Airway Management Device for Oropharyngeal Axis Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional airway management techniques, such as head tilt chin lift and jaw thrust maneuvers, require manual dexterity and can be cumbersome, and individuals with weakened shoulder and neck muscles may struggle to maintain an upright position, leading to potential airway obstruction.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a base with a first and second base portion that can be pivoted to lift the chin and apply pressure to the chest, allowing for unobstructed airway alignment without manual contact with the patient's head, using a pressure block and securing assembly to maintain alignment and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual head tilt chin lift or jaw thrust maneuvers are used to open the airway, then the airway can be opened, but the operator cannot perform other important tasks simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway opening capabilityVSAvoidoperator task efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service airway management by allowing patients to position their own heads and maintain airway alignment independently, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention by operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device acts as an intermediary between the patient's head and the supporting surface, providing mechanical assistance for airway alignment without requiring direct manual contact from the operator during critical tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If individuals with weakened shoulder and neck muscles attempt to maintain upright head position, then they may achieve some airway opening, but they experience pain and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead position maintenanceVSAvoidpain and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides counterbalancing support to the head and neck, distributing the weight and reducing the burden on weakened shoulder and neck muscles, thereby eliminating pain and discomfort while maintaining proper airway alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Reliability

If conventional manual techniques are used for airway management, then the airway can be opened, but manual dexterity is required which may not be available in all situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway opening effectivenessVSAvoidmanual dexterity requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to be self-positioning and self-maintaining, eliminating the need for manual dexterity in操作中, while still achieving reliable airway alignment through its mechanical design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device serves as a mechanical intermediary that translates simple positioning actions into effective airway alignment, reducing the skill level and manual dexterity required from the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11497678B2System and method for airway management

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 SIFFERLIN CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS CO LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for airway management are provided. The airway management devices may be configured to align the oropharyngeal, laryngeal and tracheal axes of a person's head and/or support a neck region and chin and posterior mandibular region of a person. The airway management devices may provide forces similar to forces provided by a conventional head tilt chin lift maneuver and a conventional jaw thrust maneuver.