Pediatric Backboard Multi-Level Support Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pediatric backboards are inadequate for proper immobilization of patients across a wide age range, particularly causing spinal and respiratory issues due to improper positioning, especially for small children whose neck muscles are not developed enough to withstand incorrect immobilization techniques.
Innovation Solution
A pediatric backboard with two adjustable support surfaces of different levels, allowing for proper cervical alignment and immobilization of patients from children under 5 years to teenagers, using a main rigid surface and an opposing surface with two different levels for head support, secured by adjustable straps and optional head restraints with self-adhesive tapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single rigid support surface is used for patient immobilization, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot properly accommodate patients of different age ranges and body sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The backboard is divided into multiple support surfaces (first support surface for older patients, second support surface for younger patients) with different geometries and elevations. Each surface is optimized for specific patient age ranges, allowing the device to adapt to different body sizes and spinal alignment requirements without requiring multiple separate backboards.
Solution Approach 2:
A single backboard device incorporates multiple functions by integrating different support surfaces that can accommodate various patient types (children aged less than 5 years, children aged 5-10 years, patients older than 10 years, and teenagers). The device universally serves all these patient categories through its multi-level surface design.
2Reliability
If the support surface is designed for older patients, then it provides adequate support for teenagers and adults, but it causes improper positioning and spinal injury for small children
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the backboard have different elevations and geometries tailored to specific patient needs. The first support surface has a first elevation suitable for older patients, while the second support surface has a second elevation suitable for younger patients. This local differentiation ensures proper cervical alignment and spinal protection for each patient category.
3Ease of operation
If the head support level is too high for small children, then it provides adequate support for older patients, but it hinders breathing and causes poor oxygenation in children
Solution Approach 1:
The backboard provides dynamic adaptability through its multi-level surface design, allowing the head support elevation to be effectively adjusted based on patient size. The second support surface is specifically designed at a lower elevation to optimize breathing for young children while maintaining proper immobilization, whereas the first support surface provides higher elevation for older patients.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention finds application in the art of backboards for total immobilization of injured patients before or during ambulance transportation. Particularly, it is applicable to pediatric backboards. Here, four differentiated rigid surfaces have been provided in the device, that can withstand the weight of the body and head of injured patients of different ages and sizes. These surfaces allow proper alignment of the spine of the patient to be transported. This is a critical feature when the patients are children or teenagers, that have a much weaker neck and a much more prominent cranium.