Articulated Prone Headrest With Adjustable Facial Support Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrests for surgical procedures in the prone position are often one-size-fits-all and not adjustable, leading to complications from improper padding and the need for continuous monitoring, as they do not account for the variability in patients' facial structures.
Innovation Solution
A headrest assembly with independently adjustable pads for the forehead, chin, and zygomatic arches, allowing for customizable positioning to fit different facial shapes, including vertical and horizontal adjustments, and featuring a mirror for continuous patient visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one-size-fits-all headrest is used, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to different patient facial structures deteriorates leading to improper padding
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is divided into multiple separate pads (forehead pad, chin pad, left zygomatic arch pad, right zygomatic arch pad) that can be independently adjusted. Each pad is a separate component attached to a common support structure, allowing individual positioning to match different patient facial geometries while maintaining a relatively simple overall device design
Solution Approach 2:
The pads are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the headrest configuration to be dynamically modified for each patient. The adjustment mechanisms enable repositioning of each pad to accommodate variations in facial structure, transforming a static one-size-fits-all design into an adaptable system
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive alterations are made to customize the headrest, then the adaptability to patient facial structures is improved, but the device complexity increases and the headrest must be discarded after use
Solution Approach 1:
By using separate adjustable pads rather than requiring alterations to a single integrated structure, the system achieves customization without complex modifications. Each pad can be independently repositioned through adjustment mechanisms, providing custom fit capability while maintaining the integrity and reusability of the overall headrest device
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple patient types through standardized adjustment mechanisms. The same headrest unit can be customized for different patients by adjusting the pad positions, eliminating the need for patient-specific modifications or disposal after single use
3Device complexity
If non-adjustable headrests are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of proper padding and patient safety deteriorates due to continuous monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest incorporates adjustable pads that can be positioned to match each patient's facial structure, ensuring reliable proper padding. The adjustment capability allows the device to adapt to individual anatomical variations, improving safety and reducing the need for continuous monitoring to detect improper positioning
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple alterations are performed on the headrest, then the adaptability to individual patients is improved, but the loss of time for setup and the need to discard the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable pad system allows rapid reconfiguration for different patients without permanent alterations. Each pad can be quickly repositioned using adjustment mechanisms, significantly reducing setup time compared to extensive manual alterations. The device remains intact and reusable after each procedure, eliminating disposal time entirely
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest assembly includes a frame and a plurality of support pads. The plurality of support pads may include a forehead pad, a chin pad, and two zygomatic arch pads. One or more of the plurality of support pads may be adjustable vertically and horizontally relative to the frame through adjustment arms.