Modular Foot Support Assembly for Multi-Axis Leg Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leg and foot supporting devices during surgery lack the flexibility to independently translate and orient a patient's legs and feet relative to multiple axes, limiting the surgeon's ability to adjust traction and rotation simultaneously and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a foot holding assembly with a boot, a rigid sole, a pivot arm, and a slider block mounted to a rail assembly, allowing for adjustable traction and rotation of the patient's leg, with a pivot joint and quick release connectors for easy reconfiguration and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional leg and foot supporting devices are used to provide traction, then the patient's leg can be held in tension, but the ability to simultaneously rotate the patient's leg about one or more axes is limited or nonexistent
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions (traction, rotation about first axis, rotation about second axis) into a single integrated assembly. The foot support assembly combines the boot, pivot arm, first rail assembly, and second rail assembly to provide all three capabilities simultaneously without requiring separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic, adjustable components including the pivot arm that can rotate about a first axis, the first rail assembly that can rotate about a second axis, and the slider block that can translate along the rails. These dynamic elements allow the leg to be positioned and oriented in multiple degrees of freedom while maintaining traction.
2Ease of operation
If conventional devices enable rotation of the patient's leg about one or more axes, then rotational positioning is achieved, but the ability to independently control and adjust the rotation of the patient's leg about different axes is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into independent components: the first rail assembly with its own rotation control about the second axis, the second rail assembly with independent rotation control about the first axis, and the slider block with independent translation control along the rails. This segmentation allows each degree of freedom to be controlled independently without interfering with the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides universal control capability where each component (first rail assembly, second rail assembly, slider block) can perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall positioning system. This multi-functionality enables independent adjustment of each rotational axis and translation without requiring a complex centralized control system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional devices enable traction and rotation of the patient's leg about an axis simultaneously, then both functions are provided, but adjustment of one while maintaining the other is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic, adjustable components including the pivot arm that can rotate about a first axis, the first rail assembly that can rotate about a second axis, and the slider block that can translate along the rails. These dynamic elements allow the leg to be positioned and oriented in multiple degrees of freedom while maintaining traction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is segmented into independent components: the first rail assembly with its own rotation control about the second axis, the second rail assembly with independent rotation control about the first axis, and the slider block with independent translation control along the rails. This segmentation allows each degree of freedom to be controlled independently without interfering with the others.
4Ease of operation
If the patient's opposite leg is held in place by an elongate support stand placed on the operating room floor, then the leg is stabilized, but the patient cannot be easily moved about the operating room without moving the stand along with the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the support function from the floor-based stand and relocates it to the operating table. By mounting the foot support assembly directly to the operating table, the patient can be moved about the operating room without moving the support device, as the device moves with the patient on the table.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating table serves as an intermediary between the patient and the support system. By mounting the foot support assembly to the operating table rather than the floor, the table mediates the support function, allowing patient movement without requiring movement of the support stand.
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 the surgeon to easily adjust and maintain optimal leg positioning and traction during surgery, improving surgical access and reducing logistical complications, while allowing for modular sterilization and easy assembly/disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot joint and quick release connectors for easy reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
A foot holding assembly that includes a boot configured to hold the foot of the patient, a rigid sole coupled to the boot, a pivot arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the sole, a slider block pivotally coupled to a second end of the pivot arm and configured to be slidably mounted to a rail. The slider block includes a segmented body including a pair of longitudinal segments and a lateral segment, and a retainer disposed at an lateral interface of the pair of longitudinal segments and the lateral segment, wherein the retainer is configured to receive a second end of the pivot arm, wherein the pair of longitudinal segments and the lateral segment of the segmented body are each configured to move relative to one another in response to insertion of the second end of the pivot arm into the retainer.