Cervical Traction Brace With Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cervical traction devices are cumbersome, difficult to use, and often require direct interaction with a healthcare provider, limiting patient mobility and ability to engage in daily activities, while also lacking effective data monitoring and adjustment capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable cervical spine brace and traction device that allows adjustable symmetric and asymmetric traction, equipped with sensors for data collection and transmission, enabling electronic or manual control, and featuring a microprocessor for monitoring and adjusting traction based on programmed criteria, allowing patients to use the device in various settings while providing healthcare providers with usage data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cervical traction devices are used, then traction therapy can be provided, but patient mobility and ability to engage in daily activities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cervical traction device is divided into separate components including a headrest assembly, cervical collar, and adjustment mechanisms that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the device to be compact when not in use while providing full functionality during therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities allowing patients to modify traction force, angle, and duration according to their needs and comfort level. The adjustable headrest position and collar fit enable the device to adapt to different patient anatomies and therapy requirements, enhancing both mobility and effectiveness.
2Loss of information
If traditional cervical traction devices are used, then traction therapy can be provided, but data monitoring and adjustment capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors and data tracking capabilities that monitor traction force, duration, and patient compliance. This feedback is transmitted to healthcare providers who can adjust therapy parameters based on objective data, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms are supplemented or replaced with electronic controls, sensors, and wireless communication systems. This substitution enables automated tracking, remote monitoring, and data analysis capabilities that were not possible with purely mechanical devices.
3Ease of operation
If cervical traction is applied to relieve stress within the neck, then pain relief can be achieved, but direct interaction with healthcare provider is required which increases treatment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be patient-operated with intuitive controls for adjusting traction parameters, positioning, and timing. Patients can independently initiate and modify therapy sessions according to their comfort and needs, eliminating the requirement for direct healthcare provider involvement during each treatment session.
Solution Approach 2:
Objective data collected by sensors provides feedback to both patients and healthcare providers, ensuring therapy accuracy and compliance without requiring direct supervision. This data-driven approach maintains treatment reliability while enabling patient independence.
Data Source
AI summary
A brace and traction device and associated methods of operation. In one embodiment, the device incorporates a forwardly open head and jaw brace which is adjustably supported vertically above a forwardly collar member. The brace and the collar member are adapted such that the brace is able to mate with the collar member while still being able to rotate to the subject's left and right while remaining planar to the collar member. Adjustment may be accomplished for example manually or via an electronic motor controlled by a control mechanism and microprocessor. The microprocessor may be adapted to store information regarding a user's sessions, and facilitate communication with patient and physician personal devices, thus sending these data from recorded sessions. The processor element may also be adapted to implement therapy sessions based on physician-entered program specifications, or based on pre-programmed specifications.