Lateral-Adjustable Cervical Collar Posterior Panel for Universal Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cervical collars lack lateral adjustment, leading to improper fit and discomfort for patients with varying neck sizes, either extending beyond the collar or failing to provide sufficient stabilization.

Innovation Solution

A posterior collar assembly with laterally adjustable extension members, featuring a central support member and moveable extension panels that can be adjusted to accommodate different neck sizes, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-sized conventional posterior cervical collar panel is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it fails to accommodate patients with varying neck sizes, causing improper fit and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying neck sizesVSAvoidposterior panel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The posterior panel is divided into a central support member and multiple laterally adjustable extension members that can be independently configured. Each extension member can be adjusted to different lateral positions to accommodate varying neck circumferences, transforming a single rigid structure into a segmented, adaptable system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension members are designed to be laterally adjustable relative to the central support member, allowing the posterior panel to dynamically adapt its width to match different patient neck sizes. This adjustability enables the same device to fit both smaller and larger neck circumferences properly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the posterior panel straps are too long for small neck circumferences, then the device can be used for larger neck sizes, but the straps extend beyond fasteners to impede patient's peripheral sight or sag adjacent to lateral sides

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfort and visibilityVSAvoidfit for different neck sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The strap system is segmented into adjustable portions that can be configured based on neck size. The extension members can be adjusted to reduce the effective strap length for smaller necks, preventing straps from extending beyond fasteners and impeding vision, while maintaining full length for larger necks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral extension members provide localized adjustment capability at specific points along the posterior panel. By adjusting the extension members, the strap length and positioning can be locally modified to match the patient's neck circumference, ensuring proper fit and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the posterior panel straps are too short for large neck circumferences, then the device structure remains simple, but the straps barely attach to fasteners, causing discomfort and insufficient stabilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneck stabilizationVSAvoidadjustable extension mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laterally adjustable extension members enable the posterior panel to dynamically adapt to different neck circumferences. For larger necks, the extension members can be positioned to maximize strap length and attachment effectiveness, ensuring reliable stabilization without requiring multiple device sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional posterior panels with predefined length are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but lateral adjustment is impossible to account for patient neck size variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral adjustment capabilityVSAvoidposterior panel production

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The posterior panel is manufactured as a segmented assembly with a central support member and separate extension members. This segmentation allows for standardized production of modular components that can be easily assembled and adjusted, balancing manufacturing simplicity with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250302655A1Lateral adjustable cervical collar posterior panel

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 ASPEN MEDICAL PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A back posterior collar assembly for a cervical collar is described. The back posterior collar assembly features one or more cervical panels and an attachment panel. The attachment panel includes a central support member, a first extension member, and a second extension member. The central support member is coupled to the one or more cervical panels. The first extension member is coupled to the central support member and configured to be extended laterally toward and away from the central support member. The second extension member is coupled to the central support member and configured to be extended laterally toward and away from the central support member in the opposite direction.