Conformable Cervical Collar with Nested Storage and Pre-formed Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cervical collars used in first aid operations are cumbersome and difficult to apply, particularly in emergency situations, due to their large size and complex fitting mechanisms, which can hinder quick and safe patient stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A cervical collar made from a single piece of conformable material, combining an inner aluminium foil for shape retention and a comfortable expanded material coating, with foldable design and adjustable chin fins for easy fitting, and a repositionable closing device for secure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the collar is made in a traditional flat shape with closing means, then it can be stored and reused, but its overall length exceeds 60 cm making it cumbersome and difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to be nested within itself by folding the distal end into the body of the collar, creating a compact stored configuration that reduces both length and volume for easy carrying in emergency equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the collar includes a mobile chin rest to be fitted to patient size and shape, then it can adapt to different patients, but the application becomes complex and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The chin rest is designed with variable parameters including different sizes and shapes that can be selected based on patient characteristics, allowing adaptation to different patients without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during application
Solution Approach 2:
The chin rest is pre-positioned and pre-shaped during manufacturing to match common patient anatomies, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments and reducing application time while maintaining adaptability
3Strength
If the collar uses multiple foldings to form stiffening ribs, then it can provide the required stiffness, but the use becomes rather slow and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening ribs are pre-formed and pre-positioned within the collar structure during manufacturing, so that the collar provides the required stiffness immediately upon application without requiring the user to perform multiple foldings or assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The collar combines multiple materials including a flexible outer layer, an inner stiffening layer with pre-formed ribs, and adhesive bonding to achieve the required stiffness while maintaining ease of application - the composite structure provides strength without requiring complex user manipulation
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 collar can be easily stored in a compact form, quickly applied to the patient, and provides effective immobilization of the neck while being lightweight and easy to carry, enhancing safety and efficiency in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
The collar is made in a single piece with a conformable material able to hold the imparted shape... an inner foil made of aluminium or its alloys... aids the folding and the imparted shape to be held
Implementation Method 2
an outer coating made, for example, with a closed-cells expanded material... is comfortable for the patient
Data Source
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AI summary
A cervical collar is described, comprising a main body able to take at least one first shape condition suitable to allow the storing thereof and at least one second shape condition suitable to be applied to a patient neck to prevent the cervical vertebrae from moving. The collar is made in a single piece with conformable material able to hold the imparted shape, and the main body is shaped to have various portions for supporting and/or resting the patient body parts at the neck.