Interchangeable Procedure Chair Headrest With Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical procedure chairs for head and neck areas lack adjustable and interchangeable headrests, limiting access and comfort for specialists like dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and otolaryngologists, as existing solutions do not allow for easy adjustment, secure locking, and quick substitution of headrests of different sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A procedure chair with a narrow neck section and adjustable headrest that can be easily positioned and locked, featuring a hand-operated knob for secure attachment and detachment, allowing for quick substitution of headrests of varying configurations and sizes, ensuring rigid connection and preventing inadvertent removal during adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the headrest is made fixed and non-interchangeable, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different medical specialties and procedures is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest system is segmented into a permanent mounting structure and interchangeable headrest components. The mounting structure includes a backrest with a opening and a connector, while the headrests are separate removable units with pintles that engage with the connector. This segmentation allows the simple permanent structure to support multiple different headrest configurations for various medical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and pintle mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment of headrests, enables quick interchangeability, allows angular adjustment, and prevents inadvertent removal. This universal mounting system works with all headrest types (different sizes and shapes) without requiring different attachment mechanisms, achieving multi-functionality with a single design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is made adjustable and interchangeable, then the adaptability for different procedures is improved, but the ease of operation for positioning and locking is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment and angular adjustment functions are merged into a single knurled operation. The pintle fits within the connector's opening, allowing the headrest to be attached and angularly adjusted by the same twisting motion of the knurled surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for attachment and positioning, simplifying the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The knurled surface on the connector provides self-gripping friction that allows the headrest to be securely held and adjusted without additional fastening elements. The friction between the knurled surface and the operator's fingers, as well as between the connector and pintle, provides self-service locking and adjustment capabilities.
3Reliability
If the headrest connection is made secure and rigid, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of removal and substitution is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pintle is extracted as a separate engagement element from the headrest, fitting into the connector's opening like a key into a lock. This extraction allows the headrest to be securely connected when engaged, while maintaining easy removal by simply withdrawing the pintle from the opening without requiring tools or complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient procedures chair is provided with a system that permits ready interchangeability of patient headrests with ease of positioning and locking in position while at the same time guarding against inadvertent axial removal.