Adjustable Thrust Arm Airway Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airway management devices and techniques are inadequate in maintaining stable airway passages due to limitations in adjusting to varying patient jaw and head positions, particularly in cases of backward jaw movement causing tongue blockage.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base with movably attached support arms and thrust arms, equipped with jaw discs for rotation, allowing controlled manipulation of head, neck, and jaw positions to facilitate stable airway management, including adjustable support and tilt mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual maneuvers (jaw thrust, head tilt-chin lift) are used to clear airway blockages, then airway obstruction can be relieved temporarily, but the airway cannot be maintained stably and positioning cannot be adjusted for different patients
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs movable support arms that can be adjusted in position and angle, allowing dynamic adaptation to different patient anatomies. The thrust arms are connected via connectors that enable movement and positioning adjustment, transforming a static manual maneuver into a dynamically adjustable mechanical system that can maintain stable airway positioning while accommodating varying patient requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid fixed-position devices are used for airway management, then positioning stability is achieved, but the device cannot accommodate various jaw and head positions of different patients
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent adjustable segments: a base, movable support arms with latches, thrust arms with releases, and jaw discs. Each segment can be independently positioned and locked, allowing the device to accommodate various patient anatomies while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables complexity management by breaking down the adjustment mechanism into manageable, independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows change in critical parameters including support arm position, thrust arm angle, and jaw disc orientation. These parameters can be adjusted to match different patient requirements, enabling the same device to adapt to various jaw and head positions without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Reliability
If manual airway maneuvers are performed, then airway opening is achieved, but the positioning cannot be maintained stably during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-locking mechanisms where the support arm latches and thrust arm releases automatically maintain positioning without continuous manual intervention. Once adjusted, the movable joints and connectors hold the positioning, allowing the airway to remain open and stable during procedures while reducing the operational burden on the practitioner.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a device facilitate controlled positioning and manipulation of an individual's relative head, neck and jaw positions to facilitate stable airway management. In various embodiments, the device includes a base to which support arms are movably attached. A thrust arm is movably attached to each support arm and a jaw disc is attached to each thrust arm and adapted for rotation in accommodating various shapes and sizes of patient jaws