Modular Halo Traction Assembly With Spring-Based Force Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional halo gravity traction systems are cumbersome, require multiple apparatuses, pose safety risks for untrained users, and lack portability, necessitating hospital confinement and irreversible modifications to wheelchairs or walkers.
Innovation Solution
A modular halo assembly with a force adjustment assembly and inline spring system that allows for adjustable tension, enabling safe, portable, and mobile traction, eliminating the need for counterweights and facilitating at-home use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional halo gravity traction devices are used, then spinal deformity can be treated, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires hospital confinement
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional halo gravity traction system is divided into separate modular components: a halo ring assembly, a support assembly with adjustable support members, and a tensioning assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system, enabling safe at-home use while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed to perform multiple functions: they support the patient's body weight, provide adjustable positioning, and integrate with the tensioning assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate apparatuses needed, eliminating the need for wheelchair or walker modifications while maintaining treatment reliability.
2Force
If traditional counterweights are used to balance the traction device, then traction force is provided, but safety risks increase for untrained users
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical counterweight system is replaced with a spring-based tensioning assembly that provides controlled elastic force. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards associated with heavy counterweights while maintaining the necessary traction force through adjustable spring mechanisms that are safer for untrained users to manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction force is controlled by adjusting parameters of the spring system (spring constant, pre-compression) rather than adding or removing heavy weights. This allows precise control of force application and enables safe adjustment by patients and caregivers without the dangers associated with traditional counterweight systems.
3Reliability
If traditional halo gravity traction is applied, then spinal correction is achieved, but irreversible modifications to wheelchairs or walkers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed as self-contained modular units that attach to each other without requiring permanent modifications to external devices. The halo ring, support members, and tensioning assembly form complete functional units that can be used with standard wheelchairs or walkers, eliminating irreversible modifications while maintaining spinal correction effectiveness.
4Reliability
If traditional traction devices are used, then treatment can be provided, but portability and mobility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Replacing the heavy counterweight system with spring-based tensioning mechanisms significantly reduces the weight and bulk of the device. The elastic energy storage in springs provides the necessary traction force without requiring large masses, thereby improving portability and enabling mobile at-home treatment while maintaining treatment reliability.
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
Enhances patient safety and mobility by allowing at-home treatment, reducing the need for hospital confinement and avoiding irreversible modifications to mobility devices.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing assembly comprising a biasing member disposed within a biasing member housing that is coupled to one of the support members
Data Source
AI summary
A modular dynamic halo gravity traction assembly and method of use is provided. The assembly includes a modular halo assembly for reducing spinal deformity of a user having a halo portion coupled to a force adjustment assembly connected to one of a first and second support members configured to support a portion of the body of the user in an upright position during use. The first and second support members are coupled by a connecting support member and the halo portion is in fluid connection with the connecting support member. A biasing system including a biasing member disposed within a biasing member housing is coupled to one of the support members and a force adjustment assembly having a fixture is movably coupled to said biasing housing, with a force adjustment rod having a proximal and a distal end, the ends coupled to the biasing housing.