Simulated Airway Molding for Realistic and Replaceable Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical training methods lack realistic and readily available simulations for procedures like intubation and CPR, especially in stressful scenarios, and there is a need for anatomically varied manikins that can be efficiently replaced or remade.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sculpting a resin core to approximate airway structures, applying clay, creating a mold, injecting polymer, and reinforcing with fabric to create a simulated airway with detailed anatomical features, allowing for replaceable and customizable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cadavers are used for medical training, then realistic simulation is achieved, but availability is poor and suitability for certain training types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simulated airways that copy the essential anatomical features of human airways using molded polymers and fabrics. These simulations replicate critical structures like the epiglottis, larynx, trachea, and bronchi to provide realistic training scenarios without using actual cadavers, thereby improving availability and versatility while maintaining training realism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces variations in the anatomical parameters of the simulated airways by adjusting the molding process and material composition. This allows creation of airways with different anatomical features to suit various training scenarios and patient populations, enhancing both realism and adaptability for different medical procedures
2Reliability
If simulated structures are created, then patient safety and training realism are improved, but manufacturing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the simulated airway into distinct anatomical segments (epiglottis, larynx, trachea, bronchi) that can be molded and assembled separately. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each component using optimized processes, improving overall manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the realism required for safe training
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials including polymers, fabrics, and other materials molded together to create the simulated airway. This composite approach enables each material to be selected for its specific properties (flexibility, strength, realism) and molded efficiently, balancing training fidelity with manufacturing productivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If anatomical variations are introduced in manikins, then real-world training preparedness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements anatomical variations by modifying parameters such as size, shape, and structural features during the molding process. This allows creation of airways with different anatomical characteristics to represent various patient populations and training scenarios, enhancing training preparedness while controlling manufacturing complexity through systematic parameter adjustment
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
Provides a realistic simulation for medical training, enhancing the learning experience by accurately representing human airway structures and allowing for efficient replacement and customization of training models.
Implementation Method 1
A polymer is injected into the mold and the polymer is cured
Implementation Method 2
A layer of clay is deposited on the core, the core is then used to create a mold, and the layer of clay is removed
Data Source
AI summary
A simulated airway for training and practicing medical procedures has an upper jaw having simulated teeth, a nasal passage, a tongue, an epiglottis, a larynx, a trachea, an esophagus, and vocal cords. Portions of the airway are reinforced with fabric. A method of making a human airway model for simulation of medical procedures includes sculpting a core for a mold from a resin material, depositing a layer of clay on the core, and placing the core in a mold. The layer of clay is removed and a polymer is injected into the mold.