Reclining Spinal Traction Chair for Multi-Axis Patient Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction tables lack flexibility and comfort, failing to provide multiple degrees of freedom for initial positioning and customized treatment, especially for cervical-neck traction, and often require the use of uncomfortable straps and additional support devices.
Innovation Solution
A traction table designed like a recliner or executive chair with a frame that includes a rotatable and reclining seat-back and a slidably coupled seat-bottom, along with a movable head piece, equipped with actuator motors and sensors for adjustable positioning and traction patterns, allowing for various degrees of motion and secure strapping for enhanced comfort and treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing traction tables use a flat table surface design, then the structure is simple, but patient comfort and positioning flexibility are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static flat table into a dynamic recliner chair structure with multiple movable components. The seat back portion can recline relative to the seat bottom portion, and the head piece can move in multiple directions (parallel, rotate, tilt side to side, tilt forward and backward). This dynamic design allows the table to adapt to different patient positions and treatment requirements, significantly improving comfort while maintaining manageable complexity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The table is divided into distinct functional segments: base frame, top frame, seat back portion, seat bottom portion, and head piece. Each segment can move independently or in combination with others, allowing for precise positioning and customization of treatment parameters. This segmentation enables complex functionality while keeping individual components relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing traction tables provide limited degrees of freedom, then the device complexity is low, but customization capability for different treatments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The recliner chair design serves multiple functions: it provides lumbar support through the seat back, cervical support through the head piece, and enables various traction angles through combined movements. The same structural components enable both initial positioning and customized treatment delivery, making the device universally applicable to different patient needs and treatment protocols without requiring separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple degrees of freedom through dynamic components: the seat back reclines, the seat bottom slides and rotates, and the head piece moves in four different ways. These dynamic capabilities allow the device to adapt to various treatment requirements, providing customization without excessive complexity through coordinated movement of integrated components.
3Ease of operation
If existing traction tables require additional support devices like leg stools, then the device complexity is reduced, but patient comfort and treatment flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate support devices into a single integrated recliner chair. The seat bottom portion includes integrated leg support capabilities, eliminating the need for external leg stools. The head piece provides cervical support that was previously requiring separate headrests or positioning devices. This consolidation improves comfort and flexibility while managing complexity through integrated design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing traction tables use straps in fixed positions, then the device complexity is low, but patient comfort and treatment effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system is made dynamic through its association with movable components. As the seat back reclines, seat bottom slides, and head piece moves, the straps attached to these components automatically adjust their positions and angles. This dynamic strap positioning maintains patient security and comfort throughout the range of motion while eliminating the need for complex independent strap adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A traction table (200) include a frame having a base-frame portion (202) rotabably coupled to a top-frame portion (250) at a pivot point 214, a seat back portion (208) coupled to the top frame portion, and a seat-bottom (204) slidably coupled to the frame top portion. The seat-bottom can rotate about a pivot point (262) and tilt about at least one axis (260 and/or 264). The seat-bottom can further slide forwards or backwards relative to the top frame portion. The traction table can include an optional neck piece (210) coupled to the top frame portion that can move parallel relative to the seat back portion and constructed to rotate, tilt side to side or forward and backward. The traction table can include at least one actuator motor (245 or 244) for moving the seat-bottom or neck piece relative to the top-frame portion and a controller (212) for controlling such actuator(s).