Self-Adhesive Elastic Tourniquet Wrap for Low-Pressure Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mechanically actuated tourniquets are difficult to apply and often ineffective due to improper application and long application times, failing to provide consistent vessel occlusion.
Innovation Solution
A tourniquet comprising an elastic layer, an adhesive layer, and a release layer, designed to stretch and adhere to itself around a limb, providing occlusive pressure without mechanical actuation, with an elongation of over 100% when 10-25N per inch of width is applied, and capable of maintaining pressure without a locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanically actuated tourniquets are used, then vessel occlusion can be achieved, but the device becomes difficult to apply and requires long application time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical actuation system (windlass, buckle, or clamp) with an adhesive-based system. The tourniquet wrap adheres to itself through adhesive layers when wrapped around the limb, eliminating the need for mechanical fastening components. This substitution maintains vessel occlusion effectiveness while dramatically simplifying the application process, as users only need to wrap the adhesive-coated elastic material around the limb without requiring complex mechanical assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tourniquet wrap applies itself to the limb through self-adhesion. The adhesive layer on the wrap causes it to stick to itself as it is wrapped around the limb, creating a self-securing mechanism that requires no additional fastening steps. This self-service特性 allows the tourniquet to be applied quickly and easily by any user without requiring mechanical manipulation or complex positioning.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanically actuated tourniquets are used, then vessel occlusion can be achieved, but improper application and long application time render them ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical actuation system with an adhesive-based system, the patent eliminates the need for precise mechanical assembly and tensioning adjustments. The adhesive naturally secures the wrap as it is applied, providing consistent vessel occlusion regardless of the user's skill level or application speed, thereby reducing application time while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If high compressive force is applied to stop bleeding, then vessel occlusion is achieved, but the risk of limb injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure application parameter by using the elastic recovery force of the stretched wrap rather than direct mechanical compression. When the elastic wrap is stretched and then allowed to recover, it applies sustained pressure to the limb. This elastic-based pressure application achieves effective vessel occlusion at lower peak pressures compared to traditional mechanical tourniquets, thereby reducing the risk of tissue damage, nerve injury, and other harmful effects while maintaining bleeding control effectiveness.
4Device complexity
If traditional tourniquets without elastic recovery are used, then mechanical locking is required, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure maintenance mechanism from mechanical locking to elastic recovery. The elastic material, when stretched during application, stores elastic energy that continuously pushes the wrap against the limb. This elastic recovery force automatically maintains pressure over time without requiring any locking mechanism, buckles, or additional fastening components, thereby simplifying the device while ensuring sustained pressure for the duration needed.
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 tourniquet achieves effective vessel occlusion at lower pressures, reducing the risk of limb injury and maintaining pressure without the need for mechanical adjustment, while being smaller and lighter than traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic layer; wherein the tourniquet has an elongation of over 100% when 10-25N per inch of width of tension is applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a first side of the elastic layer
Implementation Method 3
an extensible material imparting recovery of at least 90% when stretched to at least 100% of its length
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a tourniquet are provided. The tourniquet comprises an elastic layer, an adhesive layer on a first side of the elastic layer and a release layer on a second, opposite side of the elastic layer. The tourniquet can have an elongation of over 100% when 10-25 N per inch of width of tension is applied thereto. The tourniquet can be configured to be applied using a typical amount of tension for applying a bandage (e.g., about 10-20 lbs.) and can provide occlusive pressure to a vessel of a limb.