Body-mountable cushion structure for post-surgical support and protection and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-surgical support and protection solutions, such as travel pillows and chest pads, fail to adequately address the comfort, therapeutic, and protection needs of patients, especially those with abdominal surgeries, as they do not effectively support the torso and abdomen from automotive seatbelts and lack features for therapeutic treatments like ice packs or wound therapy.
Innovation Solution
A body-mountable cushion structure comprising an elongated planar resilient cushion with upper and lower pillow portions, adjustable straps, and pockets for ice packs or vacuum pumps, designed to pivot and provide support and protection for the chest, abdomen, and torso, allowing for therapeutic treatment and comfort during vehicle travel and extended use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional travel pillow is used, then cushioning between seatbelt and body is provided, but adequate support and protection for post-surgical abdominal and torso areas is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into distinct functional zones including a chest portion, abdominal portion, and torso portion, each designed to address specific post-surgical support needs. The abdominal portion includes lateral portions that can be positioned to support flanks, creating segmented pressure distribution tailored to post-surgical requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion integrates multiple functions into a single device: pressure distribution, surgical site protection, therapeutic cooling (via ice pack pockets), and positional support. The universal design accommodates various post-surgical conditions including abdominal surgeries, mastectomies, and breast reconstructions
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple cushion structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but therapeutic treatment capabilities are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The ice packs are nested within pockets integrated into the cushion structure. The pockets are formed as recesses in the cushion layers, allowing ice packs to be contained within the cushion itself rather than requiring separate external cooling devices. This nested design adds therapeutic functionality while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece cushion construction
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion merges protective cushioning function with therapeutic cooling function by integrating ice pack pockets directly into the cushion structure. The lateral portions of the abdominal portion are merged to form continuous support across the lower abdomen and flank areas
3Strength
If the cushion structure is rigid, then structural support is improved, but comfort during body movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is constructed from compressible materials such as foam that provide structural support while maintaining flexibility. The material properties allow the cushion to conform to body contours and move with the patient while maintaining its shape-providing support characteristics
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 cushion structure effectively protects surgical sites from seatbelt pressure, provides comfort, and allows for therapeutic treatments like ice pack placement, enhancing support and protection for post-surgical patients during travel and recovery, addressing the limitations of prior solutions.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated planar resilient cushion structure that may be adapted to support and provide protection
Implementation Method 2
one or more pockets on either or both sides of the cushion structure for removably containing one or more ice packs or other items for therapeutic treatment
Data Source
AI summary
Pivotably connected upper and lower cushions may be sized and shaped to protect chest and lower abdomen areas of a patient, respectively. The cushion structure may be held against the chest and/or abdomen areas of a patient by a combination of an adjustable and disconnectable neck strap attached to an upper portion of the upper cushion, and an adjustable length and resilient strap, such as an elastic belt binder, which may be positioned around the user's waist and the upper cushion. The lower cushion may pivotably move with the patient's legs, allowing the cushion structure to be comfortably used when moving between standing and seated positions, and providing improved protection from automotive seat belts. Pockets may be provided for positioning ice packs proximate the patient's body and for inconspicuously placing a negative-pressure wound therapy vacuum pump or other items.