Cervical Collar Height, Depth, and Circumferential Fit Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cervical collars face challenges in fitting multiple patients due to single height adjustment mechanisms causing finger pain for medical professionals, limited fit range due to pivot systems, and difficulties in maintaining proper fit after removal by users.
Innovation Solution
A cervical collar with a height adjustment mechanism that bilaterally adjusts the space between the chin and body portions vertically, and a circumferential adjustment mechanism that retains fit after removal, along with a chin depth adjustment mechanism to accommodate various neck sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single height adjustment mechanism is used in conventional cervical collars, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates causing finger pain for medical professionals after fitting many patients
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into multiple independent height adjustment mechanisms (first and second height adjustment mechanisms) that operate separately on each side of the cervical collar. This segmentation allows medical professionals to adjust each side independently, reducing the repetitive strain on fingers while maintaining overall collar functionality.
2Device complexity
If conventional pivot systems are used in cervical collars, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates limiting proper fit to fewer users
Solution Approach 1:
The cervical collar incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through multiple independent height adjustment mechanisms that allow the collar to adapt to various patient anatomies. The chin piece can be positioned at different heights and angles independently on each side, enabling proper fit for a wider range of users while maintaining manageable device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional collar designs are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates causing users to be unable to repeat proper fitting after removal
Solution Approach 1:
The cervical collar incorporates pre-configured adjustment mechanisms with multiple height settings and alignment features that guide users through proper fitting. The first and second height adjustment mechanisms are pre-positioned to work together, ensuring that when users reattach the collar after removal, they can reliably reproduce the correct fit without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Cervical collars, components thereof, and methods of using them overcome issues with conventional cervical collars.