Contoured Cushion for Neck Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating tension headaches and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) either provide temporary relief or produce inconsistent results with low-level electromagnetic radiation, failing to effectively heal the underlying muscles and tissues.
Innovation Solution
A device that positions the patient to induce muscles in the head and neck into a gently stretched receptive state, combined with emitters that deliver low-level electromagnetic radiation, such as near-infrared light, to promote healing and alleviate pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low-level electromagnetic radiation is applied by emitters positioned on a skull cap, face wrap, or handheld device, then electromagnetic therapy can be delivered to the affected areas, but the results are inconsistent both among different patients and across different treatment sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion layer is contoured with a curved contact surface that matches the natural curvature of the sub-occipital region and lower neck. This curvature ensures consistent positioning of the emitters relative to the treatment area across different patients and sessions, eliminating the positioning variability that causes inconsistent results with flat or rigid devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion layer is made from a compliant material that can deform under patient weight to achieve optimal contact between the emitters and the skin surface. This material compliance allows the device to adapt to individual patient anatomy, ensuring consistent emitter positioning and radiation delivery despite variations in patient size and shape.
2Ease of operation
If contoured pillows or oral inserts are used to physically position the patient, then temporary relief of discomfort can be achieved, but the devices are not capable of healing the affected muscles and tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines two previously separate functions into one integrated system: mechanical positioning (through the contoured cushion layer) and electromagnetic radiation delivery (through the emitters). The cushion layer positions the patient's neck and sub-occipital region in a therapeutic posture while simultaneously positioning the emitters to deliver low-level electromagnetic radiation to the same area, providing both immediate relief and long-term healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support and positioning for the neck and head, maintains proper alignment of the sub-occipital region, ensures consistent contact between the emitters and skin surface, and delivers electromagnetic radiation therapy. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate positioning devices and radiation delivery systems.
3Reliability
If the contact surface is contoured to support the curvature of the sub-occipital region and lower neck, then consistent positioning and emitter alignment are achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion layer is constructed from a flexible, compliant material that can be molded into the required contoured shape. This flexible material achieves the complex curved geometry needed for proper emitter alignment and patient positioning without requiring a rigid, structurally complex framework. The material's compliance allows it to conform to patient anatomy while maintaining the therapeutic contour.
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 device consistently alleviates pain and facilitates healing of muscles and tissues, providing reliable and long-lasting relief for tension headaches and TMD by inducing a photochemical reaction that increases temperature and improves blood circulation.
Implementation Method 1
inducing a photochemical reaction that increases temperature and improves blood circulation
Implementation Method 2
low-level light therapy increases the temperature in the muscles and tissues of a treatment area
Data Source
AI summary
A device for delivering low-level electromagnetic radiation to a patient includes a core portion including an upper surface and defining at least a portion of a base surface opposite the upper surface. The base surface is substantially planar and configured to rest on a substrate. The device also includes a cushion layer mounted on the upper surface and substantially defining a contact surface. The contact surface is opposite the base surface and contoured to support a curvature of a sub-occipital region and a lower neck region of the patient in a supine position. The device further includes a plurality of emitters coupled proximate to the contact surface and configured to emit low-level electromagnetic radiation transdermally to at least one of the sub-occipital region and the lower neck region.