Surgical Digit Support Frame for Stable Elevation and Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for holding back tissue during surgery, such as physical holding by an assistant, clamps, or frames, are unstable, inconvenient, and labor-intensive, especially when elevating a digit for surgery, as other digits tend to adopt an elevated orientation, requiring additional stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A frame with a plate having two wings and a supporting surface for elevated digits, along with engaging features for retaining ties, provides a stable platform for two digits, allowing secure elevation and access to the surgical area, while the frame is formed from materials like aluminum or MABS polymer for sterilization and ease of manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a digit is elevated for surgery, then surgical access is improved, but other digits naturally adopt an elevated orientation requiring additional stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into two distinct wings that can independently support different digits. Each wing can be positioned and adjusted separately, allowing one digit to be elevated for surgery while the other digit is independently stabilized in a lowered position, preventing the natural tendency for both digits to adopt an elevated orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure acts as a counterbalancing system where the weight and position of one wing compensates for the elevation of the other wing. When one digit is elevated, the opposing wing provides a counterbalancing force that helps maintain overall stability and prevents other digits from naturally adopting an elevated orientation
2Stability of the object's composition
If lead weights or an assistant are used to hold down digits, then digit stabilization is achieved, but the solution becomes unstable, inconvenient, crowded and/or labour intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to be self-stabilizing through its own structural geometry and weight distribution. The wings and support surfaces work together to automatically maintain digit positioning without requiring external weights or assistant intervention. The frame's design inherently provides the stabilization function that would otherwise require additional complex devices or human labor
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization function is merged into the primary support structure of the frame itself. Rather than using separate lead weights or assistant hands as independent stabilization devices, the frame's wings and support surfaces are designed to simultaneously provide both elevation and stabilization functions in an integrated manner, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a frame (21) for supporting digits which may be used during surgery to elevate digits during an operation. The frame comprises a plate (24) with two wings (22, 23) which define a plane and a space therebetween, an engaging feature (28) on each wing for removable engagement with retaining ties (45), and an elevated support surface (32) between the wings to support digits.10 The frame provides a secure platform for supporting digits during hand surgery.