Adjustable Chin and Forehead Rest for Stable Ophthalmic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ophthalmic imaging devices lack adjustability for chin and forehead rests, causing patient discomfort and increased imaging time due to movement, which can lead to artifacts and misdiagnosis.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable head support system with a chinrest and forehead rest, featuring a chin adjuster and flexible forehead support, allowing for customizable fit to patient dimensions and stable head positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If chin and forehead rests are made fixed and non-adjustable, then device complexity is reduced, but patient comfort and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The chin rest is divided into multiple segments: a first base member and a second base member that can move relative to each other along an axis, allowing the diameter of the chin opening to be adjusted. This segmentation enables independent adjustment of each component to fit different patient sizes while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chin rest incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including a chin adjuster that allows the first and second base members to move relative to each other, and a ball joint in the mounting assembly that enables positional adjustments. These dynamic elements allow the fixed-appearing structure to adapt to varying patient dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If chin and forehead rests are made adjustable to patient dimensions, then patient comfort and stability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chin rest design serves multiple functions within a unified structure: it provides patient support, allows diameter adjustment via the chin adjuster, enables positional adjustment via the ball joint, and accommodates different patient sizes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms are nested within the overall chin rest structure. The chin adjuster is integrated into the relationship between the first and second base members, while the ball joint is incorporated into the mounting assembly. This nesting allows adjustment functionality to be embedded within the support structure itself rather than added as separate external components.
3Reliability
If head support is made stable and consistent, then imaging accuracy improves, but patient comfort may deteriorate due to restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The chin rest and forehead rest are adjusted to fit the patient's dimensions before the imaging process begins. The chin opening diameter is set using the chin adjuster, and the forehead rest position is configured using the forehead adjuster. This preliminary adjustment ensures both patient comfort and head stability are established before imaging, preventing the need for adjustments during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable design allows the patient's head to naturally settle into the customized support configuration. The chin rest adapts to the patient's chin size and the forehead rest adapts to the patient's forehead shape, creating a self-adjusting effect that enhances both comfort and stability without requiring continuous intervention.
4Ease of operation
If head support allows patient movement for comfort, then patient comfort improves, but imaging time increases due to artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows parameter adjustments (chin opening diameter, forehead rest position and curvature) to be changed to match patient-specific dimensions. By customizing these parameters before imaging, the patient achieves comfort through proper fit rather than movement, thereby maintaining imaging efficiency and avoiding artifacts caused by motion during the procedure.
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 system provides a comfortable and stable imaging experience by ensuring a comfortable and stable head positioning, allowing for efficient and accurate imaging by reducing patient movement and artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
The chinrest support includes a ball joint
Implementation Method 2
a flexible forehead support and a forehead adjuster
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic imaging system includes a head support system configured to stabilize a patient's head. The head support system includes a chinrest. A chinrest body including a first base member coupled to a second base member by a chin adjuster defining a chin opening. The chin adjuster defines an axis along which the first base member and the second base member are movable relative to one another to adjust a diameter of the chin opening. A chinrest mounting assembly includes a chinrest support including a ball joint and a chinrest attachment defining an opening to receive the ball joint. The opening has a first grooved hole and a second grooved hole defining a first position and a second position for the chinrest. A forehead rest is configured to be coupled to the ophthalmic device and includes a flexible forehead support and a forehead adjuster.