Umbilical Hernia Device with Elastic Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for umbilical hernias, including elastic tape and belts, are either ineffective in promoting natural healing, uncomfortable, or require surgical intervention, especially in infants and adults, where hernias often worsen over time.

Innovation Solution

A prefabricated device comprising a flexible, elastic material with an adhesive layer and extending sections, designed to approximate abdominal muscles, providing adjustable tension and elasticity to support muscle activation and healing without restricting breathing or movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If elastic tape is applied to approximate muscles, then muscle approximation is improved, but the treatment requires manual cutting and application by clinicians every three days

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle approximationVSAvoidapplication convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is pre-fabricated with extending sections already attached to the first section at appropriate angles and positions. The adhesive layers are pre-applied to all sections, and removable backing layers are pre-attached for protection. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for clinicians to cut and apply individual tape pieces during each treatment session.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated unit: the first section with opening, multiple extending sections at different angles, adhesive layers on all sections, and removable backing layers are merged into one cohesive device that can be applied as a complete unit rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If umbilical hernia belts are used to wrap circumferentially around the abdomen, then protrusion decrease is improved, but breathing and natural movement are impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotrusion controlVSAvoidbreathing restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the abdominal support function into discrete extending sections that radiate from a central first section. Each extending section can be independently positioned at specific angles to target particular muscle groups without requiring a complete circumferential wrap, thereby providing support while allowing breathing and movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies support locally at specific angles and positions rather than uniformly around the entire abdomen. The extending sections are positioned to target specific muscle groups needing approximation, allowing protrusion control at critical areas while leaving other areas free for natural breathing and movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the first section is made less elastic than extending sections, then structural stability is improved, but material selection and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs different elastic properties at different locations: the first section uses less elastic material for structural stability and anchoring, while the extending sections use more elastic material to accommodate muscle movement and breathing. This localized differentiation of material properties optimizes both stability and manufacturability by assigning specific functional requirements to specific sections.

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 device promotes muscle approximation and natural healing of umbilical hernias, potentially reducing the need for surgery and improving core strength, with visible results within 30 days in infants and maintaining hernia stability in adults.

Implementation Method 1

The first section includes an adhesive layer on rearward side thereof... Each of the plurality of extending sections includes an adhesive layer on a rearward side thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

A prefabricated device comprising a flexible, elastic material with an adhesive layer and extending sections, designed to approximate abdominal muscles, providing adjustable tension and elasticity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240335333A1Devices, systems, and methods for use in connection with umbilical hernias

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 NEOTECH PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A device for treatment of an umbilical hernia includes a first section of flexible, elastic material including an adhesive layer on rearward side thereof. The first section includes an opening therein dimensioned to encompass the umbilical. The device further includes a plurality of extending sections of flexible, elastic material attached to and extending from the first section. Each of the extending sections includes an adhesive layer on a rearward side thereof. The first section is less elastic than each of the plurality of extending sections.