Medical Procedure Mat with Integrated Cable Routing and Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures face challenges such as tangled or detached cables, uncomfortable and cold foam mats, arm boards that fall or obstruct, inadequate urine management, and inefficient tool handling, leading to prolonged setup times and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A medical procedure mat with integrated features like wiring for medical devices, inflatable back supports, heating/cooling systems, absorbent draping for urine management, and storage solutions for equipment, along with a draping system that includes a privacy shield and containers for medical tools, to improve cable management, patient comfort, and procedural efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple foam mats are used for patients to lie on, then the mat structure remains simple and cost-effective, but patient comfort deteriorates and the mats become cold during prolonged procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the mat system: heating elements are integrated into the mat structure to provide thermal comfort, inflatable supports are incorporated to provide ergonomic positioning, and cable management channels are built-in to organize medical equipment. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by maintaining relative structural simplicity while dramatically improving patient comfort through integrated thermal, positional, and organizational features.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detachable arm boards are used to support patient arms, then the arm boards can be removed when not needed, but they fall to the ground or get in the way when detached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces side rails as intermediary structures that remain attached to the table while providing attachment points for arm boards. The side rails act as a stable mediator between the table and the detachable arm boards, ensuring that when arm boards are detached from the table, they can be securely attached to the side rails instead of falling to the ground or obstructing the procedure area.
3Reliability
If multiple cables and tubes are used for medical monitoring devices, then comprehensive patient monitoring is achieved, but the cables become tangled or detached and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-formed cable management channels and routing paths into the mat structure during manufacturing. These channels are prepared in advance to guide cables and tubes along predetermined routes, preventing tangling and detachment. The preliminary organization of cable pathways significantly reduces setup time by eliminating the need to manually route and secure multiple cables during patient positioning.
4Device complexity
If simple paper or polymer drapes are used for patient coverage, then the draping system remains simple and disposable, but urine management becomes problematic and requires additional personnel or catheter placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective drape function with urine management functionality by integrating absorbent materials directly into the drape structure. The drape combines fluid barrier properties with urine absorption capability, allowing patients to urinate during procedures without requiring additional personnel for catheter placement or creating pools of fluid. This integrated approach maintains drape simplicity while solving the urine management problem.
5Quantity of substance
If tools are placed on a cart behind medical personnel during procedures, then tool storage is provided, but tools fall on the floor and require additional personnel to hold items during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions tool storage from a vertical cart behind personnel to a horizontal surface integrated into the mat structure. By incorporating a workbench surface directly into the mat, tools are positioned within easy reach of the procedure team on the same level as the patient, eliminating the need to reach backward to a cart. This dimensional change in tool placement improves accessibility and stability while reducing the need for additional personnel.
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
The solution reduces procedure delays, minimizes equipment falls, enhances patient comfort, and reduces the need for additional personnel, allowing for quicker patient setup and improved urine management during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated heating/cooling system
Implementation Method 2
an integrated heating/cooling system
Implementation Method 3
a sterile draping system with an integrated absorbent material is provided that will absorb urine (or other biological fluids)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A medical procedure mat for supporting a patient. A mat having a cushioned substrate and one or more physiological monitoring lines, the physiological monitoring lines having guided portions along the outer edge of the cushioned substrate, and flexible portions operatively coupled to the guided portions, the flexible portions being adapted to extend toward the patient. A draping system for use during medical procedures, including a top and/or bottom drape. A bottom drape including an absorbent material and/or a privacy shield. A top drape including a workbench surface. A mat and draping system in which a bottom and top drape mate to each other and/or to the mat. A draping system providing openings or holes to allow passage of one or more physiological monitoring lines when used in conjunction with the mat.