Orthopedic Walker with Flexible Edges and Auto Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic devices for protecting and immobilizing lower leg, ankle, and foot injuries are often bulky, uncomfortable, and prone to causing pressure ulcers due to hard edges and unreliable inflatable supports, which can lead to complications such as infection and prolonged healing times, especially for diabetic patients who may overinflate the supports due to reduced sensation.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight orthopedic device featuring a semi-rigid shell walker with flexible edge arrangements and an automatic pressure relief valve system that limits pressure points, distributes force over a greater surface area, and eliminates the need for users to monitor pressure levels, ensuring comfortable and effective treatment of affected areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard edges and surfaces are used in walkers, then structural strength is improved, but pressure points and discomfort increase causing pain and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible edge portions made of compliant material to replace hard edges in the walker. These flexible edges are positioned at contact points with the user's body to distribute pressure and eliminate pressure points while maintaining structural integrity through the combination of rigid and flexible components.
2Ease of operation
If users manually regulate inflatable supports, then comfort can be improved, but diabetic patients with reduced sensation may overinflate causing harmful pressure and reduced blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the pressure within inflatable supports and provide feedback to a control system. When pressure exceeds a predetermined safe threshold, the system automatically activates deflation to maintain pressure within safe limits, preventing over-inflation even by users with reduced sensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic pressure regulation without requiring user intervention. The control system autonomously monitors pressure levels and adjusts inflation/deflation as needed, eliminating the need for users to manually regulate pressure and preventing harmful over-inflation.
3Measurement precision
If pressure gauges are provided for monitoring, then pressure control can be improved, but many patients cannot see well enough to read them and gauges may malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure gauges with electronic pressure sensors and a digital display system. The electronic sensors provide precise pressure measurements that are displayed in large, easily readable format, and the system includes malfunction detection capabilities that mechanical gauges lack.
4Adaptability or versatility
If tubing is routed along the inside surface of the walker, then the inflatable supports can be integrated, but tubing creates pressure points and can become kinked or pinched rendering supports inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the tubing from the interior surface to the exterior surface of the walker structure. This dimensional change allows the tubing to be protected within external routing channels or conduits, preventing contact with the user's body (eliminating pressure points) and protecting against kinking or pinching between the walker and user's limb.
5Ease of operation
If pump features are arranged on the walker for inflation/deflation, then inflatable supports can be controlled, but pumps are prone to being bumped, misaligned, and damaged during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the pump mechanism within a protective housing or cavity in the walker structure. This nested arrangement protects the pump from external impacts, misalignment, and damage during use while maintaining accessibility for operation through protected interfaces or remote control capabilities.
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 provides a comfortable and effective solution by reducing pressure points, preventing over-inflation, and promoting healing by distributing force and automatically regulating pressure, thus minimizing the risk of pressure ulcers and complications.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure relief valve assembly arranged to limit pressure within the inflatable bladder
Implementation Method 2
a pump assembly arranged to inflate the inflatable bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A compliance assembly includes a compliance strap arranged to engage and extend around the exterior of an orthopedic device, and a compliance clasp attached to the compliance strap. The compliance clasp includes a base member, a door member, and a locking system. The door member is pivotally connected to the base member and is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the door member is rotated toward the base member and locks the compliance strap between the base and door members. The locking system is arranged to irreversibly lock the door member in the closed position.