Side loading ratchet to stop arterial bleeding during combat trauma and the like
Inventors
Podgorsky, Yegor • Ihenacho, Chibueze Joseph • Stephens, Andrew
Assignees
Armr Systems Inc • Armr Sytems LLC
Publication Number
US-12029435-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-09
Expiration Date
2040-02-14
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Abstract
Described embodiments provide systems and methods for a tourniquet system compression device. The compression device includes a spooling mechanism, a ratchet release, a safety release, and a profile surface. The spooling mechanism includes a first side loading configured to receive a first tourniquet strap, and a second side loading slot configured to receive a second tourniquet strap. The ratchet release disengages a ratchet gear from a pawl. The safety release prevents the ratchet gear from disengaging with the pawl when the safety release is active. The profile surface generates a pressure profile against a subject. The compression device includes a fixed end of webbing. The compression device is coupled to the webbing. The spooling mechanism is configured to gather the webbing. The compression device includes a preset pressure profile. The compression device includes a fixed end fitting. The compression device is configured for side entry loading of the webbing.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems and methods for a tourniquet system compression device that includes a spooling mechanism, a ratchet release, a safety release, and a profile surface. The spooling mechanism is designed with side loading slots to receive tourniquet straps. The ratchet release allows disengagement of the ratchet gear from a pawl, while the safety release prevents disengagement when active. The profile surface generates a pressure profile against a subject, and the system applies tension in webbing straps wrapped around a subject to cause direct pressure on arteries, thereby limiting blood loss.
The underlying problem addressed by the invention is controlling venous and arterial bleeding resulting from injuries, specifically at junctional areas where arteries are difficult to compress using traditional tourniquets. The device aims to provide an effective means to apply sufficient compressive and constrictive pressure to fixed arterial locations, such as upper and lower junctional areas, to stop or reduce blood flow long enough to allow access to proper medical attention.
The device features a novel side loading ratcheting mechanism that allows for easy and low motor skill operation by inserting the webbing from the side rather than the end, enabling use in stressful or low dexterity environments. The design includes a ratchet handle that engages an internal ratcheting system to gather the webbing and apply pressure through a profiled compression puck. Safety releases prevent inadvertent loosening, and a ratchet release provides controlled relaxation of pressure to enable blood flow restoration. The system can be worn as a harness with compression devices coupled over junctional areas for rapid deployment.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims describing a tourniquet system with a compression device featuring a spooling mechanism, ratchet release, safety release, and a profile surface.
Spooling mechanism with multiple side loading slots
A barrel configured to rotate to twist tourniquet straps around it, having multiple side loading slots configured to receive first and second tourniquet straps.
Ratchet release mechanism
A ratchet release to disengage a ratchet gear from a pawl, allowing controlled release of tension.
Safety release system
A safety release configured to prevent disengagement of the ratchet gear from the pawl when active.
Profile surface generating pressure
A profile surface designed to generate pressure against a subject to effectively compress arterial areas.
Fixed end of webbing and fitting
The compression device includes a fixed end of webbing and a fixed end fitting coupled to the device.
Side entry loading configuration
The compression device is configured to allow side entry loading of the tourniquet straps, inserting the strap from the side rather than the end.
Button actuated ratchet release
A button that actuates the ratchet release by moving the ratchet gear from the pawl.
Single strap loading with dual side slots
A spooling mechanism having a barrel with first and second side loading slots configured to receive a single tourniquet strap.
Barrel rotation pulling strap in two directions
Rotation of the barrel pulls parts of the tourniquet strap in two directions across the profile surface, arranging the strap against the subject.
The claims cover a compression device integrating a side loading spooling mechanism with ratchet and safety releases and a pressure profile surface that together enable controlled application and release of compressive forces via tourniquet straps loaded from the side.
Stated Advantages
Enables rapid and controlled tightening of tourniquet straps with a side loading ratchet mechanism.
Facilitates operation in low motor skill or high-stress environments due to side loading and ratchet handle design.
Provides a safety release to prevent accidental loosening of the tourniquet.
Includes a ratchet release allowing gradual pressure relief to enable controlled restoration of blood flow.
Allows the device to be worn prior to injury as a harness to reduce time to apply hemorrhage control.
Documented Applications
Stopping arterial bleeding during combat trauma by applying direct pressure at junctional areas of the extremities.
Using a tourniquet system worn as a harness by military personnel to enable rapid hemorrhage control in traumatic injury scenarios.
Controlling venous and arterial circulation to reduce blood flow to injured limbs or body regions needing pressure.
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