Headset System with Baseplate for Supine Patient Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headsets designed for vertical use are ineffective when patients are lying down or unconscious, causing discomfort, misalignment, and strain on the neck and head, and are not suitable for emergency or neurological condition scenarios where patients cannot sit or stand.
Innovation Solution
A headset system that allows operation while the patient is in a supine or reclined position, with a baseplate that supports the headset and robotic pods, eliminating the need for head restraints and distributing the weight of the system to the surface, thereby reducing strain and improving alignment and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional robotic or manual headset devices are designed to be worn by the subject, then the headset can be secured to the head, but the weight of several pounds strains the neck muscles or head structure
Solution Approach 1:
The headset system is divided into separate functional modules: a head cradle for supporting the head, a baseplate for mounting, and robotic pods for the actual measurement devices. This segmentation allows the heavy components to be separated from the head-support function, reducing neck strain while maintaining measurement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A baseplate is introduced as an intermediary component between the head cradle and the robotic pods. The baseplate provides a stable mounting surface that can be positioned on various surfaces (beds, examination tables) and supports the robotic pods while the head cradle independently supports the patient's head, eliminating the need for the head to bear the weight of the measurement devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional headsets are designed for vertical use, then they can operate correctly when the subject is sitting or standing, but they cannot operate correctly when the patient is laying down or unconscious
Solution Approach 1:
The headset system is designed to be universal across multiple patient positions. The baseplate can be placed on any flat surface (bed, examination table, gurney), and the head cradle can accommodate patients whether they are supine, prone, or in intermediate positions. This multi-position capability makes the system applicable to both vertical and horizontal patient positions, as well as emergency scenarios where patients cannot sit or stand.
Solution Approach 2:
The head cradle incorporates adjustable components including a center restraint that can pivot about a hinge to adjustably engage and disengage a forehead of the subject, and side restraints with ramped surfaces that can be positioned to accommodate different head orientations. These dynamic adjustments allow the system to adapt to various patient positions while maintaining proper alignment for accurate measurements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the headset is made from non-metal materials for imaging tools, then it can be positioned in MRI or CT scanners, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The headset system uses composite construction combining non-metallic materials (for MRI/CT compatibility) with strategic metallic or reinforced components where structural strength is critical. The baseplate and head cradle can be made from non-metallic composites that provide sufficient strength for supporting the head and mounting devices while being compatible with imaging tools, eliminating the need to remove the headset during scanning.
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 system provides improved comfort and stability for patients, reduces movement-related misalignment, and allows for precise testing and easy operation in various settings, including MRI scanners, by supporting the headset and robotic pods with a baseplate that distributes the weight and eliminates the need for head restraints.
Implementation Method 1
a probe coupled to the at least one probe adjustment mechanism and configured to emit acoustic energy
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangements described herein relate to a headset system and a method to manufacturing the headset system, the headset system including a headset configured to lay on top of a surface and to support a head of a subject when the subject is in a supine position or a reclined position, at least one probe adjustment mechanism, and a probe coupled to the at least one probe adjustment mechanism and configured to emit acoustic energy.