Title of Invention :

Multi-piece pre-fabricated orthopedic plasters and splinters with adjustable cushions with automatic and remote control capability

Technical Field

[001] Ergonomic design and analysis of forces and their effect on anatomy of the body are related to the field of medical equipment and programming and design of the application for establishment of communication systems are related to the field of computer engineering and design and construction of electronic circuits and programming for establishment of a communication system between mechanical and electronic elements are related to the field of mechatronics engineering. In general, smart splinting or plastering is a type of technology that has the Internet of things in the field of medical equipment.

Background Art

[002] In order to make this smart system, only fixed air cushions were used first. It was followed by favorable and satisfactory result in certain conditions, but due to constant pressure on the injured limb and insufficient mobility, it would cause bruising and swelling of the muscles. To overcome this problem and improve the quality of the design, we designed air cushions in such a way that they can be contractible and expandable to improve blood flow and prevent muscle bruising and swelling. In this design, instead of inserting several barometer sensors, only one sensor that could be displaced alongside the splint or plaster was used. Air cushions were removed in the final design of the system and the memory foam or smart foams were used. Based on the studied conducted, there is no similar domestic sample for this system, and only two similar foreign samples were identified for this system. By comparing this system with previous technologies, it seems that this system has significant advantages over the previous systems as follows:

[003] 1 -Small and smart splint with airbag:

The utility model relates to a smart airbag small splint comprising a splint. The smart airbag small splint is characterized in that at least one airbag tie is arranged on the outer side surface of the splint , an inflation port of an airbag in the airbag tie is respectively connected with an inflation pump and a pressure sensor in an airbag tie control system by guide pipes, an air release valve in the airbag tie control system is also connected onto an airbag in the airbag tie through the guide pipe, a dynamic airbag pressure pad is arranged on the inner side of the splint, and an air vent of the dynamic airbag pressure pad is connected to the inflation pump and an exhaust valve in an airbag pressure pad control system through the guide pipes. The smart airbag small splint leads the small splint to have the reset function, thereby reducing the times of manual reset, having the function of fixing the fracture end by pressurization, preventing the fracture re-displacement, fixing the fracture end by pressurization to lead the fracture fixation to be more stable and promoting the fracture healing

[004]The disadvantages of this system: A- In this system, the airbag is used to keep the injured, so airbag might be pierced as a result of collision with a sharp object .

B-In order to inject the wind into airbag, wind pump is used. It transfers wind to airbag through wind conduction pipes. This method is a mechanical system that makes the splint bulky and heavy and its failure is possible in the long run.

C. As this tool is a mechanical system, it requires much energy.

D. The system has only one pressure sensor that reduces the function and accuracy of the system.

E- The tool lacks a temperature control system.

F- The system lacks a screen.

G- The system lacks control software and does not have remote control capabilities.

H- The system does not have the audio and video call capabilities.

I- The system does not have audio alarming in collusion with objects.

J-This tool does not have the ability to adjust the angle of the wrist.

[005]2-Fast stabilizing and adjustable splint:

The utility model relates to a medical appliances, more specifically the quick fixed intelligent splint with adjustable that says so operates simplyr, and the fracture is fixed effective, and patient feels comfortable and easy function exercise to it is quick recovered to reach the fracture. Colored elasticity has four, and big wide plate and strap are connected through colored elastic webbing. The strap has two, and strap and little wide plate are connected through the elastic webbing. Vibrator, battery case and the counter of clenching fist all set up on little wide plate, and the vibrator is located the upper end of little wide plate, and the counter of clenching fist is located the lower extreme of little wide plate. Ventilative grid and medicine groove all set up on the strap. The pulse ware is installed on big wide plate to be located the lower extreme of big wide plate, medical liner is connected on big wide plate, arranges knot and hasp and all sets up on the elastic webbing. Nylon fastener tape is used for the fixed of device.

[006] Disadvantages of the system:

A-for connections, the plates used in this system are very weak.

B- The system lacks a temperature regulator.

C- The system lacks a screen.

D-To keep the fracture fixed, a nylon that has poor performance is used.

E- The system is not sensitive to pressure applied on the limb and is not adjustable.

F- The system does not have control software and does not have remote control capabilities.

G- The system does not have the audio and video call capability

H- The system does not have audio alarming in collusion with objects.

I-This tool does not have the ability to adjust the angle of the wrist. Summary of the Invention

Technical Problem

[007]The main purpose of plaster and splint is to support the bone, injured joint and other tissues of the limb. They reduce the pain and swelling of the limbs and cause muscle spasm. The most common use of plaster and splint is treatment of joint torsion and immobili ation of fractures. Although these plastering and casting procedures have somewhat improved conditions, they have their own complications. When the limb is plastered or cast, the following symptoms are signs of a risk:

[008]- Increased pain and swelling of the limbs and the feeling of tightening of the plaster or splint

-Feeling numbness or tingling in the hands or feet due to the plaster or splint pressure

-Feeling burning in the skin under the plaster

-Swelling in hands or feet below the plaster or splint

- Loss of ability to move fingers or toes

[009]These symptoms can be signs of excessive pressure of the plaster on the limbs. If this pressure exceeds in certain level, it will be very dangerous and can prevent blood flow to the limb and its bruising. In severe cases, it may be caused by the high pressure of the plaster on the limb of the compartment syndrome. In these cases, the physician cuts the plaster from its surface to skin and opens edges of the cut. Accordingly, the plaster becomes wider. Sometimes, it is necessary to open the plaster completely. The above-mentioned complications may cause irreparable damages and impose much cost. In this design, we introduce a smart orthopedic plaster and splint to prevent severe complications caused by fiberglass splinting and plastering by using its capabilities such as adjustability of the length of the rail bases, which causes a proper pressure on the limb from the memory foam cushions.

Solution to the Problem

[010] The disadvantages of the existing systems and technologies are as follows:

1- Use the airbag to keep the fractures fixed and the degradability of airbag

2- It lacks a thermometer and cannot adjust the temperature inside the plaster.

3- It lacks control software and does not have remote control capabilities.

4- It is fixed and non-adjustable in the wrist area.

[01 l]To overcome these problems, a smart splint or plaster system was developed that could improve the treatment process based on the force and temperature parameters. In this system, a hard carbon nanotubes-reinforced polycarbonate was used to provide a proper strength for the outer wall of the splint. It is light and has high strength. The memory foam is used in the inner part of the plaster to reduce muscle spasm and improve blood flow. To prevent itching and skin sensitivity, herbal fabrics were used to cover foaming.

[012] The temperature in which the broken bone is placed is one of the important factors in the speed of bone fracture healing. Using a thermometer sensor and the heater / cooler element in this system, it has been possible to adjust the temperature inside the splint so that the orthopedic surgeon can keep the injured limb at the right temperature. One of the most important problems in fiberglass plasters is the disposability and non adjustability of plaster size and volume. The system uses a force-sensing resistor (fsr) and mobile magnetic rail bases that have the ability to adjust the size and volume of the plaster, so that a smart plaster can be used for hands and feet at different sizes. In addition, a rotational magnetic rod has been designed to give the wrist an appropriate angle. To improve the blood flow, the splint is equipped with a vibrator massage option. To display and adjust the measured parameters such as force and temperature, a touch screen located on the splint is used. Moreover, a control software has been designed to allow the user to view and adjust the considered parameters through phone and remotely.

The Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0l3] l-The plaster or splint is a made of a hard carbon nanotubes-reinforced polycarbonate that is very light and has a very high strength and hardness and prevents passing the impact force.

[014] 2-The plaster or splint has the X-ray transmission capability, so radiology imaging can be done on the surface of plaster without removing it from the injured limb.

[015] 3-This system has two force-sensing resistors that measure the pressure applied to the limb under the plaster and the orthopedic surgeon can adjust the volume of the plaster (height of the supporting bases) using the force-sensing resistor information.

[016] 4-Magnetc nature of the rail bases and rotational rod will automatically adjust the width of the splint and the size of the casts and the angle of the wrist.

[017] 5-This system has a thermometer sensor that measures the temperature under the plaster so that it can create a proper temperature.

[018] 6- In order to view and control the pressure and temperature parameters and massager settings by the user, in addition to a touch screen, control software has been designed for both the android and ios operating system, making it possible to use it easily and control it remotely.

[019] 7-In this system, in addition to the main user, a supervisor user can also control the measured parameters.

[020] 8-Smart foam or memory foam is sensitive to body heat and takes the form of the muscles based on the body temperature and weight of each area and balances the flow of blood through the muscles and reduces the muscle pains and nervous pressure during rest.

[021] 9-The memory foam is a type of herbal fabric that has anti- sensitivity properties and prevents itching and irritation of the skin.

[022] lO-The memory foams are arranged in such way that they create channels for air flow prevents that the hotness and irritation of the skin under the plaster.

[023] 11 -The system has a heater and cooler element that creates the desired temperature.

[024] 12- The system is smart and all settings are handled both manually and smartly.

[025] l3-The system has the capability of video and music playback and hands-free connectivity. Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig.l angular view of hand splint a. The outer part of the orthopedic plaster or splint b. memory foam cushions

c. magnetic rotational rod

d. magnetic movable rail

e. solar battery

f. touch TFT LCD screen

g. Charge socket

h. memory card slot

i. needle connection port

Fig.2 angular view of leg splint a. The outer part of the orthopedic plaster or splint b. memory foam cushions

c. magnetic rotational rod

d. magnetic movable rail

e. solar battery

f. touch TFT LCD screen Description of Embodiments

[026] The designed system has two mechanical and electronic parts as follows:

Its electronic part includes an Arduino mega2560 ch340 board, an esp-8266 wifi module, a sim900a module, a small tof camera, a polymer lithium battery, a heater element, and control software. Its mechanical part includes hand and foot cast of enriched polycarbonate, memory foam, locking clamps and magnetic movable rail bases.

[027] When the system is turned on, according to the program given to the system in the form of BASCOM and ADC method (analog to digital conversion), force-sensing resistor measures the force applied by the plaster wall on the injured limb and the thermometer sensor measures the temperature of the inside the plaster and sends it as a signal to the central board that is an Arduino mega2560 board. Then, the main board displays the information on the touch screen, so the physician can handle the necessary settings. In another mode, the central board sends the values of the measured parameters as wifi signal by the esp-8266 wifi module to the user's mobile phone and the information can be seen through the control software.

[028] In the control software screen, a plan has been designed through which user can handle the necessary settings, such as adjusting the temperature inside the plaster, adjusting the vibrator massage time, etc. by the software and the physician can control various parameters in over the treatment period. In the mechanical part of the system, a hand or foot cast made of a hard carbon nanotubes-reinforced polycarbonate has been used and its inner part includes memory foam or smart foam cushions, taking the desired form based on the weight and the temperature of the injured limb.

[029] In order to adjust the volume of the splint and adjust it to a variety of hand and foot sizes, some kind of magnetic movable rail bases have been designed to change the width of the plaster and create the desired volume. Moreover, a kind of magnetic rotational rod has been designed to adjust the angle of the wrists. It is kept fixed with a locking clamp. In order to apply this system, it is enough to place the smart plaster or splint on the injured limb and adjust the length of the supporting bases and the angle of the rotational rod and attach the locking clamps so that the cast to be fastened and tighter. By turning the key on and initiating the electronic system of the device, the parameters are measured, analyzed by the Arduino board and displayed on the screen and sent to the user's phone by the esp-8266 sender as a wifi signal. Then, the temperature inside the plaster can be adjusted through the software and the level of force applied to the various parts of the limb is also seen on the same software page and the supporting bases are adjusted according to its length. Examples

The Industrial applicability

[030] The smart plaster or splint can be used for fast splinting of the hands and feet and other limbs in order to keep the injured limb fixed, to adjust the temperature inside the splint and the plaster, to prevent excessive pressure on the injured limb, and avoid striking the injured area.

This system can be also used as hand and foot massager.

The remote control of the physician is one of other applications of this system.