Hip Distractor Boot Carriage With Roller Alignment and Cam Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support systems during surgery often allow excessive movement of patients, which can hinder surgical access and stability, and require frequent adjustments to reposition body parts for optimal surgical access and evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A limb support system with a carriage that includes rollers and a locking mechanism using elastomeric blocks, allowing for adjustable and secure positioning along a longitudinal member, with a cam-actuated mechanism to lock the carriage in place, preventing unwanted movement and providing infinite positioning options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing support apparatuses are used to secure patients, then patient support is provided, but excessive patient movement relative to the supports occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage system allows dynamic adjustment of the limb support position along the longitudinal member during surgery. The support can be repositioned from an initial position to different locations as needed, enabling the system to adapt to changing surgical requirements while maintaining patient stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the limb support by allowing the carriage to move along the longitudinal member. This enables adjustment of the support position to optimize surgical access and maintain proper patient alignment throughout the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support positions are adjusted during surgery to improve access, then surgical access is improved, but frequent adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage provides dynamic repositioning capability along the longitudinal member, allowing the surgical team to adjust limb support position to optimize access to different surgical sites as the procedure progresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric locking mechanism replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simpler cam-actuated deformable block system, reducing the time and complexity of adjustments while maintaining secure positioning.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the carriage, then the carriage is secured to the longitudinal member, but the locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric block changes its physical state from undeformed to deformed under cam action, creating a secure locking engagement. This material-based approach simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses elastomeric material properties combined with cam mechanics to achieve secure locking with simplified structure. The deformable elastomeric block provides both the locking force and the positioning function.
4Ease of operation
If rollers are used to support the carriage for movement, then the carriage can move along the longitudinal member, but lateral movement control is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers have specific engagement surfaces designed to contact the longitudinal member in particular locations and orientations. This localized geometric design provides lateral guidance while allowing longitudinal movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers act as an intermediary between the carriage and the longitudinal member, facilitating smooth longitudinal movement while the guide surfaces of the rollers prevent lateral displacement.
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 system ensures stable patient positioning during surgery, allowing for precise repositioning of limbs while maintaining traction, reducing the risk of accidental movement and enhancing surgical access and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp includes a plurality of elastomeric blocks which deform under a load to secure the carriage to the longitudinal member
Implementation Method 2
at least one elastomeric block is deformed by a cam
Implementation Method 3
The carriage includes a plurality of rollers supporting the carriage relative to the longitudinal member for movement along the longitudinal member
Implementation Method 4
the at least one of the plurality of rollers includes a tread configured to resist rolling to dampen movement of the carriage along the longitudinal member
Data Source
AI summary
A carriage for a limb support includes a space for receiving a longitudinal member of a patient support apparatus, a plurality of rollers configured to engage the longitudinal member and a locking mechanism. The plurality of rollers is configured to maintain alignment of the carriage during movement of the carriage along the longitudinal member. The carriage also includes an elastomeric member that resists rotation to prevent unwanted motion of the carriage. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the carriage to the longitudinal member at any of an infinite number of positions along the length of the longitudinal member, the locking mechanism being lockable with a single action.