Embalming Table Extension Clamp Structure for Obese Remains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current embalming tables are inadequate to handle the remains of obese individuals and the fluids released during the embalming process, as they are often too small and do not accommodate the larger size and fluid management needs of obese bodies, particularly in funeral homes with limited space and door openings.
Innovation Solution
A work surface extension for embalming tables comprising a sheet member, spar members, stiffening members, and a clamping member, which provides additional structural support and fluid containment, allowing for an extended processing surface that can be securely attached and detached from the embalming table to accommodate larger bodies and manage fluids effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If standard embalming tables are used, then the device complexity and cost are kept low, but the work surface area is insufficient to accommodate obese remains and manage fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is divided into a base table and an extension assembly that can be attached or removed. The extension assembly itself is segmented into a sheet member, spar members, and stiffening members, allowing the surface area to be increased only when needed while maintaining simplicity of the base unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension assembly is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the base table through the clamping member mechanism. This allows the work surface area to be adjusted based on the specific embalming needs, providing larger area for obese remains only when required.
2Area of moving object
If the work surface area is extended to accommodate obese remains, then the ability to handle larger bodies is improved, but the structural stability and support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening members are strategically positioned at specific locations on the extension assembly where structural support is most needed. The spar members are configured to provide localized reinforcement along the edges of the sheet member, ensuring that the extended surface maintains adequate strength and rigidity despite the increased area.
3Area of moving object
If a fixed large embalming table is used to accommodate obese remains, then the work surface area is sufficient, but the ease of movement and adaptability to different funeral home layouts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The embalming table system is segmented into a movable base table and a separate extension assembly. This allows the base table to remain compact and easy to move through narrow doorways and hallways, while the extension assembly can be attached only when additional surface area is required for obese remains.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension assembly is designed to be dynamically configured - attached when large surface area is needed for obese remains, and removed or stored when not needed. This maintains the ease of movement and adaptability of the base table while providing the capability for larger work surface area when required.
4Reliability
If the extension assembly is made securely attached to provide stability, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of detachment and storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping member mechanism provides dynamic attachment - it can be engaged to securely fasten the extension assembly to the base table when stability is needed during embalming procedures, and easily released when detachment for storage or reconfiguration is required. This balances attachment reliability with ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a work surface extension for an embalming table may include a sheet member, one or more spar members, at least one stiffening member, and a clamping member. The at least one stiffening member may include a table accepting opening partially formed by a table datum feature, a strut member that extends laterally from the table accepting opening in a first direction, and a sheet contacting surface the extends laterally from the table accepting opening in a second direction. The table datum feature and the processing surface of the sheet member can be aligned at an extension alignment angle that is acute. The clamping member can be rotatably engaged with the at least one stiffening member. The clamping member may include a table engagement feature that is biased to at least partially enclose the table accepting opening of the at least one stiffening member.