Rescue Harness Floating Head Support Spinal Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rescue devices fail to effectively immobilize patients during vertical extrications from confined spaces, causing discomfort and potential injury due to inadequate head-to-toe stabilization, and often require complex strap configurations that can be cumbersome and abrasive.
Innovation Solution
A rescue harness with a floating head support slidably attached to a back support, along with chest straps that secure across the chest without crossing the throat and leg straps forming loops, and an optional harness protector to prevent abrasion, allowing for secure patient stabilization and reduced strain during position changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a vest-type harness with multiple straps and rigid spine stiffener is used to immobilize patients, then spinal stabilization is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome strap configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The head support is segmented from the back support, allowing independent adjustment and positioning. This segmentation enables the head support to be separately optimized for comfort while the back support maintains spinal stabilization, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The head support is made movable relative to the back support through a sliding mechanism, transforming the rigid fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the head support to adapt to different patient positions and sizes, simplifying the overall strap configuration needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid head support is used to immobilize the patient's head, then head stabilization is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates during position changes from horizontal to vertical
Solution Approach 1:
The head support is designed to move dynamically along the back support during position changes. When the patient transitions from horizontal to vertical position, the head support slides to maintain proper alignment, providing both stabilization and comfort without requiring rigid fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the head support relative to the back support changes as a parameter during position transitions. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different gravitational orientations while maintaining head stabilization and patient comfort.
3Stability of the object's composition
If chest straps are configured to cross the throat area for maximum securing, then patient security is improved, but patient comfort and safety deteriorate due to throat pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The chest straps are extracted from the throat area and repositioned to secure around the chest and back support without crossing the throat. This removes the harmful factor of throat pressure while maintaining patient security through alternative strap routing.
4Reliability
If traditional harnesses are used in abrasive environments, then rescue functionality is maintained, but harness durability deteriorates due to abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
A protector is added to the harness in advance to shield against abrasion in harsh environments. This prior protective measure extends harness durability while maintaining rescue functionality, preventing wear before it occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A rescue device comprises a floating head support slidably attached to a back support. The rescue device can be incorporated into other rescue apparatus, such as a rescue harness. In one embodiment, the harness comprises a mantle for wrapping around a patient's arms and torso. The mantle is secured with chest straps connected across the patient's chest with a fastener. The mantle includes a pocket for holding back supports of various lengths. Leg straps form leg loops for the patient's legs. One or more lifting rings are attached to the harness for lifting the harness. The harness can also include a harness protector.