Buoyancy Cervical Traction Headrest with Adjustable Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cervical traction methods, such as over-the-door devices, are uncomfortable, provide limited directional traction, and are difficult to set up alone, lacking the ability to apply buoyant support for therapeutic benefits.
Innovation Solution
A buoyancy-based cervical traction system that includes a floatation system and a head rest, allowing for adjustable positioning and orientation in a liquid to apply traction, with a chin support that yields under excessive force for safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If over-the-door cervical traction device is used, then traction can be applied to the neck, but the patient experiences discomfort and feels hung
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies buoyancy force as a counterweight to gravity, using a flotation device that generates upward buoyant force to support the patient's body weight. This counteracts the harmful gravitational force and eliminates the uncomfortable 'hung' sensation, while still allowing controlled traction force to be applied to the neck through the head rest mechanism.
2Force
If over-the-door cervical traction device is used, then traction can be applied, but only in one direction (straight upward)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the traction system dynamic and adjustable by allowing the head rest to be positioned at multiple angles relative to the flotation device. The head rest can be adjusted to various orientations (e.g., 0 degrees for vertical traction, 15-30 degrees for lateral traction, 45 degrees for diagonal traction), enabling the traction force to be applied in different directions according to the patient's specific needs, rather than being fixed in one direction.
3Force
If over-the-door cervical traction device is used, then traction can be applied, but it is difficult for one person to place without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the cervical traction device as a self-service system where the patient can independently don and doff the device without requiring assistance from another person. The flotation device and head rest are configured to be easily attached and removed by the patient themselves, eliminating the need for setup assistance while maintaining proper traction application.
4Ease of operation
If buoyancy-based system is used, then comfort and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cervical traction system into distinct functional segments: a flotation device component for buoyancy support, a head rest component for traction application, and an adjustment mechanism for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed, manufactured, and adjusted, making the overall system more manageable and easier to operate despite the added functionality for buoyancy and multi-directional traction.
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 system provides a comfortable, versatile, and effective cervical traction experience by allowing adjustable traction direction and force, reducing discomfort and setup challenges, while ensuring safety and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a floatation system having positive buoyancy when in the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A buoyancy-based cervical traction system has a floatation and a head rest supported by the flotation system. The head rest is adapted to support a person's head above the neck and apply traction to the neck when the person is in a body of liquid. The system has a position adjustment system adapted to allow selective adjustment of the position at which the person's head rest will be relative to an upper surface of the liquid when the person and the cervical traction system are in the liquid, the person's head is supported by the head rest, and the cervical traction system and person are floating in the liquid at equilibrium.