Tourniquet Windlass Locking for One-Handed Small-Limb Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tourniquets face challenges in rapid and reliable application, particularly on smaller extremities, risk of disengagement, and difficulty in being noticed by emergency personnel, with many not suitable for small limbs or extremities like wrists and fingers.

Innovation Solution

A tourniquet with a strap connected to a tensioning device that can be locked in place, featuring a self-illuminating visual indicator and a windlass mechanism with a gate lock to ensure secure application, suitable for both large and small limbs, and includes a glow stick for visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional tourniquet design is used, then it can apply pressure to stop bleeding, but it is difficult to apply with one hand and may be disengaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applicationVSAvoidsecurity of tensioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tourniquet is designed to be applied by the injured person themselves using one hand. The C-shaped clip automatically engages with the strap end when the windlass is rotated, and the gate lock mechanism automatically secures the windlass in place, eliminating the need for a second person to assist with application or secure the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The C-shaped clip is pre-positioned on the strap end before application, and the gate lock mechanism is pre-configured in the open position. When the windlass is rotated, the strap end automatically engages with the clip, and subsequent rotation automatically triggers the gate lock to secure the windlass, preparing the securing mechanism in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a larger tourniquet device is used, then it may be more robust, but it is difficult to carry and store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobustness of deviceVSAvoidsize of tourniquet

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The windlass nests within the C-shaped clip structure when not in use. The strap secures around the windlass body, and the entire assembly compacts to a small volume that can be carried in a pocket or attached to gear, while maintaining robust construction from rigid materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The tourniquet is divided into distinct functional components: the C-shaped clip with integrated gate lock, the windlass, the strap with buckle, and the glow stick indicator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall device compact when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a tourniquet is applied to smaller extremities, then it can treat wrist or finger injuries, but traditional designs are not suitable for small limbs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to different limb sizesVSAvoideffectiveness on small limbs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tourniquet design with adjustable strap length, C-shaped clip, and gate lock mechanism can effectively treat bleeding on extremities of various sizes, from large thighs to small wrists and even fingers, making a single device suitable for multiple application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The strap length and tensioning force can be adjusted to match the size of the extremity being treated. The C-shaped clip and gate lock mechanism maintain secure engagement regardless of the limb size, allowing the same device to reliably function on both large and small extremities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If a tourniquet is applied in emergency situations, then it can stop bleeding quickly, but it may not be noticed by emergency personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of blood loss controlVSAvoidvisibility of applied tourniquet

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated glow stick emits visible light to indicate that a tourniquet has been applied. This visual indicator can be seen from a distance or in low-light conditions, alerting emergency personnel to the presence of the tourniquet and the need for further medical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The glow stick acts as an intermediary visual signal between the tourniquet application and emergency personnel awareness. It provides a clear, noticeable indicator that bridges the gap between the mechanical application of the tourniquet and the detection by responders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12357320B2Tourniquet

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 GRIFFITH BENJAMIN LATHAM

AI summary

A tourniquet includes a support structure with a slot at one end for receiving a strap and a gate opposite the at least one strap slot for retaining a windlass relative to the support structure. A first end of the strap is threaded through the windlass and the slot and is attached back upon itself to form a loop. The second free end of the strap is configured to wrap around an extremity, through the slot and secured back to itself. Winding the windlass relative to the support structure causes the strap to twist between the windlass and the support structure to tighten the strap around the extremity. One end of the windlass can then be inserted through the gate to hold the windlass relative to the support structure.