Contoured Immobilization Device with Living Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional immobilization devices for cervical and spinal injuries are inadequate in distributing pressure comfortably, often applying pressure to sensitive anatomical regions, being cumbersome to apply, and ill-fitting, lacking adjustments for various anatomical sizes.
Innovation Solution
The immobilization device features contoured anterior and posterior components with cushion elements and a strapping system that includes adjustable straps and living hinges, providing a secure and comfortable fit by minimizing pressure on sensitive areas and accommodating different anatomical sizes through adjustable and flexible components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional immobilization devices apply pressure to the chest, then the halo upright assembly is supported, but pressure is applied to sensitive anatomical regions causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The anterior component incorporates outwardly bowed areas at specific locations corresponding to sensitive anatomical regions (sternum, ribs) that create localized pressure relief zones. These bowed areas are strategically positioned to redirect pressure away from sensitive structures while maintaining overall chest support through the rigid anterior component framework.
Solution Approach 2:
Padding elements are introduced as intermediary components between the anterior component and the wearer's chest. These padding elements distribute and soften the contact pressure, acting as a mediator that reduces the harmful pressure concentration on sensitive anatomical regions while still allowing the anterior component to provide structural support.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional immobilization devices use fixed-size components, then manufacturing is simplified, but the devices do not adapt to various anatomical sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The posterior component incorporates living hinges that enable dynamic adjustment of the vest's fit. These hinges allow the posterior component to flex and adapt to different anatomical shapes and sizes while maintaining structural integrity. The adjustable straps working with the living hinges create a dynamic system that can be customized to various patients' bodies without requiring multiple fixed-size components.
3Reliability
If conventional immobilization devices use rigid structures, then immobilization effectiveness is improved, but the devices are cumbersome to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The immobilization device is divided into separate modular components: an anterior component, a posterior component, and a strapping system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and positioned, making the overall device easier to apply and adjust while maintaining the rigid structural elements needed for effective immobilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinges in the posterior component introduce controlled flexibility that aids in the application process. The hinges allow the posterior component to flex during donning and adjustment, making it easier to position on the patient's body, while the rigid anterior component and strapping system maintain immobilization effectiveness once applied.
4Device complexity
If conventional immobilization devices lack adjustment mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but the devices are ill-fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable straps serve multiple functions: they secure the anterior and posterior components together, allow for size adjustment to fit various anatomical dimensions, and provide fine-tuning capability for optimal fit. This multi-functionality achieves reliable fitting across different patients without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of living hinges and adjustable straps creates a dynamically adaptable system. The living hinges provide structural flexibility while the adjustable straps enable precise fitting adjustments, together achieving reliable fit quality without excessive complexity.
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 effectively distributes pressure, provides a comfortable and secure fit, and adapts to various anatomical sizes, enhancing the immobilization of the head and neck while facilitating healing.
Implementation Method 1
First and second elastic lower straps each having a first end are connected to the first and second lower strap stabilizers at the lower portion of the posterior component, respectively. The lower straps adjustably extend over the first and second lower strap stabilizers
Data Source
AI summary
An immobilization device including an anterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human chest and an anterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped anterior section generally corresponding to the sternum of the wearer. The device also includes a posterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human back and a posterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped section corresponding to the spinal column of the wearer, with elongate cushion elements connected to and extending within a width of the posterior outwardly bowed area. A strapping system connects both the anterior and posterior components to one another.