Height-Adjustable Autopsy Table with L-Shaped Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autopsy tables require manual lifting and relocation of corpses, limit 360-degree access for practitioners, and result in biomaterial drippage onto the floor, creating safety hazards and hygiene issues during examinations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a corpse-receiving station with a height-adjustable and sloped surface integrated with a downdraft ventilation system, and an organ dissecting station with vertical and horizontal adjustability, allowing for efficient transfer and examination of corpses without manual lifting and minimizing fluid spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual lifting and relocation of corpses is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but labor intensity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical transfer mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the gurney and autopsy table. This mechanism includes a transfer platform that can receive the corpse from the gurney and move it to the autopsy table, eliminating the need for manual lifting while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of lifting and carrying the corpse is replaced with an automated mechanical transfer system. The system uses motors, belts, and guide rails to move the corpse along a predetermined path from the gurney to the autopsy table, substituting human labor with mechanical automation.
2Productivity
If L-shaped configuration of tables is used, then organ transfer efficiency is improved, but 360-degree access capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The table configuration is made dynamic rather than fixed. The autopsy table includes movable components that allow it to reposition itself or adjust its orientation during the autopsy process. This enables the table to provide both efficient organ transfer positioning and 360-degree access when needed, adapting the layout based on the procedural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a vertical dimension to the table configuration through height-adjustable components and movable table sections. This allows the table to change its spatial arrangement from a fixed L-shape to a configurable layout that provides 360-degree access while maintaining organ transfer efficiency through vertical positioning adjustments.
3Device complexity
If conventional autopsy table is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but biomaterial spillage onto floor increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary that prevents direct contact between the autopsy table surface and the floor. The transfer mechanism includes a suspended platform or conveyor that moves organs and bodily fluids away from the floor surface, containing spillage within a controlled area and preventing contamination of the floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual handling of organs and fluids is replaced with an automated mechanical transfer system. The system uses conveyors, robotic arms, or mechanical trays to move biological materials from the autopsy site to containment areas, eliminating the need for manual transfer that causes fluid drippage onto the floor.
4Ease of operation
If height-adjustable corpse-receiving station is used, then practitioner accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height-adjustable mechanism uses counterbalancing springs or hydraulic pistons to offset the weight of the corpse-receiving station components. This allows the table height to be adjusted easily with minimal force from the practitioner, while the counterweight system manages the complexity of the mechanical advantage required for smooth height changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The height-adjustable mechanism is designed to be self-regulating through automatic positioning systems. Sensors detect the desired height and automatically adjust the table position using motors or hydraulic systems, reducing the complexity of manual control mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation through automated self-service adjustment.
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 safe, efficient, and hygienic autopsy procedures by allowing 360-degree access and reducing biomaterial spillage, eliminating the need for manual corpse relocation and minimizing floor contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a base portion having a downdraft ventilation system for exhausting air from around the subject corpse
Implementation Method 2
The upper portion 21 has a flat top surface, and is selectively vertically-adjustable with, respect to the base portion
Data Source
AI summary
A system for facilitating medical examinations, including autopsies, that includes a corpse-receiving station and an organ dissecting station. The corpse-receiving station and organ dissecting station are arranged so their longest length dimensions are oriented substantially perpendicularly to form an L-shape when viewed from overhead. The corpse-receiving station being configured and equipped to be selectively height-adjustable so as to eliminate the necessity for pathologists and technicians having to lift a corpse and the need for step-stools. The organ dissecting station is configured and equipped to be selectively height-adjustable and selectively adjustable laterally with respect to its base to enable 360-degree access to a corpse residing on the corpse-receiving station to greatly lessen un-necessary walking and essentially eliminating hazards associated with biological fluids falling onto the floor surface of the work area. A ventilation system is integrated into the components of systems to increase hygiene.