Shoulder-Yoke Protective Apparel Support for Surgeon Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective apparel, particularly for surgeons, is cumbersome, heavy, and ergonomically flawed, leading to discomfort, restricted vision, and inefficient airflow, with helmets and face shields causing strain and obstructing views during surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A yoke support structure that rests on the torso, supporting protective apparel and distributing weight away from the head, combined with an air circulation system that directs airflow efficiently around the wearer's face, providing a wider field of vision and improved ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a helmet is worn to support protective apparel, then protection is provided, but weight increases and center of gravity rises causing neck and back strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weight-bearing function from the helmet by introducing a separate support apparatus (backboard with shoulder straps) that transfers the load to the torso. The helmet becomes solely for protection and positioning, while the support apparatus carries the weight of the protective apparel and accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The backboard serves as an intermediary structure between the protective apparel and the wearer's body. It distributes the weight across the shoulders and back through straps, acting as a mediator that prevents direct weight bearing on the head and neck while maintaining protective apparel positioning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a face shield is added to the helmet, then facial protection is improved, but field of vision is limited and claustrophobia increases
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield is made detachable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment. The surgeon can remove or reposition the face shield as needed during procedures, providing facial protection when required while maintaining full field of vision when the shield is removed, thus resolving the static contradiction between protection and visibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective apparel encloses the head to maintain sterile field, then infection protection is improved, but air circulation deteriorates and heat builds up
Solution Approach 1:
The protective apparel incorporates porous or mesh-like materials that allow air passage while maintaining the sterile barrier. This enables natural air circulation and heat dissipation through the enclosed head area without compromising infection protection, resolving the contradiction between sealed protection and respiratory comfort.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a chin bar is added to couple apparel to helmet, then apparel positioning is improved, but field of vision is further limited and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chin bar attachment function is extracted from the helmet system and integrated into the separate support apparatus. The backboard and shoulder straps provide the apparel positioning and coupling function, eliminating the need for a chin bar on the helmet, thus preserving the field of vision while maintaining stable apparel positioning.
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 yoke support structure reduces neck and back strain, enhances visibility, and improves airflow efficiency, resulting in a more comfortable and ergonomic protective apparel system.
Implementation Method 1
an air circulation system that directs airflow efficiently around the wearer's face
Data Source
AI summary
A protective apparel support system is disclosed comprising a support frame configured to rest on the shoulders of a wearer, the support having a first shoulder member, a second shoulder member and a shield engagement portion. A shield is selectively coupleable to the support and protective apparel is coupled to the shield.