1. Neck Positioner for Fluoroscopy Examination
Clients: Victor Haughton, M.D.
Josh Medow, M.D.
Advisor: Wally Block, Ph.D.
Team Members:
Alison Boumeester
Peter Strohm
Kaitlin Brendel
Allie Finney
Megan Britson

2. Overview Motivation Cervical spine imaging Requirements
fluoroscopy and previous work
Requirements
mechanics, materials, and safety
Proposed designs – actuators vs. gears
pro/con, design matrix
Building the design

3. Motivation Neck extender/flexor for unconscious patient
Used during fluoroscopic examination
Must not interfere with imaging
Minimize radiation exposure to hospital staff

4. Fluoroscopic Cervical Spine Imaging
Several x-ray slides in motion
Cervical spine injury diagnostics
Linear actuator design
Fluoroscopy Machine in UW-Hospital
extension
flexion

5. Mechanical Requirements
Extend/flex the neck ± 45˚ from neutral
Rotation rate less than 2˚/sec
Stabilize patient’s head during motion
No interference with lateral imaging

6. Design I – Vertical Actuator
Modified version of last semester’s design
Pin connections made to actuator

7. Design II – Gear and Motor
Bidirectional motor drives headboard rotation
Gear ratio controls neck rotation rate

8. Design III – Sideways Actuator
Actuator under table saves space
Pin connections provide stability

9. Design Matrix 25 23 17 14 19 8 7 5 10 20 29 21 75 83 80 Criteria
Vertical Actuator
Gear and Motor
Sideways Actuator
Safety
(30) 25 23
Feasibility (20) 17 14 19
Expense
(10) 8 7
Aesthetics (10) 5 10
Mechanics (30) 20 29 21
TOTALS 75 83 80

10. Building the Gear and Motor Design
Refine design dimensions
Research materials and manufacturers
Construct prototype
Franklin Institute (2007)
US Plastic Corp (2007)

11. Acknowledgements
Prof. Block
Dr. Haughton
Dr. Medow