Drop-On Carriage Assembly for Precise OR Table Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical positioning systems are limited to specialized OR tables, obstruct surgical access, lack stability during procedures, require complex operation, and are not easily sterilizable.
Innovation Solution
A carriage system that couples to standard OR tables, providing stable, non-obstructive patient positioning with single-handed operation and easy sterilization, using a drop-on design that allows for precise adjustments and secure attachment to the table's side rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized OR tables are used for precision positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into separate modular components: a base plate that attaches to the OR table, carriages that slide along tracks on the base plate, and positioning devices mounted on carriages. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system compared to specialized OR tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate with tracks and carriages is designed to be universally compatible with standard OR tables, providing precision positioning functionality without requiring specialized table infrastructure. The same carriage system can accommodate different positioning devices for various surgical procedures.
2Measurement precision
If positioning devices are placed above the patient, then positioning precision is improved, but surgical access is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage system utilizes the vertical dimension by allowing carriages to slide along vertical tracks on the base plate. This enables positioning devices to be precisely adjusted in the vertical direction while maintaining a compact footprint that does not obstruct the surgeon's horizontal access to the surgical site.
3Measurement precision
If complex positioning systems are used, then positioning precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where carriages can be easily slid along tracks to reposition positioning devices during surgery. This dynamic repositioning is simpler than complex mechanical systems while maintaining precision through the guided track mechanism.
4Measurement precision
If multiple components are used for positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but sterilization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into sterilizable components (base plate, carriages, positioning devices) that can be separately processed. This segmentation allows each component to be designed for easy sterilization while maintaining the precision functionality of the complete assembled system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a carriage assembly and, more particularly, to a carriage apparatus, system, and method for coupling to a base plate and slidably holding a patient positioner, such as a distractor, at one or more angles with respect to an operating table. The carriage assembly may comprise a base, a jaw, and a fastener, which, when tightened, urges the jaw and base to clamp the track of a baseplate, the baseplate being coupled to a side rail clamp via pins. Alternatively, the carriage assembly may comprise a base and a lever assembly with open and locked positions, the latter securing the carriage to the track. Tapered openings in the carriage base may hold the patient positioner either vertically or at an angle with respect to the vertical. The carriages may be linearly translated to position the knee at a precise angles and provide enhanced structural stability.