Waterproof Wrist Splint Kit With Breathable Lock-On Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing splints and casts are deficient in terms of comfort, usability, durability, fit, and hygiene, as they are not breathable, waterproof, washable, or securely fitted, leading to issues such as moisture trapping, bacterial growth, and potential infections.
Innovation Solution
A customizable waterproof wrist splint kit comprising spines, beads, and cable ties that form a secure, breathable, and hygienic immobilization device, allowing for customizable sizing and secure fitting using thermoplastic polymers and closed-cell foam layers for comfort and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional field splints (like SAM splints) are used, then they are lightweight and easy to apply, but they are not breathable and not rigid enough to immobilize under pressure, causing deformation and poor fit
Solution Approach 1:
The splint is divided into multiple modular components including a contoured body, adjustable straps with buckles, and separate padding layers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the contoured body provides structural rigidity while adjustable straps enable precise fitting, resolving the contradiction between ease of application and immobilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint incorporates adjustable straps with buckles that allow dynamic adaptation to different patient sizes and injury locations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the rigid structure to be customized for each patient, maintaining both ease of application and reliable immobilization across various use cases.
2Reliability
If traditional splints are used, then they provide basic immobilization, but they are not waterproof or washable, preventing patients from maintaining hygiene and causing moisture trapping and bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The splint incorporates breathable mesh panels and moisture-wicking fabric layers that allow air circulation while blocking bacteria. The contoured body features porous or perforated sections that enable vapor transmission, preventing moisture accumulation while maintaining the immobilization function and hygiene.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint uses composite construction combining rigid structural elements with waterproof yet breathable membrane layers. This composite material approach allows the splint to maintain its immobilization rigidity while providing waterproof protection that prevents external moisture ingress and allows internal vapor escape, eliminating the harm of moisture trapping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional splints are used, then they provide basic coverage, but they do not lock-on, allowing patients to become non-compliant and risking further injury
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is segmented into multiple independent adjustable straps with individual buckles positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each strap to be independently adjusted and locked at optimal positions, providing both customization for different body types and multiple locking points to prevent patient removal, thus addressing both adaptability and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different straps are positioned to apply pressure at specific critical locations on the patient's body. This local quality approach ensures that restraint is applied where most effective for compliance while allowing comfort and circulation elsewhere, enabling customization of fit and pressure distribution for different patients.
4Strength
If traditional splints are used, then they provide basic protection, but they trap moisture against the skin, causing maceration and potential infections
Solution Approach 1:
The splint incorporates breathable mesh and perforated panels in contact with the patient's skin. These porous materials allow moisture vapor to escape while maintaining the protective structural function, preventing moisture accumulation that would lead to maceration and infection while preserving the splint's protective capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint uses flexible breathable membrane films that conform to the patient's body contours while allowing vapor transmission. These thin film layers provide protection and comfort simultaneously by preventing external moisture ingress while permitting internal vapor escape, eliminating the harmful moisture trapping effect.
Data Source
AI summary
Customizable split kits are provided including a plurality of components that may be assembled into a waterproof and breathable wrist splint. The splint assembled from the kit can fit multiple size/shaped arms or other appendages, is moldable for custom positioning, protective, immobilizing, and locks-on for compliance.