Bi-Wing Arm Support for Surgical Table Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical table systems fail to securely and ergonomically move patients, especially obese ones, posing ergonomic and injury risks to healthcare providers due to lack of effective positioning and moving methodologies.
Innovation Solution
A bi-wing arm support apparatus with flexible wings and a pressure-sensitive adhesive pad system that securely attaches to the surgical table, allowing for safe and efficient repositioning of patients without manual lifting, using hook and loop fastening materials and ergonomic handles for easy movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If healthcare providers manually lift and move patients on surgical tables, then patient repositioning is achieved, but ergonomic safety and injury risk to providers deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical lifting system with a support device that acts as an intermediary between the patient and healthcare providers. The support device includes a base with handles, a lifting mechanism, and a restraint system that collectively enable providers to reposition patients without direct manual lifting, thereby eliminating the ergonomic injury risk while maintaining operational effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pad-based systems are used for patient movement, then patient positioning is achieved, but the systems fail during care of moderate to morbidly obese patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support system into distinct functional segments: a base portion for stability and handling, a lifting mechanism for mechanical support, and a restraint system for secure positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the base providing stable support for heavier patients and the restraint system ensuring secure positioning, thereby improving both adaptability and reliability for obese patients.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional surgical table systems are used, then basic patient support is provided, but effective positioning and moving methodologies are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the support device to perform multiple functions: the base provides structural support and stability, the handles enable easy manipulation and repositioning, the lifting mechanism provides mechanical assistance for patient movement, and the restraint system secures the patient in various positions. This multi-functionality transforms a basic support structure into a comprehensive positioning and moving system that addresses both support quantity and operational ease.
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
The apparatus reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries for healthcare providers by enabling secure and ergonomic patient repositioning, minimizing manual handling and adhesive residue, while maintaining patient safety and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
Hook and loop fastening material (314A) is disposed on the bottom surface of the first flexible wing (313A)... Hook and loop fastening material (314B) is disposed on the bottom surface of the second flexible wing (313B)... Hook and loop fastening material (326A) is disposed on the bottom surface of the third flexible wing (325A)... Hook and loop fastening material (326B) is disposed on the bottom surface of the fourth flexible wing (325B)
Implementation Method 2
A bi-wing arm support apparatus with flexible wings and a pressure-sensitive adhesive pad system that securely attaches to the surgical table
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for moving a patient on a pad and holding the pad in place on a surgical table. An upper member and a lower member having wings extending from opposite sides are configured and arranged to secure the position of the arms. In this position the arm has been securely wrapped without use of the patient's body weight, and the arm can be easily unwrapped by reversing the steps above, without the necessity of repositioning the patient (to get their body weight off of the device or a draw sheet), for access to the arm during the surgical procedure. Access may be necessary for anesthesia monitoring lines, invasive arterial lines, non-invasive blood pressure cuffs, SPO2 finger probes, and intravenous lines needed for medications and fluid delivery.