a pneumatic/hydraulic inflation system. The bladder inflates automatically through a fluid inlet and pressure source, substituting complex manual mechanical manipulation with a simpler inflation process that requires less skill and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual compression is applied to a swollen digit, then swelling can be reduced, but uniform pressure application is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure uniformityVSAvoidcompression device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a flexible bladder as the compression element that can conform to the digit's shape. The bladder's flexible membrane distributes pressure uniformly across the digit's surface, ensuring even compression without requiring complex mechanical structures to achieve pressure distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid outer body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the compression chamber geometry, and distributes pressure uniformly through its rigid walls. This multi-functional design achieves pressure uniformity without adding separate complex pressure-distribution mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for quick and uniform compression of the digit, reducing the time required for ring removal and minimizing the risk of damage to the digit, even for individuals without medical training.

Implementation Method 1

the inflation chamber may be inflated to apply and maintain pressure to the exterior of the digit, promoting compression of the digit by forcing endemic fluid from the digit into the hand/foot and surrounding tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250032125A1Devices and methods for compressing a digit to facilitate removal of a ring

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 RING RESCUE INCORPORATED

AI summary

A compression device for freeing a ring trapped on a digit includes a rigid outer body. The rigid outer body includes a digit cavity extending from a cavity opening at a body proximal end of the body towards a body distal end of the body, a fluid inlet, and a fluid flow path fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to one or more inflation chambers positioned in the digit cavity. The body proximal end includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and two laterally spaced-apart side portions. At least one side portion is distally recessed as compared to the upper and lower portions to accommodate an interdigital fold. At least one flexible bladder lines the digit cavity, each flexible bladder defining at least one wall of one of the one or more inflation chambers.