Head-Neck Traction Brace With 2-DOF Posture and Force Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cervical traction methods lack precise control over head posture and traction force, and are unable to perform independent z-translation and lateral bending during neck traction, limiting their effectiveness in treating cervical spondylosis and neck pain.

Innovation Solution

A head-neck traction brace with a base frame and end-effector frame, featuring chains of joints configured to provide two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) through mechanisms like RPUR or RRUR structures, allowing for controlled vertical translation and lateral bending of the head, using linear actuators or rotary motors to actively control prismatic or revolute joints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual traction is used, then the clinician has freedom to manipulate head position and orientation, but there is intrinsic human manipulation error and imprecision in delivering traction forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom to manipulate head positionVSAvoidprecision of traction force delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with a robotic system that uses actuators (electromechanical or hydraulic) to apply controlled traction forces. The robotic arm can precisely control force magnitude, direction, and application timing while maintaining the therapeutic manipulation capability, thereby eliminating human error in force delivery while preserving clinical freedom in head positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system acts as an intermediary between the clinician's intent and the actual traction force application. The system receives commands from the clinician and translates them into precise mechanical actions through controlled actuators, ensuring accurate force delivery while maintaining the therapeutic effect. This intermediary layer filters out human manipulation errors while preserving operational freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If conventional mechanical traction is used, then precise control over head position and traction force magnitude is achieved, but the device cannot provide rotation in the frontal plane (lateral bending)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of head position controlVSAvoidability to perform lateral bending

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system divides the head positioning function into multiple independent degrees of freedom: vertical translation for traction force, flexion/extension for forward-backward movement, and lateral bending for frontal plane rotation. Each degree of freedom is controlled by independent actuators or joint mechanisms, allowing precise control of head position while enabling the previously missing lateral bending capability. This segmentation allows the system to combine precise positioning with enhanced versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If over-the-door traction is used for at-home use, then the device is portable and easy to apply, but it has limited control over head angle and cannot provide rotation in the frontal plane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability and ease of applicationVSAvoidcontrol over head angle and lateral bending

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed-position traction device into a dynamic system that can adapt head angle and orientation in real-time. The robotic arm can adjust the head position dynamically during traction application, providing lateral bending and controlled head angles while maintaining portability. The system can be positioned and repositioned as needed, combining the ease of home use with the versatility of a clinical-grade device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250352381A1Wearable Head-Neck Traction Braces with Two End-Effector Degrees-of-Freedom

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIV IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

AI summary

A number of alternative embodiments for implementing an articulated head-neck traction brace are described. Each of these embodiments has a base frame configured to be supported by a subject's shoulders, and an end-effector frame configured so that it can be removably attached to the subject's head, and either three or four chains of joints that run between the base frame and the end-effector frame. In some embodiments, each chain of joints has a Revolute-Prismatic-Universal-Revolute (RPUR) structure, and there are either three or four chains of joints. In other embodiments, each chain of joints has a Revolute-Revolute-Universal-Revolute (RRUR) structure, and there are four chains of joints.