Articulated Patient Support Structure for Surgical Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical tables lack the flexibility and accessibility needed for complex surgical procedures, particularly in orthopedic and spinal surgeries, where precise patient positioning and manipulation are required without interrupting the sterile field or requiring dedicated operating rooms.

Innovation Solution

A patient support system with inward articulations that allow for flexible positioning and manipulation, including tilting, pivoting, and angulation, while maintaining load-sharing at the outer ends and minimizing horizontal travel to prevent complications with anesthesia and equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the patient support structure is made rigid and stable for surgery, then surgical precision is improved, but patient repositioning flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoidpatient repositioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patient support structure is divided into multiple segments including a head end section, a foot end section, and a central section that can articulate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain stability during surgery while enabling flexible repositioning by articulating different segments independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure incorporates dynamic articulation mechanisms with multiple degrees of freedom that allow the structure to transition between stable and flexible states. The articulation system enables controlled movement while maintaining stability when positioned, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for surgery and flexibility for repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the patient support structure allows extensive manipulation and positioning, then surgical accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical accessibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple positioning functions including tilting, pivoting, and angulation are merged into a unified articulation system with multiple degrees of freedom. This integration allows extensive manipulation capability while reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The articulation system is designed to perform multiple positioning functions simultaneously, providing tilting, pivoting, and angulation capabilities through a single integrated mechanism. This multi-functionality improves surgical accessibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the patient support structure uses traditional fixed design, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different surgical procedures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidprocedure adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into modular sections that can be manufactured using standard techniques and then assembled with articulation mechanisms. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling adaptability through the articulated connections between segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulation system allows the support structure to change its geometric parameters dynamically during surgery, adapting to different procedural requirements. The base structure can be manufactured simply, while the articulation mechanisms provide the necessary adaptability through controlled parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the patient support structure allows breaking or jointing at multiple locations, then positioning flexibility is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates dynamic stability control where the articulation mechanisms can be locked or unlocked as needed. When locked, the structure maintains stability for surgery; when unlocked, it provides flexibility for repositioning, resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the support structure have different stability characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The articulation points are designed with local stability features that maintain overall structural integrity while allowing necessary flexibility at specific locations for positioning adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250032065A1Patient positioning support structure

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC

AI summary

A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included.