Orthopedic Walker With External Tubing And Pressure Relief Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 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, semi-rigid shell walker with flexible edge arrangements and an integrated pressure relief valve system that automatically regulates air pressure within inflatable bladders, routing inflation tubes externally to prevent pressure points and kinking, and featuring a pump assembly fixed relative to the base shell to prevent unwanted movement.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible edge portions made of compliant material to the walker structure. These flexible edges replace hard edges while maintaining structural integrity, distributing pressure over larger surface areas to prevent pressure points and discomfort on the user's body.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If inflatable supports are added to improve comfort, then pressure distribution is improved, but risk of overinflation and pressure ulcers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the inflation pressure of the inflatable supports and provide feedback to a control system. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined safe threshold, the system automatically activates deflation to prevent overinflation and potential pressure ulcers, ensuring reliable and safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable supports are designed with automatic inflation and deflation capabilities through integrated pumps and pressure-regulated valves. The system self-regulates pressure without requiring user intervention, automatically maintaining optimal pressure levels and preventing harmful overinflation.
3Measurement precision
If pressure gauges are installed for monitoring, then pressure control capability is improved, but device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure gauges with electronic pressure sensors and a digital display system. This substitution provides more accurate pressure measurement while integrating the monitoring function into the walker's control system, reducing the need for separate gauge components and simplifying user interaction through automated readings and alerts.
4Shape
If tubing is routed inside the walker for inflatable supports, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but pressure points and kinking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent routes the inflation tubing through external channels or along the outer surface of the walker rather than embedding it inside. This dimensional repositioning eliminates pressure points and kinking caused by internal routing while maintaining aesthetic appearance through careful placement and coverage by the walker's outer shell or decorative elements.
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 solution provides a more comfortable and effective treatment by reducing pressure points, preventing overinflation, and ensuring safer use for patients with reduced sensation, thereby promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of complications like pressure ulcers and infection.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated pressure relief valve system that automatically regulates air pressure within inflatable bladders
Implementation Method 2
routing inflation tubes externally to prevent pressure points and kinking
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic system includes an orthopedic device defining a posterior aspect, an anterior aspect opposite the posterior aspect, and a structure at least in part defining a receiving space arranged to receive an activity tracking device. An activity tracking device is positionable and securable in the receiving space of the orthopedic device. The activity tracking device is arranged to generate information associated with activity level or compliance of a patient wearing the orthopedic device during treatment.