Adjustable Limb Cradle With Removable Hand Post for Surgical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable arm cradles for surgical limb positioning are uniform in length, leading to exposure of longer forearms and inaccessibility of shorter forearms for surgeons, and lack a removable hand post option.
Innovation Solution
A modular arm cradle with adjustable length, comprising two sections that can be slidably attached and a removable hand post, made of materials like ABS, PE, PC, PA, PP, or PS, with features such as channels, slots, and a detent system for length adjustment and post attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a uniform length arm cradle is used, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but patients with longer forearms have exposed arms that are unprotected and patients with shorter forearms have inaccessible elbows for surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
The arm cradle is divided into two telescopic sections (first section and second section) that can slide relative to each other along guide surfaces. This segmentation allows the cradle to adjust its length to accommodate different forearm lengths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle incorporates a dynamic length adjustment mechanism where the second section can telescope within the first section. This dynamic feature allows the device to adapt its length during patient positioning without requiring multiple fixed-size cradles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length arm cradle is used, then manufacturing and sterilization are simplified, but it cannot accommodate varying forearm lengths of different patients
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cradle into two attachable sections with standardized connection interfaces, the design allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving overall adaptability. Each section can be manufactured independently using the same molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic mechanism provides universal adaptability across different patient anatomies. The same cradle design can accommodate a range of forearm lengths through adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size cradles and simplifying sterilization logistics.
3Ease of operation
If a hand post is always attached to the arm cradle, then the patient's hand is protected, but surgeons cannot access the elbow area for positioning and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The hand post is designed as a removable component that can be attached or detached based on surgical requirements. When the elbow needs to be accessed for positioning, the post can be removed. When hand protection is needed, the post can be reattached, providing dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand post is segmented as a separate attachable component rather than an integral part of the cradle. This allows independent control of hand protection versus surgical access without affecting the overall cradle structure or function.
Data Source
AI summary
A limb cradle for use in a surgical procedure comprising at least at two sections, wherein at least two of the at least two sections are configured to be attachable to each other, wherein at least two of the at least two sections are configured to be slidable relative to each other so that a length of the limb cradle can be adjusted, and wherein at least one section has at least one connection point onto which a limb positioner may be removably attached.