Epidural Patient Positioning System with Motorized Adjustable Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning and stabilizing devices for epidural treatments are often not adjustable, require additional medical support, and can lead to injuries for both patients and healthcare providers, especially when a sitting position is needed.
Innovation Solution
A mobile epidural patient positioning system with adjustable foot, arm, and torso supports, powered by motors for vertical adjustment, allowing for customizable support on varying treatment tables without the need for additional personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a patient is positioned in a sitting position for epidural treatment, then the patient can receive treatment in a comfortable position, but the patient and healthcare worker are at risk of injury due to lack of support
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is designed to support and position the patient independently without requiring continuous manual support from healthcare workers. The adjustable supports and stabilization mechanisms enable the patient to maintain the sitting position safely on their own, eliminating the need for external physical support and thereby reducing injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system acts as an intermediary between the patient and the treatment table, providing mechanical support and stabilization. The adjustable supports and stabilization mechanisms serve as intermediaries that distribute the patient's weight and prevent unwanted movements, reducing the risk of injury to both patient and healthcare worker.
2Device complexity
If fixed positioning devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate patients of different sizes or varying table configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system incorporates adjustable supports with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the device to adapt its configuration dynamically. The supports can be adjusted in position, angle, and height to accommodate patients of different sizes and various table configurations, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into multiple independent adjustable components including foot supports, knee supports, and torso supports. Each segment can be independently adjusted to fit different patient anatomies and table configurations, allowing the overall system to maintain simplicity while achieving high adaptability through modular adjustment.
3Device complexity
If manual positioning support is provided by healthcare workers, then no additional equipment is needed, but the potential for injury increases for both patient and healthcare worker
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system enables self-positioning and self-support, allowing the patient to be positioned and maintained in the correct posture without continuous manual assistance. This eliminates the physical contact and manual support that create injury risks for both patients and healthcare workers.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device serves as an intermediary that replaces the need for manual physical support. The adjustable supports and stabilization mechanisms provide the necessary physical assistance mechanically, eliminating the need for healthcare workers to physically hold or support the patient during the procedure.
4Reliability
If highly adjustable positioning systems are used, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow multiple supports to be adjusted independently while maintaining overall system stability. The adjustable components are designed to work together in a coordinated manner, providing high adaptability without creating excessive complexity through systematic integration of adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An epidural patient positioning system for providing a mobile support platform which is adjustable for a wide range of patient sizes and configurations of treatment tables. The epidural patient positioning system includes a base assembly having a plurality of casters, a vertical assembly extending upwardly from the base assembly, a pair of adjustable foot supports positioned on either side of the vertical assembly, and pair of adjustable arm supports positioned on either side of the vertical assembly, a torso support member positionable both vertically and laterally rom the vertical assembly, and a motor and control assembly.