Residual Limb Support with Flexible Wrap and Rigid Side Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current post-operative support devices for below-knee amputations have limitations in accommodating changes in the volume and shape of the residual limb due to swelling, atrophy, and dressing changes, and may cause damage with their rigid structures.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and stretchable post-operative support apparatus comprising a wrap panel with hook & loop fasteners, rigid side support panels, a distal cushion, and a suspensory strap, all made from materials like neoprene and cloth, allowing for adjustable fit and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard plastic shell or socket is used to provide structural support, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the adaptability to changes in limb volume and shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the support structure into multiple components: a flexible wrap panel that conforms to the limb, rigid side support panels for structural stability, and a distal cushion for protection. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function while collectively providing both strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap panel is made from flexible and stretchable materials that can accommodate changes in the residual limb's volume and shape. This flexible wrapping structure replaces the traditional rigid hard plastic shell, allowing the device to adapt to limb changes while maintaining support through the combination with rigid side panels.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a hard plastic shell is used to maintain structural integrity, then the stability is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to potential damage to sensitive soft tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap panel uses flexible and stretchable materials that conform to the contours of the residual limb, eliminating the risk of tissue damage associated with rigid hard plastic shells. The flexible material adapts to the limb's shape while providing necessary support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines flexible wrap panel material with rigid side support panels to create a composite structure. This composite design provides structural integrity through the rigid panels while the flexible wrap panel ensures tissue safety by conforming to the limb without causing damage.
3Strength
If a rigid structure is used to provide support, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to accommodate limb changes
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap panel is designed to be dynamic, stretching and flexing to accommodate changes in the residual limb's volume and shape as the limb heals. This dynamic flexibility allows the device to maintain proper fit and support throughout the rehabilitation process without requiring frequent adjustments or replacements.
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 apparatus effectively accommodates changes in the residual limb's volume and shape, reducing the risk of trauma and promoting healing by providing a secure, adjustable, and comfortable fit.
Implementation Method 1
the wrap panel includes one or more fasteners (such as hook & loop fastener components) for maintaining the wrap panel in place around the patient's residual limb
Implementation Method 2
a planar, stretchable and flexible wrap panel
Data Source
AI summary
A post-operative support apparatus for a patient's residual limb includes: a planar, stretchable and flexible wrap panel sized to wrap around an outer circumference of a patient's residual limb, along a length of the patient's residual limb, where the wrap panel includes one or more fasteners (such as hook & loop fastener components) for maintaining the wrap panel in place around the patient's residual limb; a pair of substantially rigid, elongated side support panels to respectively apply to the medial and lateral sides of the patient's residual limb, over the wrap panel; a distal cushion to apply against a distal end of the patient's residual limb; and a retainer maintaining the distal cushion against the patient's residual limb.