Limb Positioning System with Rotating Ball Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for positioning upper body limbs, such as using pillows or human assistance, are often inconsistent, uncomfortable, and biomechanically improper, which can hinder the treatment or healing process for patients with shoulder or elbow joint issues.

Innovation Solution

A limb positioning system comprising a subassembly with clamps, crossbars, and cuffs that allow for rotation and translation, along with an adjustable stand and extension mechanism, enabling precise positioning and stabilization of limbs to accommodate various movements and patient comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional methods such as pillows or human assistance are used for positioning, then the positioning can be adjusted flexibly, but the positioning consistency and biomechanical appropriateness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is divided into multiple independent adjustable components including clamps, crossbars, cuffs, and extension members that can be individually positioned and locked. This segmentation allows each component to be adjusted independently to achieve precise biomechanically appropriate positioning while maintaining consistency through mechanical locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable clamps that can translate along crossbars, rotatable joints, and extendable members. These dynamic features enable the system to adapt to different patient anatomies and positioning requirements while maintaining consistent reproducible positions through locked configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If conventional methods such as pillows or human assistance are used for positioning, then the setup process is simple, but the biomechanical appropriateness and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup simplicityVSAvoidbiomechanical appropriateness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is modular with separate clamps, crossbars, cuffs, and extension members that can be assembled in a standardized manner. This segmentation maintains relative setup simplicity while enabling precise biomechanical positioning through the coordinated adjustment of individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is designed to be self-adjusting and self-locking through mechanical mechanisms. Once configured, the system maintains positioning without requiring continuous human assistance, thereby improving biomechanical appropriateness while keeping the initial setup process manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid fixed positioning system is used, then the positioning stability is improved, but the adaptability to various movements and patient comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidmovement accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines dynamic adjustable components with stable locked configurations. Clamps can translate and rotate during setup, then lock firmly to provide stability. Extension members can be adjusted to accommodate different limb lengths and positions, providing versatility while maintaining positional stability once configured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adjustment of multiple parameters including clamp positions along crossbars, extension member lengths, and cuff positions. These parameter changes enable adaptation to various patient needs and movement requirements while the locked mechanisms maintain stability during treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to improve positioning precision, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning precision is achieved through multiple independent adjustment mechanisms on segmented components rather than a single complex mechanism. Each clamp, crossbar, and extension member has its own adjustment capabilities, distributing the complexity across modular units while achieving high overall positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11452658B2Limb positioning system and method of manufacture

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 SENSKA BRAD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a subassembly of a limb positioning system, the subassembly comprising a first clamp comprising an aperture and a first socket, a crossbar extending through the aperture of the first clamp, and a first ball coupled to a first cuff, wherein the first ball is configured to be inserted into the first socket of the first clamp and allow rotation of the first cuff relative to the first clamp.