Rib Clamp Stabilizer for Flail Chest Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Flail chest injuries, common in battlefield and high-speed crashes, require effective support for respiration and healing, as traditional weight systems and mechanical ventilation may not be feasible in all settings.

Innovation Solution

A system of rib clamps and a connector bar that re-approximate the position of broken ribs, using screw-adjustable clamps with O-ring connections to a flexible connector bar, allowing for natural rib motion and distribution of forces across the chest, facilitating healing and reducing pain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a weight system with pulleys is used to re-approximate rib positions, then sufficient rigidity to support respiration is achieved, but the system becomes unworkable in field settings and during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechest cavity support for respirationVSAvoidapplicability in field settings and transportation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential function of rib stabilization from the complex weight-and-pulley system, creating a simplified device that can be applied directly to the patient's chest without requiring external weight systems or hospital infrastructure. The rib clamps and connector bar provide the necessary stabilization portably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector bar acts as an intermediary element that links multiple rib clamps together, distributing forces across the chest wall and providing structural support without requiring external weights or complex mechanical systems. This intermediary structure enables portability while maintaining respiratory support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fixation is applied to broken ribs to support respiration, then chest cavity stability is improved, but natural rib motion and healing are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechest cavity stabilityVSAvoidnatural rib motion and healing

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rib clamp design incorporates dynamic elements that allow controlled movement. The clamps can be adjusted along the rib and permit limited natural motion while maintaining overall stability, enabling both respiratory support and healing processes to occur simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation system allows for parameter adjustments in terms of clamp positioning and tension. This enables the system to adapt to natural rib motion requirements while maintaining sufficient stability for respiration, and can be modified as healing progresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple rib clamps are deployed to stabilize flail sections, then chest wall integrity is restored, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechest wall integrityVSAvoidnumber of clamps and connection points

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple rib clamps into a unified system connected by a single connector bar. This integration reduces the overall complexity compared to separate fixation devices, as the connector bar provides a common structural element that links all clamps together into one cohesive assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector bar serves multiple functions: it connects rib clamps, distributes mechanical forces across the chest wall, provides structural support, and enables the system to stabilize multiple rib sections simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

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 system provides sufficient chest cavity support for respiration and promotes healing by re-approximating rib positions, accommodating natural motion and minimizing additional trauma, making it suitable for both field and hospital settings.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling of the ribs to the connector bar is sufficiently compliant that the ribs naturally fall into a close approximation of their former position that accommodates rib cage motion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity