Arc-Adjustable Head Stabilization for Multi-Position Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head stabilization devices are not adequately adjustable to securely support a patient's head in various positions, such as prone, supine, or rotated positions, leading to potential movement or slippage during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A head stabilization device with an arc member and adjustable skull clamp that allows for semi-lateral positioning of the skull clamp up to 45 degrees relative to the central head support, featuring a dovetail interface and actuators for precise adjustment, enabling secure stabilization in different patient orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing head stabilization devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot securely support the patient's head in various positions leading to movement or slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The skull clamp is made adjustable along the arc member, allowing dynamic repositioning to accommodate various patient orientations (prone, supine, rotated positions). The actuator enables the clamp to be moved to different locations on the arc and locked in place, transforming a static device into a dynamic one that adapts to different stabilization needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional components: the arc member providing the trajectory, the skull clamp providing stabilization force, and the actuator providing adjustment capability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve secure head stabilization in various positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the skull clamp is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate various patient orientations such as prone, supine, or rotated positions
Solution Approach 1:
The skull clamp transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position along the arc member. The actuator enables the clamp to be moved to different locations on the arc and locked in place, allowing adaptation to various patient orientations including prone, supine, and rotated positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc member serves as an intermediary element that connects the skull clamp to the head support structure. It provides a predefined trajectory along which the clamp can be adjusted, mediating between the need for simple structural attachment and the requirement for versatile position adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head stabilization device is made more adjustable, then various patient positions can be accommodated, but the device becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, with the plunger fitting into recesses along the arc member to indicate position. The operator can easily understand and operate the device without complex instructions, as the mechanical design itself guides the adjustment process through tactile feedback and visual alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary head stabilization devices or head fixation devices (HFDs) include a positioning assembly with a curved elongated portion extending generally concentrically relative to a head of a patient when supported by the HFD. The HFD is adjustably connectable with the positioning assembly and moveable relative to the positioning assembly along an arc length of the curved elongated portion. This adjustment changes a position of the HFD relative to the head of the patient with the HFD moving generally concentrically about the head of the patient.