What it does
KEA is a temporary immobilization of articulations of the human body designed for hikers, climbers and athletes in general. In the event of fractures and distortions, it immobilizes the articulations in question and allows you to reach the rescue point safely.
Your inspiration
The project takes as its main reference the system of the Air Pump shoes, that allows, through the use of air chambers and retention valves, inflation and extreme adaptability of the shoes to the foot. Through the inflation and deflation of the air chambers, KEA adapts and immobilizes the articulation injured. Deflated it is not cumbersome and practical, while inflated it adapts perfectly to the user.
How it works
KEA is a product able to immobilize the main articulations of the human body at risk of injury: knee, elbow, ankle. Following an accident, it is sufficient to place KEA on the injured part, tighten the closure until it is perfectly bonded with the articulation and inflate the system by pressing the valve dedicated to the respective injured part until the articulation is immobilized.
Design process
Our design process begins with a thorough research phase on unresolved problems in some sectors. Once the problem to be solved has been defined, we have carried out a careful analysis concerning the products already existing in the market of the sector we have chosen. After realizing the current landscape, we started creating sketches of various innovative ideas supported by real models. Thanks to this step we have understood how to block the articulations and how to shape our product. Simple and functional lines have allowed the immobilization of the knee, elbow and ankle articulations with KEA. The subsequent phase of research of materials, production techniques and appropriate technologies to be used gave us difficulty. However resolved with the perfect harmony of a semi-rigid material (flocked), the production technique of heat sealing and the inflation technology (Air Pump System). Finally, the 3D model was created with the related software and the final working prototype. KEA is a product that is the result of studies, methods and researches that are reasoned to give life to a totally new, safe temporary immobilization, with an easy and quick use that incorporates more possible articulations.
How it is different
KEA is innovative as it allows the immobilization of three different articulations of the human body with a single product using air. Wearable. Washable. Adaptable to several sizes. Reusable. Small footprint.
Future plans
KEA could be improved in performance with further research and study in materials and production techniques suitable for greater functionality and sustainability. The possibility of realizing functional prototypes would allow us to extend the research and design of a family line that includes further paramedical aid facilities for wrists, hips, neck, spine that are not currently involved.
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