Anatomically Adaptable Headrest for Reproducible TMS Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrests for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy fail to adapt to individual patient anatomy, leading to unstable coil positioning, headaches, and potential injury risks due to non-reproducible head positioning and constraining designs.
Innovation Solution
An anatomically adaptable headrest with an adjustable support element and a deformable cushion, such as a vacuum cushion or memory foam, that conforms to the patient's head and neck shape, providing stable and consistent positioning across sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard head and neck supports are used, then basic positioning is provided, but they fail to adapt to individual patient anatomy leading to unstable coil positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest cushion transitions from a rigid standard support to a dynamic, adaptable form through vacuum evacuation. The cushion initially has a loose configuration that allows the patient's head and neck to assume a natural position, then transforms into a customized anatomical mold that precisely conforms to individual contours, ensuring stable coil positioning while adapting to each patient's unique anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the cushion is changed by evacuating air through the valve, transforming it from a soft, formless state to a rigid, structure-bearing form. This parameter change in the cushion's internal pressure and density enables it to maintain the customized anatomical shape once formed, providing both adaptability to individual patients and reliability for stable positioning.
2Ease of operation
If vacuum cushions are used to provide comfortable sitting position, then comfort is improved, but they do not enable reproducible positioning across sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cushion creates a physical copy or mold of the patient's head and neck anatomy during each session. This molded shape is then used to reproduce the exact same positioning in subsequent sessions. The cushion essentially copies the anatomical configuration and uses that copy to ensure consistent, reproducible positioning across multiple therapy sessions while maintaining comfort.
3Reliability
If chin straps are used to secure the patient, then head positioning is stabilized, but freedom of movement is lost leading to injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rigid straps that constrain movement, the invention uses a flexible vacuum cushion that adapts to the patient's anatomy. The cushion provides stabilization through conformal contact and negative pressure rather than mechanical restraint, allowing the patient to maintain natural head and neck movements while still achieving stable positioning. This eliminates the injury risk associated with rigid restraining devices.
4Strength
If rigid headrest shells are used, then structural support is provided, but they cannot conform to individual anatomical shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest system is segmented into two distinct functional components: a rigid outer shell that provides structural support and stability, and a deformable inner cushion that conforms to anatomical shapes. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function - the shell maintains structural integrity while the cushion adapts to individual patient anatomy through vacuum evacuation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The headrest ensures firm support and consistent head positioning, reducing muscle tension and preventing headaches, while allowing freedom of movement and minimizing injury risk during TMS therapy.
Implementation Method 1
the cushion being configured to conform solidly about the head, neck, and shoulders of a person resting on it when evacuated from a deflated or semi-inflated state
Implementation Method 2
the cushion is formed of a memory foam material that will return to the anatomical shape it originally conformed to in response to a stimulus
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a headrest for therapeutic environments which is able to adapt and conform to the individual anatomic shape of a patient's head to provide firm support in a desired position for the duration of a therapy session, and which is able to maintain that shape to provide consistent positioning of a patient's head across multiple sessions. The headrest comprises an adjustable support element coupled to a headrest shell, with a headrest cushion being affixed to the shell that can conform to the shape of the patient's head and neck. The cushion is either a vacuum cushion or formed of a memory material, such that the deformation caused by supporting the patient can be reproduced if necessary.