Tourniquet Tension Indicator Web Section Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tourniquets face challenges in accurately detecting and maintaining a defined state of tension to effectively block venous blood flow without causing unnecessary stress to the patient, as existing tension indicators often require high tensile stress and have complex structures.
Innovation Solution
A tourniquet design featuring a tension indicator as a web section bridging an elastic section between fixing points with excess length, allowing for easy recognition and adjustment of tension, combined with a closure device that securely fixes the constriction strap in a loop, ensuring a defined state of tension is achieved for effective blood flow suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tension indicator with high tensile stress tearing mechanism is used, then the tensile stress required to detect tension is high, but this makes it difficult to detect defined low tension states and causes abrupt stress decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the tension indicator from a high-stress tearing mechanism to a low-stress elongation mechanism. The indicator is designed with excess length relative to the unstretched constriction strap, allowing it to become taut and visually indicate tension at low force levels appropriate for venous blood flow blockage rather than requiring high tensile stress that would cause tearing and abrupt stress decrease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tearing detection system with a visual elongation detection system. Instead of relying on fabric tearing at high stress levels, the tension indicator uses its excess length to become visually taut at low tension levels, providing continuous visual feedback without abrupt stress changes.
2Measurement precision
If existing tension indicators are used, then tension can be detected, but the structure becomes complicated and adjustment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tension indication function from a complex separate mechanism and integrates it into a simple web section with excess length. This minimalistic design eliminates complicated structures while maintaining clear tension detection capability through the visual tautness of the indicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The web section serves multiple functions: it provides structural support as part of the constriction strap, acts as the tension indicator through its excess length, and maintains the overall integrity of the device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex indication mechanisms.
3Reliability
If high tensile stress is applied to cause tearing at fastening points, then the tensile stress must be very high, but this makes it difficult to achieve dosed tension for blocking venous blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback through the tension indicator that becomes taut at the appropriate tension level for blocking venous blood flow. This allows the user to adjust the strap to achieve the correct dosed tension without applying excessive force that would cause tearing, providing continuous visual guidance during the tensioning process.
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
Enables the application of low tensile stress to stop blood flow, minimizing patient burden, with the tension indicator providing clear and adjustable tension feedback, and the closure device ensuring secure fixation without excessive force.
Implementation Method 1
a web section (101) bridging an elastic section (100) on the constriction strap (10) in the stretching direction between two fixing points with excess length
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a constricting device for body parts, particularly a tourniquet, comprising a constricting band (10) that can be placed around a body part, a closure device (30), by means of which the constricting band (10) can be locked while the constricting band is around the body part and under tension in order to form a loop, and a tension indicator (101) for determining a tension state of the constricting band (10). The use of the constricting device is promoted in that the tension indicator (101) is designed as a web segment that spans an elastic segment on the constricting band (10) in the stretching direction between two fixing points with an excess length with respect to the unstretched constricting band (10), in such a way that a defined tension state can be recognised by a user.