Surgical Posture Monitor
Referred to us by the directors of the clean bean project, Renee Ostertag had an idea to prevent neck pain in surgeons. Because these surgeons are often required to look directly down for long periods of time, damage to the tissues of the neck is not uncommon. 76 percent experience neck pain during surgery, and 9% of retired surgeons cited neck pain as the primary factor in their decision.
First Generation Design
Our first prototype was a proof of concept to help gain product feedback and conduct initial field tests. We decided the simplest way to accurately determine a surgeons posture was to measure the tilt of their head relative to the ground. Basically if their head is tilted forward for long periods of time, they could be causing permanent tissue damage. The design featured the following:
Our first prototype was a proof of concept to help gain product feedback and conduct initial field tests. We decided the simplest way to accurately determine a surgeons posture was to measure the tilt of their head relative to the ground. Basically if their head is tilted forward for long periods of time, they could be causing permanent tissue damage. The design featured the following:
- 3-axis accelerometer used to measure head tilt angle relative to the ground.
- 8-pin PIC micro-controller, used to interpret accelerometer values in order to calculate and keep track of the users posture statistics.
- Piezo buzzer and LED for feedback notifications.
- Small 12mm 1.5V battery with step up regulation circuitry.
Second Generation Design
The second generation design (still in progress) features many new features for improved user experience and more feasible manufacturing.
The second generation design (still in progress) features many new features for improved user experience and more feasible manufacturing.
- Sleek housing that allows the product to be mounted on surgeons' head gear.
- A different accelerometer in a more favorable part of its production life that uses much less power.
- Added feedback notification methods, including vibration and added LEDs
- Added user input to change parameters such as notification frequency, volume, time, etc.