Thoracic Support Vest With Side Fastening to Reduce Wound Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-operative chest support systems are uncomfortable, inflexible, and pose an infection risk due to front-fastening mechanisms, leading to non-compliance and hygiene issues, particularly for female patients.
Innovation Solution
A post-surgical thoracic support vest with a resilient central portion, touch-based fastening, and adjustable straps, allowing single-handed adjustment and off-center pocket design to minimize contact with the wound site, made from breathable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If front-fastening mechanisms are used to secure the chest support system, then the device can be easily fastened and unfastened, but the risk of infection at the wound site increases due to hand contact with the wound area
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is extracted from the front closure position and relocated to the side/back of the device. The chest support system features side-fastening mechanisms that secure the device around the patient's torso without requiring hand contact with the sternal wound area, thereby eliminating the infection risk associated with front-fastening while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A healthcare professional acts as an intermediary to initially secure the device, and the device incorporates a drawstring or adjustment mechanism that allows the patient to adjust the fit without direct hand contact with the wound site. This intermediary approach maintains ease of adjustment while preventing contamination of the wound area.
2Strength
If rigid materials are used to provide structural support for the chest cavity, then the support effectiveness is improved, but the comfort and flexibility of the device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chest support system employs composite construction combining rigid supportive elements with flexible soft materials. The device incorporates a rigid central support structure for sternal protection combined with flexible outer layers and adjustable straps that can be customized to fit the patient's body, providing both structural support and comfort while allowing for flexibility in positioning and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable system. The chest support incorporates movable adjustment mechanisms, flexible straps, and adaptable support elements that can be modified to accommodate patient movement, body shape changes, and varying support needs, thereby maintaining structural support effectiveness while significantly improving comfort and flexibility.
3Device complexity
If the device is designed with fixed size and shape, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different body types and patient needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chest support system is divided into modular segments with adjustable components. The device features separable straps, adjustable support elements, and modular fastening mechanisms that can be independently configured to fit different body types and patient needs, thereby achieving high adaptability while keeping manufacturing complexity manageable through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters including variable strap lengths, modifiable support pressure, and adjustable positioning mechanisms. These parameters can be modified to accommodate different body types, patient preferences, and clinical requirements, providing high adaptability without requiring entirely different devices for each patient, thus balancing manufacturing complexity with versatility.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If elastic or long stretch bandages are used to sustain applied pressure for extended periods, then the support duration is improved, but the comfort and safety deteriorates due to unpleasant feelings and risk of over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The chest support system incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms including elastic recovery properties and adjustable drawstrings that allow the patient to modify the fit as needed. The device maintains support pressure for extended periods while the patient can independently adjust the tightness to ensure comfort and prevent over-tightening, eliminating the need for constant professional monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms through adjustable pressure distribution and patient-reporting options. The support system can be adjusted based on patient feedback regarding comfort and pressure levels, allowing for continuous optimization of support duration while maintaining safety and comfort. The adjustable nature of the device enables real-time feedback-driven adjustments to prevent over-tightening.
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 vest provides consistent support, enhances patient comfort, reduces infection risk, and encourages compliance by enabling easy, hygienic use and adjustment, suitable for various body types.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient central elongate portion configured to be wrapped around the thorax of a patient
Implementation Method 2
The attachment surface and the co-operating attachment surface together may comprise a touch based fastening arrangement
Implementation Method 3
The attachment surface and the co-operating attachment surface together may comprise a touch based fastening arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A post-surgical thoracic support vest comprising: a resilient central elongate portion configured to be wrapped around the thorax of a patient; a first peripheral portion disposed at a first end of the central elongate portion, the first peripheral portion comprising: (i) a pocket disposed on an outer surface of the first peripheral portion, the pocket arranged so as to allow the patient to insert at least a part of a hand into the pocket; and (ii) an attachment surface disposed on an inner surface of the first peripheral portion; and a second peripheral portion disposed at a second end of the central elongate portion, wherein the second peripheral portion comprises a co-operating attachment surface on an outer surface of the second peripheral portion and is configured to be releasably secured to the first peripheral portion via the attachment surfaces.