Inflatable Neck Traction Device with Adjustable Airbags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neck traction devices are cumbersome, require medical professional assistance, and are not suitable for use as a sleeping pillow, making them inaccessible and ineffective for self-administered cervical traction therapy, particularly for individuals with chronic neck and shoulder dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
A neck traction device with inflatable airbags and a manually or powered inflation system, allowing users to adjust the device's firmness and height to achieve cervical traction, integrated with physical therapy options like electrotherapy and heat therapy, enabling independent use and comfort during sleep.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional neck traction devices are used, then cervical traction therapy can be provided, but the devices are cumbersome and require medical professional assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The neck traction device enables users to self-administer cervical traction therapy through self-inflation of the airbag. The device includes a manual or electric pump that allows the user to independently adjust and control the traction force by inflating or deflating the airbag, eliminating the need for medical professional assistance and complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an airbag filled with gas to provide cervical traction. The airbag can be inflated through a manual or electric pump, creating internal pressure that exerts a gentle pulling force on the cervical spine. This pneumatic mechanism replaces complex mechanical traction systems with a simple, controllable, and user-friendly inflation-based approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional neck traction devices are used, then cervical traction can be achieved, but the devices are not suitable for use as a sleeping pillow
Solution Approach 1:
The neck traction device is designed with dual functionality: it can be used for cervical traction therapy during the day and as a comfortable sleeping pillow at night. The airbag can be deflated to create a soft, conforming pillow shape, while maintaining the structural support needed for cervical alignment during sleep, thus serving multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a dynamically adjustable airbag that can be inflated or deflated according to the user's needs. During therapy sessions, the airbag is inflated to provide traction; during sleep, it can be partially or fully deflated to provide comfortable head and neck support, adapting to different usage scenarios.
3Productivity
If traditional traction methods are used, then cervical traction can be provided, but patients cannot afford the time or money required for conventional treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to perform cervical traction therapy independently at home, eliminating the need for frequent visits to physiotherapy clinics. Users can self-administer treatment by simply inflating or deflating the airbag, making therapy accessible without incurring ongoing professional service fees or spending significant time traveling to treatment facilities.
4Force
If the airbag is made firm for effective traction, then traction force is sufficient, but the device becomes uncomfortable for prolonged use or sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag's firmness is dynamically adjustable through inflation and deflation. During traction therapy, the airbag can be inflated to a higher pressure to provide sufficient traction force. For prolonged use or sleep, the user can partially or fully deflate the airbag to reduce firmness and increase comfort, allowing the same device to accommodate both therapeutic and comfort needs.
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
Enables users to self-administer cervical traction therapy effectively, reducing neck and shoulder pain by allowing adjustable firmness and height, improving joint mobility and alleviating muscle tension, while being comfortable for use during sleep.
Implementation Method 1
The first airbag can be accommodated within the first groove, expand or contract along a first axis, and displace a top surface of the neck support body along the first axis
Implementation Method 2
Each of the two second airbags can be accommodated within a corresponding one of the second grooves, expand or contract along a second axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and displace a front surface of a corresponding one of the shoulder abutting bodies along the second axis
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable neck traction device includes a supporting portion and a bearing portion. The height of the top surface of the bearing portion is lower than that of the supporting portion. The supporting portion has a neck support body and two shoulder abutting bodies, and can be provided therein with a first airbag and two second airbags. An inflation device can be connected to the airbags. When a user rests on the device in a supine position, the top surface of the neck support body supports the neck, and the shoulder abutting bodies abut against the shoulders. The inflation device inflates or deflates the airbags to displace the neck support body along a first axis and the shoulder abutting bodies along a second axis to change the force exerted by the neck support body and shoulder abutting bodies on the neck and shoulders to achieve cervical traction effects.