Modular Surgical Patient Positioner With Extender Board

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current patient positioner units are not cost and space efficient for performing multiple surgical procedures like hip and knee surgery, as they require separate units and extensive modifications for different positions.

Innovation Solution

A modular surgical patient positioner unit comprising a radiolucent peg board with a plastic linear extension board and a perforated metal bridging plate, along with an elongated metal side support bar for added strength and accessory attachment, allowing for easy modification and multi-functional use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate patient positioner units are used for hip and knee surgery, then each procedure can be performed with specialized equipment, but cost and space efficiency deteriorate due to requiring multiple units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-procedure capabilityVSAvoidnumber of units required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single patient positioner unit that can perform both hip and knee surgery functions. The extender board with multiple configurations and the modular design allow the same base unit to be adapted for different surgical procedures, eliminating the need for separate specialized units for each procedure type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the positioner into modular components: a base peg board and a separate extender board that can be attached or removed as needed. This modular structure allows the unit to be configured for different procedures (hip or knee surgery) by attaching the extender board only when required, reducing the need for multiple complete units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If extensive modifications are made to the positioner unit for different surgical positions, then procedure-specific functionality is improved, but ease of modification and setup time worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedure-specific configurationVSAvoidmodification effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the positioner configuration changeable during use through the attachable extender board. The unit transitions from a static base configuration to a dynamic state where the extender can be added or removed based on surgical needs, allowing easy reconfiguration without permanent modifications or extensive setup efforts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-designing the extender board with attachment mechanisms and pre-configured peg holes for different surgical positions. This preliminary preparation allows the extender to be quickly attached and configured for the specific procedure without requiring extensive on-site modification or complex assembly during surgery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single positioner unit is used for multiple procedures, then cost and space efficiency are improved, but the ability to provide specialized support for each procedure may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of unitsVSAvoidprocedure-specific support quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing procedure-specific functionality only where needed through the extender board. The extender board adds specialized support features for knee or hip surgery only when attached, while the base unit maintains its general-purpose capabilities. This ensures high-quality specialized support for each procedure without requiring complete separate units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7415741B1Surgical patient positioner extension unit
Publication Date: 2008.08.26 INNOVATIVE MEDICAL PRODS
  • US7415741B1 patent drawing
  • US7415741B1 patent drawing
  • US7415741B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A modular surgical patient positioner unit is formed by attaching a plastic linear extension board to a peg board by means of a perforated metal bridging plate. An elongated metal support bar is fastened along one side of the linear extension board for added strength and functionality.