Tracheostomy Collar with Adjustable Fastening for Infant Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracheostomy collars, particularly for infants, are difficult to apply, cause skin irritation, and lead to pain due to poor fitting and attachment issues, resulting in complications during care and oxygenation.
Innovation Solution
A redesigned tracheostomy collar with adjustable sizing flexibility and re-engineered tabs for easier grasping and lifting, featuring elongated fastener strips with tactile cues and antimicrobial materials to reduce skin irritation and improve comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tracheostomy collars are used for infants, then the collar can maintain tracheostomy tube placement, but the collar causes skin irritation and pain due to poor fitting and attachment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The collar incorporates soft padding materials specifically at the contact points with the infant's neck and skin areas, while maintaining structural integrity in other regions. This localized application of different material properties reduces skin irritation while preserving the collar's ability to maintain tube placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is constructed from composite materials including soft fabrics, padding layers, and secure fastening components. This combination of materials allows the collar to be gentle on skin while maintaining sufficient strength and stability for reliable tube placement.
2Reliability
If traditional tracheostomy collars are used, then the collar can secure the breathing tube, but the collar is difficult to apply and change due to poor design for infant care
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into modular components including adjustable straps, separate fastening mechanisms, and detachable sections. This segmentation allows caregivers to easily adjust and replace individual parts without removing the entire collar, simplifying the application and maintenance process.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms such as adjustable straps and flexible fastening systems that can be easily modified as the infant grows or as care needs change. This allows the collar to adapt to different situations without requiring complete replacement.
3Reliability
If traditional collar attachment tabs are used, then the collar can connect to the breathing tube, but the tabs cause pain and skin irritations
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment tabs and fastening points are specifically designed with soft, skin-friendly materials and rounded edges at the contact areas, while maintaining secure connection capabilities. This localized design reduces the risk of skin irritation and injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar design includes intermediary elements such as soft pads or protective layers between the attachment mechanisms and the infant's skin, reducing direct contact and minimizing the risk of skin irritation and injury.
4Reliability
If traditional collar designs are used for infants, then the collar can provide basic support, but the collar does not fit well due to the child's small size and frequent movements
Solution Approach 1:
The collar incorporates flexible and adjustable components that can adapt to the infant's movements and growth. The design includes movable joints, adjustable straps, and flexible materials that allow the collar to maintain proper fit and support during infant activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar design allows for parameter adjustments including size, tightness, and positioning to accommodate different infant sizes and developmental stages. This enables the same collar to provide appropriate support across a range of conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A tracheostomy collar is described herein having a number of features providing ease of use in caring for a tracheostomy and securing a tracheostomy tube inserted therein.