Tapered Silicone Umbilical Plug for Infant Hernia Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current umbilical orthosis devices for infants and toddlers are either bulky and uncomfortable or limited to adult use, failing to provide effective shaping and support for 'outie' belly buttons, which may indicate hernias and cause complications.
Innovation Solution
A silicone-based umbilical orthesis plug with a tapered cylindrical design and adhesive patch for secure attachment, tailored for infants and children, allowing for easy use and repeated application for umbilical shaping and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If baby hernia belts are used to close hernia or reshape belly button, then umbilical support and shaping is improved, but the device becomes bulky and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two distinct components: a tapered plug portion that provides umbilical support and shaping, and a separate flange with adhesive that provides secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the plug can be small and comfortable while the flange provides reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a thin, flexible adhesive flange instead of a bulky belt structure. The adhesive layer provides secure attachment while being thin and comfortable against the skin, eliminating the bulkiness of traditional hernia belts.
2Device complexity
If traditional umbilical plugs are designed for adults, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot be effectively used by infants and toddlers
Solution Approach 1:
The device dimensions are specifically optimized for infants and children - the plug portion has a tapered shape with dimensions suitable for small umbilici, and the flange is sized appropriately for pediatric skin surfaces. This parameter optimization maintains structural simplicity while ensuring adaptability to the target population.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug portion features an asymmetric tapered design that is simpler than traditional adult plugs, with a rounded distal end for comfort and a flattened proximal end for secure adhesion. This asymmetric simplification maintains effectiveness while improving ease of application for pediatric use.
3Reliability
If adhesive is applied directly to the flange, then attachment is secure, but the adhesive cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is pre-applied to the flange during manufacturing and protected by a removable liner. This preliminary preparation allows for secure attachment when needed while preserving the adhesive for potential reuse by protecting it from contamination and drying when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a disposable liner that protects the adhesive. When the liner is removed, the adhesive is exposed for use. If the adhesive becomes contaminated or loses effectiveness, the entire plug can be disposed of and replaced, making the system economically viable for repeated applications over time.
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 plug provides comfortable and effective umbilical shaping and support, remaining in place without discomfort, and can be reused with washable adhesive patches, addressing the need for a user-friendly and effective solution for both cosmetic and medical purposes.
Implementation Method 1
The plug may further comprise multiple peelable layers of adhesive adhered to the portion of the flange connected to the body of the plug
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an umbilical orthesis plug for an infant, child or toddler. The plug comprises a flange and a body, wherein the body is connected to the flange and wherein the body tapers in width from the flange to the end of the plug. Methods for using the plug and kits comprising the plug are also disclosed.