Motorized Cervical Traction Device with Linear Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cervical traction methods lack safety mechanisms to prevent over- or under-traction, offer limited precision in force application, and are not suitable for efficient patient transport, especially due to their large footprint and reliance on weight-and-pulley systems.
Innovation Solution
A motorized skeletal traction device with an inferior and superior base connected by linear actuators, allowing for controlled cervical traction with real-time force measurement and actuator position sensing, enabling precise force application and versatile traction vector orientation, and facilitating patient transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional weight-and-pulley traction methods are used, then cervical traction can be applied, but safety mechanisms to prevent over- or under-traction are lacking and precision in force application is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional weight-and-pulley mechanical system with an electric motor-driven linear actuator system. This substitution enables integrated control mechanisms, force sensors, and position sensors that provide real-time monitoring and safety features while maintaining the essential traction function. The motorized system allows for programmable force application and automatic safety cutoffs that prevent over- or under-traction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates force sensors and position sensors that provide real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor applied traction force and actuator position continuously, enabling automatic adjustments to maintain precise force application and trigger safety mechanisms when predetermined limits are approached, thereby preventing over- or under-traction.
2Ease of operation
If conventional hanging-weight traction approaches are used, then cervical traction can be applied, but a large frame is required that limits efficient patient transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the large overhead frame structure that is characteristic of conventional traction systems. By removing this bulky supporting framework and replacing it with a compact motorized actuator system that can be mounted directly to the patient support or treatment table, the design achieves a minimal footprint that facilitates easy patient transport to radiologic studies or operative interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the traction system into modular components: a compact linear actuator, mounting brackets, and control electronics. This segmentation allows the system to be configured in a space-efficient manner without requiring a large integrated frame, enabling the traction device to be integrated into existing patient support structures and facilitating patient mobility.
3Measurement precision
If conventional weight-and-pulley systems are used, then cervical traction can be applied, but control over traction force is limited and real-time monitoring is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the indirect mechanical force application of weight-and-pulley systems with a motorized linear actuator system that incorporates electronic force sensors. This substitution enables precise digital measurement and control of traction force, with the ability to display real-time force values and adjust parameters through electronic controls, providing superior measurement precision and monitoring capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized cervical traction device comprises an inferior base configured to attach to a patient support (such as an operating table or gurney), a superior base spaced apart from the inferior base along a cranial/caudal direction, and a set of linear actuators extending between the inferior base and the superior base. The superior base includes an attachment point configured to enable mechanical coupling of a load sensor and a patient head attachment (e.g., Gardner-Wells device or Mayfield skull clamp) to the superior base. In use, the device provides real-time load sensing capability and can apply distraction via extension of the linear actuators to a preset load (force control) or displacement (position control). The device also includes a flexion/extension mechanism that enables rotational positioning of the linear actuators relative to the inferior base along and enables control of the flexion/extension angle of the applied traction.