Multi-axis joint for surgical limb holder traction control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical limb holders tend to move unintentionally during procedures, leading to loss of tension on the patient's limb, which can hinder surgical access and precision.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis joint system with vertical and horizontal position locks allows the limb holder to move in controlled planes, maintaining tension on the patient's limb by interlocking and unlocking mechanisms to restrict movement in specific axes, ensuring stable traction during repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the limb holder is allowed to move freely in multiple planes, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the stability and tension maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The movement control is segmented into two independent planes: vertical movement controlled by the first axis and horizontal movement controlled by the second axis. The position locks divide the movement freedom, allowing controlled movement in one plane at a time while maintaining stability in the other plane, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different movement states by engaging and disengaging position locks. When the first position lock is engaged, vertical movement is restricted while horizontal movement is allowed. When disengaged, vertical movement is allowed while horizontal movement is restricted. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt between stability and ease of operation based on surgical needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the limb holder moves in multiple planes simultaneously, then the adaptability is improved, but the tension on the patient's limb is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The movement is segmented into independent vertical and horizontal components, each controlled by separate position locks. This segmentation ensures that only one plane of movement is active at a time, maintaining tension in the limb while still providing adaptability through sequential movement in different planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The limb holder movement follows a periodic sequence where one plane is moved while the other remains locked, then the locks switch states. This periodic action maintains continuous tension on the limb while achieving the necessary adaptability for repositioning during surgery.
3Reliability
If position locks are added to control movement, then the stability and tension maintenance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second position locks are merged into a single integrated mechanism that controls both vertical and horizontal movement. The locks share common components such as the spar, joint mount, and positioning mechanisms, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining the stability and tension maintenance functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The position lock mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls movement in both vertical and horizontal planes, maintains tension on the limb, and provides adaptability for repositioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the desired stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes a surgical table and a limb support unit coupled to the surgical table. The limb support unit includes a support platform coupled to the surgical table in a fixed position, a first limb holder coupled to the support platform in a fixed position relative to the support platform, and a second limb holder coupled to the support platform and spaced apart from the first limb holder. The first limb holder includes a multi-axis joint coupled to the support platform in a fixed position and a spar coupled to the multi-axis joint to move relative to the support platform while supporting a patient's limb that has been coupled to the spar.