Lower Limb Positioning Structure With Hydraulic Traction Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lower limb positioning apparatuses for surgery are bulky, require multiple operators, hinder surgical movement, and lack precise repositioning capabilities, complicating the surgical procedure and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, maneuverable apparatus with hydraulic actuators and a lever system for single-operator control, featuring a support structure with a traction slide, graduated scale, and rotational groups for precise limb positioning and repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated operator is used to control the positioning apparatus, then the limb positioning precision is improved, but the number of personnel required increases and operational coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgeon performs limb positioning operations directly using the apparatus without delegating to a dedicated operator. The control pedal and manual manipulation mechanisms enable the surgeon to independently control traction, rotation, and positioning of the limb during surgery, eliminating the need for coordination with additional personnel while maintaining positioning precision.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the apparatus structure is made heavy and bulky to provide stable support, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of movement and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs dynamic design elements including movable support legs with feet that can be positioned and locked as needed, rather than being permanently fixed. The structure allows for adjustable stability - the legs can be extended and locked during surgery to provide stability, then retracted or repositioned for easy movement. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of movement.
3Measurement precision
If complex retention mechanisms are used to control limb movements, then the positioning precision is improved, but the operational smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and simplifies the retention mechanisms by using a control pedal system that directly actuates the positioning mechanisms without complex intermediate locking/unlocking steps. The pedal provides continuous, smooth control of the actuators that move the limb through traction and rotation, eliminating the need for multiple discrete retention mechanisms that would require sequential unlocking and adjustment.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the apparatus rests on the ground for stability, then the structural support is improved, but the ease of repositioning and height adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the apparatus to be easily repositioned by collapsing or retracting the legs. When positioning is required, the legs extend and lock to provide stable ground support. This dynamic transformation between mobile and stable states resolves the contradiction between structural support and ease of repositioning.
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 smooth, precise, and efficient single-operator manipulation of the lower limb during surgery, reducing operational complexity and costs while ensuring accurate repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure, when connected to said support device for a patient, is suspended and comprises at least one actuator, hydraulically connected with the traction slide to move the support structure in space
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for positioning a lower limb of a patient during surgery comprises at least one support structure connectable, through a proximal end, to a support device for a patient and defining a traction axis of the patient's lower limb, a traction slide slidingly movable on the support structure, a gripping body for a distal end of the patient's lower limb connectable to the traction slide. The support structure, when connected to the support device for a patient, is suspended and comprises at least one actuator, hydraulically connected with the traction slide, for moving the support structure in space.