Processor controlled surgical step stool with automatic height adjustment and electronic foot switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical stools are non-adjustable, leading to ergonomic challenges and workplace hazards during surgeries, requiring multiple stools to accommodate height and equipment control, and risking contamination from non-sterile personnel adjusting foot pedals.
Innovation Solution
A motorized, processor-controlled step-platform device with adjustable height, optional suction for stability, and customizable top plate to hold foot switches, allowing ergonomic positioning and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple non-adjustable step stools are stacked to achieve required height and platform space, then surgeons can accommodate height discrepancies and equipment control needs, but workplace hazards increase and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The step stool is transformed from a static, fixed-height structure to a dynamic, motorized height-adjustable platform. The processor-controlled motor system enables continuous height adjustment between 6-18 inches, allowing the platform to adapt to different surgeon heights and surgical requirements without requiring stacking multiple stools, thereby eliminating instability and safety hazards associated with stacked stools
Solution Approach 2:
The step stool is designed as a universal platform that simultaneously addresses multiple needs: height adjustment for different surgeon statures, adequate platform space (17x27 inches) for multiple foot pedals, and integrated stabilization features. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized stools and reduces workplace hazards through centralized control
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple step stools are combined to accommodate height and platform space for multiple pedal switches, then equipment control is improved, but device complexity and staff workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate step stools are merged into a single integrated motorized platform with dimensions of 17x27 inches. This unified structure provides adequate space for multiple foot pedals while eliminating the complexity of stacking and coordinating multiple stools. The integrated design includes unified motorized height adjustment and centralized stabilization features
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed as a universal base that can accommodate various foot pedal configurations and heights. The large 17x27 inch surface area and motorized height adjustment capability allow a single platform to replace multiple specialized stools, reducing device complexity while maintaining full functionality for equipment control
3Ease of operation
If non-sterile personnel adjust foot pedals on step stools, then equipment control is maintained, but surgical field contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedals are permanently mounted on the motorized platform at adjustable heights, allowing surgeons to access and operate them directly from the platform without requiring assistance from non-sterile personnel. This self-service design maintains sterile field integrity while ensuring continuous equipment control throughout the surgical procedure
4Reliability
If step stools are made stationary for stability, then surgeon safety is improved, but mobility and repositioning capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates motorized height adjustment that automatically stabilizes at selected positions, providing both mobility and stability. The motorized system allows the platform to be repositioned vertically as needed while maintaining firm, stable positions during use, eliminating the trade-off between stationary stability and mobility
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 ergonomic adjustment to operator height, reduces workplace hazards, and minimizes contamination by allowing secure, adjustable positioning and control of surgical equipment.
Implementation Method 1
commanding at least one suction device to generate a partial vacuum against the floor to immobilize the step-stool
Data Source
AI summary
Operating room tables have limited height adjustment capability. To adequately treat a patient, surgeons often have to risk back injury and/or stand on rickety piles of prior art step stools, which is unsafe and can compromise sterility. Here, a computer-processor-controlled, motorized, surgical step-platform device is disclosed. The device is configured to have dimensions similar to a step stool. The device is configured to easily slide across a floor to an operating table. Then, either by a built-in user interface, or by remote control from a Smartphone, the device can affix itself into position and automatically raise between 5 to 18 inches above the floor. The device has sophisticated rechargeable battery power management and further accommodates wired, and wireless foot switches to control nearby surgical equipment.