Contoured Foam Head Support for Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tables for spinal surgery often fail to provide adequate support and access for the patient's head, leading to potential injuries and restricted access for caregivers during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A head support apparatus with a contoured foam pad made from water-based polyurethane foam, which flares outwardly to accommodate the patient's head and includes a C-shaped base, lockable joints, and a mirror for unobstructed access to the patient's airway, ensuring proper positioning and reducing the risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional rigid head support is used, then structural stability is improved, but patient comfort and safety deteriorate due to potential injuries from head weight
Solution Approach 1:
The foam pad changes its physical state from flat to curved under the weight of the patient's head, transforming from a rigid support structure to a compliant cushioning form that contours to the facial structure, thereby reducing injury risk while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The foam pad is pre-positioned between the head support and the patient's face to provide cushioning before the head weight is applied, preventing direct contact and potential injury from the outset
2Stability of the object's composition
If a solid foam pad is used, then support stability is improved, but access to the patient's airway deteriorates due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
A cutout is removed from the foam pad to create an opening that provides direct access to the patient's airway, allowing caregivers to monitor and manage the airway without removing or adjusting the head support
Solution Approach 2:
The foam pad is segmented into distinct functional zones: a curved support portion for facial contact, a cutout portion for airway access, and side wall portions for structural integrity, allowing each zone to perform its specific function
3Ease of manufacture
If a flat foam pad is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but patient comfort and proper positioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The foam pad transitions from a static flat configuration during manufacturing and storage to a dynamic curved configuration when the patient's head weight is applied, automatically adapting to the patient's facial structure for optimal positioning and comfort
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 apparatus provides effective support for the patient's head, reduces the risk of injury from head weight, and allows for unrestricted access to the patient's airway, enhancing surgical accessibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the foam pad moves into the curved state under the weight of a patient's head
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising a head support (114) including a shell (140)having an upwardly facing concave interior surface (142) contoured to accommodate a patient's face, the shell having a cutout (160) in a region thereof that corresponds to a patient's eyes, nose and mouth, and a relatively flat foam pad (120) having a cutout (178) in a region thereof that corresponds to a patient's eyes, nose and mouth, the foam pad (120) moving from a flat state into a curved state as it moves down into the shell (140) under the weight of a patient's head.