Torso Simulant Vascular Response to Tourniquet Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current torso simulant training devices fail to realistically simulate the mechanical response of skeletal and vascular elements to tourniquet compression, leading to ineffective blood flow control and compromised training value.

Innovation Solution

A torso simulant with a mandrel, compressible tubes, plates, and a patch structure that allows direct casting of a compressible layer onto rigid elements without impairing compression, simulating the appearance and functionality of a human torso, including blood flow paths and pressure-responsive areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compressible materials surround a vascular simulant in conventional mannequins, then the materials can be compressed by a tourniquet, but the vascular simulant fails to close and blood flow is not stopped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidvascular element compression response

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The torso simulant is divided into distinct functional layers: an outer compressible layer simulating soft tissue, and an inner rigid layer containing the vascular simulant. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the outer layer compresses under tourniquet force while the inner rigid layer ensures the vascular simulant closes properly to stop blood flow simulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The torso simulant uses composite construction with materials of different mechanical properties - a compressible outer layer material that deforms under pressure, and a rigid inner layer material that maintains structural integrity and forces vascular closure. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials that individually have opposite compression characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If a tourniquet applies compressive force to a torso simulant, then external pressure is simulated, but the vascular elements do not mechanically respond by closing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressive force transmissionVSAvoidvascular closure response

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid inner layer acts as an intermediary between the compressible outer layer and the vascular simulant. When the outer layer compresses under tourniquet force, the rigid inner layer transmits and concentrates this force onto the vascular simulant, ensuring it closes properly. This intermediary structure resolves the force transmission issue by providing a mechanical bridge that converts distributed compression into focused vascular closure force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional mannequins use soft materials throughout, then the torso feels realistic to touch, but the mechanical response to tourniquet compression is inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniform material constructionVSAvoidmechanical response accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the torso simulant have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The outer layer uses soft, compressible material to simulate skin and muscle texture, while the inner layer uses rigid material to ensure proper vascular closure. This local differentiation of material quality allows the simulant to be both tactilely realistic and mechanically accurate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides a realistic simulation of tourniquet application, allowing for effective training in stemming blood loss by ensuring proper compression and closure of vascular elements, enhancing the training value by accurately mimicking human torso mechanics.

Implementation Method 1

a compressible layer (7) covers the mandrel (8), the compressible tube (15, 16) and the patch (20, 22). The compressible layer (7) simulates skin.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The plate (19, 21) is movable toward the mandrel (8) enabling compression of the compressible tube (15, 16) when a force is communicated onto the plate (19, 21).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10115322B2Torso simulant with vascular elements mechanically responsive to a tourniquet

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 TECHLINE TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A torso simulant for use as a training device for stemming blood flow is presented. The simulant includes a mandrel, a compressible tube(s), a plate, a patch, a compressible layer, and a structure(s). The mandrel includes an exterior surface simulating at least a portion of a trunk. The compressible tube simulates a vascular element. The plate partially covers the mandrel and the compressible tube so that the compressible tube is disposed between the mandrel and the plate. The plate is movable toward the mandrel enabling compression of the compressible tube when a force is applied onto the plate. The patch completely covers the plate and partially covers the mandrel and the compressible tube. The patch is secured to the mandrel about a perimeter of the plate. The compressible tube extends from under the patch. The compressible layer covers the mandrel, the compressible tube and the patch. The compressible layer simulates skin. The structure is disposed along the compressible layer to simulate an injury. The compressible tube communicates a liquid to the structure.