Vacuum Splint with Semi-Rigid Member for Head Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current immobilization methods for patients, such as vacuum splints, often cause pressure points and inadequate head stabilization, and are not easily compacted for transport and storage, leading to secondary trauma and discomfort, especially in patients with conditions like Marfan Syndrome.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum splint with a flexible airtight casing containing beads and a semi-rigid member that resists longitudinal compression, allowing the splint to fold or roll up when not in use, and featuring protrusions for head support, made from materials like vinyl/polyester laminates and polystyrene beads, which can be compacted for easy transport and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional hard backboard is used for patient immobilization, then patient stability is improved, but pressure points and tissue damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible vacuum splint made of a compliant shell that can be evacuated to provide rigid support. The flexible material conforms to the patient's body contours, distributing pressure evenly across the surface area, thereby eliminating pressure points while maintaining immobilization stability when vacuum is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the splint material by evacuating air to create a vacuum, transforming the flexible material into a rigid structure. This parameter change allows the splint to provide stable support without the hardness that causes pressure points, as the rigidity is achieved through vacuum pressure rather than material stiffness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used to prevent patient movement, then immobilization effectiveness is improved, but the device cannot be easily compacted for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic support structure that transitions between flexible and rigid states. When not in use, the splint remains flexible and can be easily rolled or folded for compact transport. When vacuum is applied during immobilization, it becomes rigid to provide effective support, and can be collapsed again by releasing the vacuum for easy storage.
3Ease of operation
If a vacuum splint without longitudinal support is used, then flexibility for transport is improved, but longitudinal compression resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the splint into multiple longitudinal segments or struts that can flex independently. These segmented structures allow the splint to bend and fold for transport while maintaining the ability to resist longitudinal compression forces when vacuum is applied, as each segment contributes to the overall structural support.
4Ease of manufacture
If a standard vacuum splint design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but head stabilization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding specific head support features to particular regions of the splint. The head end includes extended protrusions or wings that specifically address head stabilization needs, while the rest of the splint maintains its simple, easy-to-manufacture design. This localized modification provides enhanced head support without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing 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
The vacuum splint effectively immobilizes patients without causing pressure points, stabilizes the head, and can be easily rolled or folded for transport and storage, reducing the risk of secondary trauma and improving patient comfort by conforming to individual contours and preventing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
One or more means of air evacuation are provided to develop a vacuum within the chamber to convert the casing from a relatively flexible state to a rigid, evacuated state
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum splint for maintaining a person in an immobilized state includes a flexible airtight casing upon which a patient is placed. The casing has an internal chamber that contains a large number of beads. Valves are provided to develop a vacuum within the chamber to convert the casing from a relatively soft, flexible state to a rigid, evacuated state. A semi-rigid member spans the length of the vacuum splint that resists longitudinal compression when air is evacuated from the chamber. The semi-rigid member also retains sufficient longitudinal and lateral flexibility such that it allows the vacuum splint to be molded to various patient positions and folded or rolled up when not in an evacuated state. The head end of the vacuum splint includes two protrusions that extend upward. When in an evacuated state, these protrusions extend over either side of a patient's head thereby providing support and protection.