Adjustable Support Decks for Precise Subject Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for repositioning subjects during medical procedures, such as transitioning between prone and side positions, often require manual handling by multiple personnel, risking mishandling and inaccurate positioning.

Innovation Solution

A person support apparatus with adjustable support decks and bladders, featuring actuators and clamps, allows for electronic control of support pad positions and bladder inflation/deflation to facilitate precise and repeatable subject repositioning without breaching the sterile field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling by multiple personnel is used to reposition subjects, then repositioning can be performed without specialized equipment, but the risk of mishandling and inaccurate positioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support apparatus performs repositioning operations autonomously through electronic actuators that move support pads and adjust bladders, eliminating the need for manual handling by multiple personnel while maintaining precise positioning control through automated feedback mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated electronic control system that uses actuators, motors, and electronic controllers to perform repositioning operations, thereby improving positioning accuracy while reducing reliance on human operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual repositioning techniques are used, then equipment costs are reduced, but the sterile field may be breached during subject repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterile field maintenanceVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus autonomously performs all repositioning operations through integrated actuators and control systems, eliminating the need for personnel to enter the sterile field during subject repositioning, thereby maintaining sterile conditions while managing complexity through automated design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If support pad positions are manually adjusted, then device complexity is minimized, but positioning precision and repeatability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic controller receives feedback from sensors that detect the actual positions of support pads and bladders, automatically adjusting them to achieve precise and repeatable positioning while minimizing manual intervention through closed-loop control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual adjustment mechanisms are replaced with electronic actuators and motorized systems controlled by electronic controllers, enabling precise and repeatable positioning through automated control while managing complexity through integrated electronic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If multiple personnel are required for repositioning, then the risk of contamination is reduced, but the time required for repositioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning speedVSAvoidrepositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus autonomously performs repositioning operations through integrated actuators and control systems, eliminating the need for multiple personnel and significantly reducing repositioning time while maintaining sterile field integrity through automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control system enables continuous and smooth repositioning operations without interruption or manual intervention, allowing rapid transitions between positions while maintaining sterile conditions through automated, seamless operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 accurate and repeatable subject positioning with minimal manual intervention, reducing the risk of mishandling and maintaining sterile conditions during medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid source coupled to each one of the plurality of bladders... direct a fluid from the fluid source to be added to or removed from each one of the plurality of bladders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12433811B2Person support apparatuses for subject repositioning

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 ALLEN MEDICAL SYST INC

AI summary

Support pad assemblies and person support apparatuses are disclosed. A person support apparatus includes a base frame, a longitudinal frame coupled to the base frame, and a support deck supported on the longitudinal frame. The longitudinal frame extends in a longitudinal direction and the support deck is adjustable from a planar configuration to a concave configuration or a convex configuration.