Removable Mouthpiece Mask Assembly for Precise Head Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-stabilizing apparatuses for medical procedures, such as radiation therapy, are cumbersome to put on and uncomfortable for patients due to fixed mouthpieces, and require replacement if damaged, which is expensive and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A head-stabilizing apparatus with a removable patient locator and retainer system, including deflectable latches and a latch lock, allows easy assembly and disassembly, ensuring precise and reproducible head positioning without discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed mouthpiece is used in existing head-stabilizing apparatuses, then head positioning stability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece is divided into two separate components: a removable mouthpiece that can be easily inserted and removed, and a fixed mounting structure attached to the head stabilizing apparatus. This segmentation allows the removable mouthpiece to provide comfort and ease of removal, while the fixed mounting structure maintains stable head positioning during the procedure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed mouthpiece is used in existing head-stabilizing apparatuses, then head positioning stability is improved, but ease of repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece is segmented as a separate removable component from the mounting structure. This allows the mouthpiece to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the stable mounting structure, significantly improving ease of repair and replacement while maintaining head positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable mouthpiece can be discarded after use or recovered for sterilization and reuse, while the stable mounting structure remains in place. This approach simplifies replacement procedures and reduces the need to replace the entire head stabilizing apparatus.
3Ease of operation
If a removable patient locator is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure includes pre-positioned mounting features (such as recesses, protrusions, or engagement surfaces) that guide the removable mouthpiece into proper alignment before final engagement. This preliminary action ensures reliable connection while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting structure serves as an intermediary component between the removable mouthpiece and the head stabilizing apparatus. This intermediary provides standardized engagement features that ensure reliable connection while allowing easy removal and reattachment.
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
The apparatus provides stable and comfortable head stabilization during medical procedures, facilitating easy installation and removal, while maintaining precise positioning and reducing the need for costly replacements.
Implementation Method 1
The deflectable latches are configured to elastically deflect relative to the patient-locator mount as the pair of deflectable latches are inserted into a patient-locator receiving passageway formed in the patient-locator mount
Data Source
AI summary
A head-stabilizing apparatus is adapted to position a head of a patient undergoing a medical procedure. The head-stabilizing apparatus includes a patient locator and a patient mask. The patient locator includes a mouthpiece adapted to be placed in a mouth of the patient undergoing the medical procedure. The patient mask is configured to change between an unworn position in which the patient mask is spaced apart from the face of the patient and an patient-worn position in which the patient mask overlays the face of the patient and receives the head of the patient undergoing the medical procedure. The patient locator is configured to selectively couple with the patient mask.