Wearable VAD Controller Carrier with Padded Rear Pocket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable solutions for ventricular assist devices (VADs) are not discreet, user-friendly, or comfortable, as they expose wires and controllers, and do not effectively secure the VAD controller in place.
Innovation Solution
A wearable article with an interior-facing rear pocket located between the shoulder blades to securely hold the VAD controller, which can be upside-down and padded for comfort, along with additional pockets at the waistline and optional lumbar support belt to distribute the load and prevent the controller from falling out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional vests, shirts, or harnesses are used to carry the control module and batteries, then the VAD controller can be carried on the body, but the wires and controllers become exposed and visible to others, reducing discretion
Solution Approach 1:
The VAD controller and batteries are nested within interior-facing pockets of the wearable article, with the controller placed in an upper back pocket and batteries in lower pockets, concealing all components within the article's structure so that no wires or controllers are exposed or visible to others
2Reliability
If the VAD controller is placed in a pocket on the wearable article, then the controller is carried securely, but without proper securing mechanisms the controller may fall out of the pocket
Solution Approach 1:
Rear straps are coupled to the rear panel and configured to prevent the VAD controller when in the pocket from falling out of the pocket, providing preliminary securing action before any potential dislodgement occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable article allows for easy repositioning of the VAD controller without removing the article or disconnecting wires, providing dynamic adjustment capability while maintaining security
3Ease of operation
If the VAD controller is carried in a pocket on the wearable article, then the controller is held in place, but without padding the wearer experiences discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The rear pocket panel is padded to provide cushioning between the wearer's back and the VAD controller, preventing discomfort before it occurs during prolonged wear
4Ease of operation
If the VAD controller and batteries are carried on the body, then the devices are accessible, but the weight is concentrated in one area causing discomfort and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable article divides the weight distribution by placing the VAD controller in an upper back pocket and batteries in separate lower pockets, segmenting the load across different regions of the back rather than concentrating it in one area
Solution Approach 2:
The weighted components are distributed across the vertical dimension of the back, with the controller positioned higher and batteries positioned lower, creating a more balanced weight distribution that reduces stress on any single point
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a wearable article for holding a medical device, such as a ventricular assist device, and methods of using and making the same. The wearable article comprises a rear pocket that is upside-down and can further be padded. Other padded pockets can also be provided.