Motorized Ball-Joint Head Support for Sterile Patient Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning systems for cervical surgery are inefficient, requiring multiple personnel to reposition patients, compromising sterility, and causing strain due to abrupt and jerky movements, with limited adjustability and ergonomic issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with a ball joint mechanism and motorized arm assembly that allows single-operator, precise, and continuous movement of the patient's head and neck, maintaining sterility and reducing procedural time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple personnel manually reposition the patient using prior art systems, then the patient can be positioned, but the procedure time increases and sterility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical repositioning with an automated motorized system. The motorized arm assembly with ball joint mechanism automatically positions the patient's head and neck without requiring multiple personnel to manually manipulate knobs and handles, thereby reducing procedural time while maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service repositioning through automated control. The motorized system can be operated by a single personnel through electronic controls, eliminating the need for multiple team members to physically assist with manual positioning, thus reducing both time and personnel requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple personnel manually adjust the positioning knobs, then the patient can be repositioned, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple manual knobs and mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a motorized system controlled by electronic interfaces. The motorized arm assembly with integrated ball joint provides multi-axis positioning capability without requiring multiple personnel to manipulate numerous separate controls, simplifying the operational complexity while maintaining positioning versatility.
3Ease of operation
If manual repositioning is performed, then the patient can be repositioned, but the medical staff experiences fatigue and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical repositioning with an automated motorized system. The motorized arm assembly with ball joint mechanism automatically performs positioning tasks without requiring medical staff to physically support or manipulate the patient's head and neck, thereby eliminating staff fatigue and strain while maintaining ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the surgical drape is accessed to reposition the patient, then the patient can be repositioned, but sterility is compromised requiring resterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motorized intermediary system that can operate through or alongside the surgical drape without compromising sterility. The motorized arm assembly with ball joint mechanism enables repositioning control to be transmitted without requiring direct manual access behind the drape, maintaining the sterile field while providing the necessary adaptability for repositioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for positioning a patient before, during or after a medical procedure can include an arm assembly having a proximal end, an opposing distal end, and at least one joint therebetween. The joint can be configured to permit the distal end of the arm assembly to move with respect to the proximal end of the arm assembly. The proximal end of the arm assembly can be configured to be fixed with respect to a surgical table. The system can also include a ball joint mechanism attached to the distal end of the arm assembly and to a head support configured to support a patient's head. The ball joint mechanism can include a ball joint and a motor. Activation of the motor can permit or prevent movement of the ball joint.