Electromagnetic Limb Support Joints for Surgical Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current patient limb support systems have a limited range of motion and are awkward to secure, making it difficult to maintain a patient's limb in a desired position during surgery or recovery, especially when the patient is unconscious.

Innovation Solution

A limb support system with joints that can rotate about two orthogonal axes, featuring electromagnets and biasing devices for quick locking and unlocking, allowing for flexible positioning and secure stabilization of limbs in various positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional limb support devices are used to secure a patient's limb, then the limb can be held in position, but the device has a limited range of motion and is awkward to secure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motionVSAvoidease to secure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic joints that can rotate about multiple orthogonal axes, allowing the support arm to adapt to various limb positions and orientations. The joint transitions between locked and unlocked states to provide both flexibility during positioning and stability during support, directly addressing the limited range of motion while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support system is divided into multiple segments including support arms and joints that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be adjusted separately to achieve the desired limb position, enhancing adaptability while keeping the securing process manageable through modular adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional limb support devices are used, then the limb can be secured, but it takes time to position and secure the device correctly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of limb positionVSAvoidtime to position and secure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with electromagnetic actuators that can quickly transition the joint between locked and unlocked states. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required to position and secure the limb while maintaining reliable stability once locked, as the electromagnetic actuation provides rapid and precise control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for preliminary positioning of the limb in the desired position before locking. The unlockable joint enables the support arm to be manually positioned without resistance, and then quickly locked into place using the electromagnetic actuator, separating the positioning and securing actions to reduce overall time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a limb support system with quick locking mechanism is used, then the device can be quickly positioned, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses electromagnetic actuators to replace complex multi-component mechanical locking mechanisms. The electromagnetic actuation system achieves quick locking and unlocking through electrical control, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving the speed of positioning. The electromagnetic field provides direct actuation without the need for multiple mechanical linkages, springs, and cam mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables the patient's limb to be supported in any position, allowing for quick and secure adjustment and stabilization, enhancing the healing process by preventing unwanted movement during surgery or recovery.

Implementation Method 1

One or more joints may be formed from a first electromagnet and a biasing device positioned generally opposite to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The biasing device may be a spring configured to bias the at least one first locking member towards biasing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8425443B2Electromagnetic locking mechanism for supporting limbs

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 ARTHREX INC

AI summary

A limb support system for supporting one or more limbs of a patient during surgery is disclosed. The limb support system may include one or more joints formed from electromagnets that move locking mechanisms between locked and unlocked positions to enable a patient's limb to be supported in a desired position. At least one of the joints may be supported by a support arm that is attached to support structure. A limb support device, such as, but not limited to, an armrest or a wrist support may be attached to the housing of the joint.