Vacuum Neck Brace with Hand Pump for Emergency Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional neck braces require adjustment and external pumps for operation, which can be time-consuming and impractical in emergency situations, and may not provide a secure fit for patients of all sizes.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-operated neck brace with a hand pump that uses a one-way directional valve system to create a vacuum, allowing for quick application and immobilization without external pumps, featuring a flexible body with foam microbeads and a hook-and-latch mechanism for secure fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional neck braces are used, then the neck can be immobilized, but the device requires pre-adjustment and external pumps which consume time and are impractical in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum pump mechanism directly into the neck brace device itself, eliminating the need for separate external pump equipment. The hand-operated vacuum pump is integrated within the brace structure, allowing the entire immobilization system to be applied and activated as a single unit during emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump is designed to be hand-operated by the user directly at the application site, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The user can manually operate the pump to create vacuum and secure the neck brace in place without requiring pre-adjustment or external equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inflatable neck braces with external pumps are used, then no pre-adjustment is needed, but external pump equipment is required which is impractical when physical access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump mechanism is integrated directly into the neck brace structure, combining what were previously separate components (brace and pump) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for external pump equipment while maintaining the ability to adapt to different patient sizes through the vacuum mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the pump function from external equipment and incorporates it directly into the neck brace itself. This removes the dependency on external pump devices while maintaining the inflatable/vacuum mechanism's ability to adapt to different patient sizes and neck circumferences.
3Reliability
If adjustable neck braces are used, then a secure fit can be achieved, but pre-adjustment is required which delays treatment in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The neck brace incorporates a dynamic vacuum mechanism that allows the device to adapt to different neck sizes and shapes after application. Rather than requiring pre-adjustment to a fixed size, the vacuum system can be activated post-application to secure the brace firmly around the patient's neck, providing both ease of initial application and reliable immobilization.
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
Enables rapid, adjustable, and secure immobilization of the neck without external equipment, suitable for various sizes, improving treatment efficiency in emergency situations by providing a customizable and effective immobilization solution.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum hand pump is disposed on the body and is used to remove air from within the body
Implementation Method 2
A one-way directional valve system is provided in the hand pump
Data Source
AI summary
A particle filled neck brace is used for immobilizing the neck of a patient and includes a single handedly operable vacuum hand pump disposed on the neck brace, which pump is communicated to the interior of the neck brace. After the neck brace is secured around the neck of the patient, the vacuum hand pump is manipulated to remove air from the neck brace to form a rigid mold about the patient's neck. The vacuum hand pump has a one way directional valve so that the neck brace remains in a rigid configuration for as long as the neck brace is applied to the patient. The vacuum hand pump also includes a plurality of springs which assist the user in completing a vacuum pump cycle. To release the neck brace, the user opens a release valve which allows ambient air to refill the neck brace and increase its flexibility.