Cervical Spine Motion Simulation With Sensor-Based Alignment Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating cervical spine stabilization during patient transfers and tracheal intubation/laryngoscopy maneuvers rely on subjective visual assessments, which are inadequate for assessing the rapidity and synchronization of movements by multiple rescuers.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a neck mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom for a mannequin, equipped with sensors and a processing unit to quantify cervical spine orientation changes, providing real-time feedback on proper alignment and force application during transfers and airway management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual assessment by on-site evaluator is used, then the evaluation method is simple and easy to implement, but the measurement precision and objectivity of cervical spine stabilization assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual assessment mechanism with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors (optical, electromagnetic, or mechanical) are integrated into the neck mechanism to automatically detect and quantify cervical spine motion parameters, eliminating reliance on subjective human evaluation while maintaining ease of operation through automated data collection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and processing units as intermediary elements between the cervical spine mechanism and the evaluation process. These intermediaries objectively measure motion parameters (angular displacement, velocity, acceleration) and transmit data to a processing unit that compares measurements against predetermined thresholds, providing an impartial assessment bridge between physical motion and evaluation results.
2Reliability
If multiple rescuers perform transfers, then the transfer operation becomes more complex, but the reliability of cervical spine stabilization improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor cervical spine motion parameters during multi-rescuer transfers and provide real-time data to a processing unit. The system compares measured parameters against predetermined thresholds and provides immediate feedback on whether stabilization criteria are met, enabling rescuers to adjust their coordination and technique to maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the complex transfer operation.
3Productivity
If rapid rotation step is performed, then the transfer speed increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring proper alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic sensors capable of capturing high-speed motion parameters during rapid rotation steps. The sensor system is designed to measure angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration at the speeds at which rescuers actually perform transfers, rather than requiring slow, controlled movements for measurement. This allows accurate detection and measurement of alignment even during fast, real-world transfer operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A neck mechanism for a mannequin comprises three or more joint units serially connected to provide joints for three or more rotational degrees of freedom (DOF). A rotational axis of a first DOF is configured to be aligned with a lateral axis of the mannequin. A rotational axis of a second DOF is configured to be aligned with an anterior-posterior axis of the mannequin. A rotational axis of a third DOF is configured to be aligned with a cranial- caudal axis of the mannequin. A bottom one of the joint units is adapted to be connected to a torso of the mannequin, and a top one of the at least three joint units is adapted to be connected to a skull. The mannequin may also have a skull connected to the top one of the joint units, and a trunk connected to the bottom one of the joint units. A system for simulating cervical spine motions is also provided.