'Immflate' is a means to challenge the traditional methods of limb immobilisation and plaster-casting. The one-size fits all method used in orthopaedic wards are outdated. Putting a limb in plaster cast is not without benefits. On closer inspection, there are far more questionable outcomes that are grounds for a revision of this approach. Plaster casting allows a bone to heal, but in parallel, it restricts the limbs movement and accelerates muscle wastage. This leads to prolonged physiotherapy post plaster cast. The project is aimed at "extreme sports" athletes who would suffer fractures and trauma more often than most. Therefore, the focus of this research is to explore ways to reduce the overall downtime an injury would cause.
The intention of this project is to merge the physiotherapy and bone healing timeline whilst simultaneously modernising limb immobilisation by utilsing some of the exciting advanced technology currently available.
Athletes interviewed as a part of this research, claimed to feel detached from their injury or uninvolved in the recovery when in plaster cast. "Immflate" seeks to shift control of the recovery into the hands of the patient and empower them to invest in a full, healthy, recovery with minimal downtime.
Traditional plaster casting is outdated technology
Workings of the pump and motor, to apply the priciples of Soft Robotics
When pressurised, it gripped the limb
Control of the device through an app interface gives the patient full control of their recovery journey
Deflated, the device is a flat moulded piece of silicone rubber. When inflated, it takes the shape of the limb, immobilises and/or gives support depending on what stage of the recovery the patient is at. Immflate also offers Electro Muscle Stimulation, Blood Occlusion Therapy and Massage function
Immflate – Empowering athletes to take control of their injury and achieve the recovery they want with less downtime
Research
Quickfire sketch ideation
A 'soft robot' to immobilise a lower limb
Bluefoam iteration. The blocks around the circumference of the limb represent click-together Soft Robotic 'actuators'. This modular design allows the device to be customised to fit any limb
All hands on deck to build a working prototype!