Dynamic Drape Volume Control for Sterile Articulated Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical drapes struggle to accommodate equipment movement while preventing excess material from gathering near the patient, which can lead to contamination and increased operating time, especially when made of non-biocompatible materials.
Innovation Solution
A drape system with a controller that adjusts volume based on sensor input, using a pressure source to increase or decrease the enclosed space, conforming to the equipment's movement and preventing excess material from gathering, and includes sensors to monitor for leaks or impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the drape is made oversized to accommodate equipment movement, then the equipment can move freely, but excess material gathers near the patient causing contamination risk and increased operating time
Solution Approach 1:
The drape incorporates an adjustable volume mechanism that dynamically changes the enclosed space to match the equipment's position during movement. The volume can be increased when equipment moves and decreased when stationary, preventing excess material from gathering near the patient while maintaining adaptability for equipment motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of drape volume in response to equipment movement. By adjusting the enclosed volume parameter, the drape maintains optimal fit throughout the procedure - large enough to accommodate movement but small enough to prevent material accumulation near the surgical site.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the drape volume is decreased to conform to equipment, then contamination is prevented, but equipment movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The drape system dynamically adjusts its volume based on real-time equipment position. When equipment moves, the volume increases to accommodate the motion; when equipment is stationary, the volume decreases to conform tightly and prevent contamination. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between movement freedom and contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively adjusts drape volume in anticipation of equipment movement or immediately in response to detected movement. Sensors monitor equipment position and trigger volume adjustment before contamination can occur or movement is restricted, maintaining optimal conditions throughout the procedure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual re-draping is performed during equipment movement, then sterility is maintained, but operating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drape system is self-adjusting through automated volume control based on sensor input. It maintains sterility autonomously by conforming to equipment movement without requiring manual intervention for re-draping, thus eliminating the time loss associated with manual adjustments while持续 maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors provide continuous feedback on equipment position and drape condition to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time volume adjustment to maintain sterility during equipment movement, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual re-draping interventions.
4Ease of manufacture
If the drape is made of non-biocompatible materials, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but patient contact must be strictly prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the drape volume parameter to maintain an optimal barrier between the non-biocompatible drape material and the patient. By adjusting volume to conform closely to equipment, the drape minimizes material bulk and reduces the risk of patient contact, enabling the use of cost-effective non-biocompatible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The drape system achieves different quality levels in different regions through volume adjustment. The enclosed volume is minimized in areas where patient contact risk exists, creating a tight conforming barrier, while maintaining adequate volume elsewhere to accommodate equipment. This localized quality control enables use of non-biocompatible materials.
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 reduces the need for manual re-draping during equipment movement, prevents contamination, and decreases overall operating time by ensuring the drape conforms to the equipment, thus maintaining sterility and reducing the risk of patient contact.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure source operable to selectively increase, maintain, or decrease a volume between a drape and an articulated member by selectively applying positive pressure or negative pressure to the volume
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor operable to monitor a characteristic of the system... The characteristic may be at least one of a pressure inside the volume substantially enclosed by the drape
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a volume of a drape according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a drape operable to substantially cover an articulated member and having a pressure source opening and at least one tool opening, the pressure source opening defining a path for a fluid to flow into or out of a volume substantially enclosed by the drape, the at least one tool opening enabling a tool to be supported by the articulated member outside of the volume substantially enclosed by the drape; at least one sensor operable to monitor a characteristic of the system; and a controller that causes the volume substantially enclosed by the drape to increase to a maximum volume, decrease to a minimum volume, or maintain an operating volume, and wherein the drape increasingly conforms to the articulated member as the volume substantially enclosed by the drape is decreased.