Hand Table With Magnetic Instrument Securing and Arm Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons and their assistants face challenges with hand placement and fatigue, instrument and medical device security, body part positioning, tissue retraction, and the need for multiple assistants during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A hand table device with elevated edges and integrated magnets that supports the surgeon and assistant's arms, secures instruments and medical devices, and immobilizes the patient's body part, allowing single-assistant surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the surgeon and assistant rest their arms on the table during surgery, then their hand placement becomes more stable, but their arms and shoulders experience fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into multiple elevated supports positioned at different locations, allowing the surgeon and assistant to rest their arms at optimal positions rather than one continuous surface, distributing the support function to reduce fatigue while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated supports raise the resting surface vertically from the table plane, creating a three-dimensional ergonomic structure that allows arms to rest at a height that reduces shoulder strain while maintaining hand stability for surgical work
2Ease of operation
If instruments and medical devices are placed on the table during surgery, then they are accessible to the surgeon, but they may fall off the table
Solution Approach 1:
Raised ledges create a vertical barrier around the table surface, forming a containment boundary that prevents instruments from sliding off while maintaining easy access from above, solving both accessibility and security requirements
3Productivity
If multiple assistants are used during surgery, then tissue retraction and other tasks can be performed simultaneously, but the complexity and cost of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated supports and magnetic table enable the surgical system to maintain itself - instruments are magnetically secured without manual attention, and the ergonomic supports maintain arm positioning automatically, freeing assistants to focus on surgical tasks rather than equipment management
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field strength and elevated support geometry are optimized to provide sufficient holding force and ergonomic benefit, enabling one assistant to manage tasks that previously required multiple people, thereby reducing personnel complexity while maintaining productivity
4Stability of the object's composition
If the patient's body part is secured to the table, then positioning stability is improved, but the ability to adjust positioning during surgery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment provides dynamic securing - strong enough to hold the body part firmly in position during surgery, but allowing for controlled repositioning when needed, unlike rigid mechanical restraints that would require complex release mechanisms
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
Reduces surgeon and assistant fatigue, prevents instrument and fluid spillage, maintains secure body part positioning, and enables single-assistant surgeries by providing a stable and ergonomic workspace.
Implementation Method 1
The rigid platform includes magnets which, along with secondary metallic articles, permit instruments, medical devices and a patient's body part to be secured or immobilized as needed
Data Source
AI summary
Hand table device for surgeons including a rectangular, rigid platform having elevated edges running along each long side thereof. The elevated edges allow the surgeon and assistant to rest their arms/wrists to prevent fatigue of their arms and shoulders while also providing a solid foundation for the surgeon's arms/wrists during a delicate procedure. The edges further prevent instruments and fluids from exiting the surgery area. The rigid platform may include magnets which, along with secondary metallic articles, permit instruments, medical devices and a patient's body part to be secured or immobilized as needed. The hand table device may be disposable for one-time use only.