Adjustable Spinal Positioning Support for Stable Patient Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal anesthesia procedures require patients to remain still, which is difficult with traditional pillows and positioning chairs, especially for patients with varying sizes and conditions, leading to discomfort and limited access for medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A portable, flexible body support device with adjustable features, including a chin rest, arm rests, and handles, made from lightweight materials, allowing patients to securely hold and position themselves for spinal operations, accommodating various body sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sleeping pillows are used for patient support, then patients can hold something during the procedure, but the softness makes it difficult for patients to remain still and provides insufficient support
Solution Approach 1:
The support device uses a composite structure combining a rigid outer shell with soft cushioning materials inside. The rigid shell provides structural support and stability, while the internal soft materials provide patient comfort. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between needing softness for comfort and rigidity for stability.
2Reliability
If rigid positioning chairs are used to support patients, then patients can be supported in certain positions, but they cannot accommodate a wide range of sizes and positions of patients
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates flexible and adjustable components that can adapt to different patient sizes and positions. The device includes adjustable arm rests, leg supports, and body positioning elements that can be reconfigured to accommodate various anatomical dimensions and procedural requirements, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed as a multi-functional system that can accommodate various patient positions (sitting, lying, leaning) and body sizes. It includes multiple adjustable components that can be configured for different procedural needs, making it universally applicable across different patient populations and surgical scenarios rather than being limited to a single fixed position.
3Ease of operation
If positioning chairs with backrests are used, then patients can be positioned for procedures, but the backrest blocks access to the back side (posterior aspect) of the patient's anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into separate modular components including independent head supports, body supports, and limb supports. This segmentation allows the device to provide comprehensive patient support while leaving the posterior anatomical area unobstructed, as each component is positioned to support specific body regions without creating a continuous blocking structure.
4Weight of moving object
If a portable support device is made lightweight for patient portability, then patients can easily carry it, but it may compromise the sturdiness and support capability
Solution Approach 1:
The support device employs composite materials and structures that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The rigid outer shell uses lightweight but strong materials, while internal cushioning materials provide both comfort and structural integrity. This composite construction allows the device to be lightweight enough for patient portability while maintaining sufficient sturdiness to provide reliable support during procedures.
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 device provides comfortable, stable support, easy cleaning, and adaptability, ensuring patient comfort and facilitating medical procedures by preventing movement and enhancing accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a one-piece structure filled with lightweight materials selected from the group consisting of shredded memory foam, micro bead, polyester fiberfill, buckwheat hull, kapok, latex, and combinations thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A support and positioning device used for spinal anesthesia procedure includes a body, an arm rest, a chin rest, and a handle. The arm rest and/or chin rest may be removably attached to the body. Moreover, the arm rest and the chin rest may be adjustable in height and manufactured in varied sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, the handle comprises two hand straps with adjustable height. The support device may also comprise a disposable or washable outer cover with a waterproof zipper, such that the outer cover can be removed from the body to allow for easy disinfection and reuse of the support device in hospital or other health care settings.