Sliding Jaw Thrust Device Rack and Pinion Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Postoperative airway management is complicated by general anesthesia-induced relaxation of tongue and jaw muscles, necessitating the jaw thrust maneuver, which can be time-consuming and error-prone for medical professionals.
Innovation Solution
The Sliding Jaw Thrust Device (SJTD) employs a rack and pinion mechanism with adjustable arms and a locking system to standardize the jaw thrust maneuver, allowing for efficient and error-minimized airway clearance, compatible with MRI environments and customizable for patient age and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the jaw thrust maneuver is performed manually by medical professionals, then the airway can be cleared, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation where the mechanism automatically performs the jaw thrust maneuver when activated. The user simply positions the device and activates it, eliminating the need for manual execution of the complex multi-step maneuver by medical professionals, thereby reducing both time and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (human hands performing the maneuver) with an automated mechanical system (the device with arms, racks, pinions, and locking mechanisms). This substitution standardizes the motion paths and forces applied, eliminating variability and errors associated with manual execution while reducing the time required.
2Reliability
If the jaw thrust maneuver is performed manually, then airway clearance can be achieved, but standardization and error minimization are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the jaw thrust maneuver into distinct functional components: positioning arms, motion control mechanisms (racks and pinions), locking systems, and padding elements. Each component handles a specific aspect of the maneuver, allowing for standardized, repeatable execution while reducing the cognitive and motor complexity for the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces mechanical intermediaries (racks, pinions, linkages, and locking mechanisms) that translate simple user activation into the complex coordinated motions required for proper jaw thrust execution. These intermediaries ensure standardized motion paths and forces are applied, eliminating the need for medical professionals to manually coordinate multiple simultaneous actions.
3Reliability
If adjustable arms and locking system are added to standardize the maneuver, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into integrated components: the arms combine positioning and force application, the racks and pinions combine motion control and synchronization, and the locking mechanisms combine stabilization with simple activation. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving reliable standardization of the maneuver.
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 SJTD streamlines the jaw thrust maneuver, reducing the risk of errors and saving critical time for medical professionals by enabling standardized, synchronized arm movement to maintain airway clearance, while being adaptable for various patient sizes and MRI compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The SJTD employs a rack and pinion mechanism with adjustable arms and a locking system
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method that facilitates performance of a jaw thrust maneuver. A base connected to a rack and pinion mechanism including at least one pinion rotatably attached to the base and at least two racks slidably attached to the base and engaged with the pinion to move in opposite directions upon rotation of at least one pinion. A pair of arms, each pivotably coupled to one of the racks to allow rotational freedom of motion. A patient's head is placed in supine position and a pair of arms slides towards the patient's head in synchrony to position the arms to clear the patient's airways.