Non-metallic Articulating Patient Positioning System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient positioning systems in orthopedic surgery often rely on metallic components, which cause imaging artifacts and are inadequate for the increasing size of imaging bores in hybrid operating rooms, leading to suboptimal imaging and structural weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
A non-metallic, articulating patient positioning system using high-strength laminar sheeting for interlocking joints that allow variable positioning along the x, y, and z axes, eliminating metallic components to prevent imaging artifacts and enhance load-bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic components are used in patient positioning systems, then structural strength and load-bearing capacity are improved, but imaging artifacts are generated that interfere with advanced imaging technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all metallic components from the patient positioning system, extracting the harmful element (metal) that causes imaging artifacts while maintaining the essential load-bearing function through alternative non-metallic materials and structural designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials, specifically carbon fiber reinforced polymers, to replace metallic components. These composite materials provide the necessary structural strength and load-bearing capacity while being radiolucent and compatible with advanced imaging technologies, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and imaging artifact generation
2Object-generated harmful factors
If non-metallic materials are used to eliminate imaging artifacts, then imaging quality is improved, but structural strength and load-bearing capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites that combine the radiolucency of non-metallic materials with the high strength-to-weight ratio of fiber-reinforced structures, achieving both artifact-free imaging and sufficient load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into modular components with optimized structural designs. Each segment is engineered to distribute loads efficiently through the composite material structure, maximizing the load-bearing capacity of non-metallic materials while maintaining imaging compatibility
3Strength
If traditional metallic positioning systems are used, then load-bearing capacity is maintained, but integration with advanced imaging technologies and surgical robotics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By removing all metallic components from the positioning system, the patent eliminates the source of imaging artifacts that interfere with advanced imaging technologies and surgical robotics, thereby enabling seamless integration while maintaining load-bearing capacity through composite materials
Solution Approach 2:
The non-metallic articulating positioning system is designed to be universally compatible with multiple imaging modalities (CT, MRI, fluoroscopy) and surgical robotic systems. The radiolucent composite materials and artifact-free design allow the system to function across different technological platforms, enhancing adaptability and versatility
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises means for engaging a patient platform. The means comprises at least one layer of laminar sheeting of radiolucent material. At least one anatomical support member which comprises at least one layer of laminar sheeting of radiolucent material. At least one articulating joint unit is in engagement with the at least one of anatomical support member. The at least one articulating joint unit comprise at least one layer of laminar sheeting of radiolucent material with a primarily non-metallic connector at a central pivot point. The at least one articulating joint unit is positionable in at least a vertical and horizontal orientations enabling positioning of portions of an anatomy in three dimensions along x, y, and z axes. At least one primarily non-metallic locking member is configured to lock the at least one articulating joint unit at selectable position(s), in which a load bearing stress is spread across lengths of the laminar sheeting to mitigate a susceptibility to stress fractures and load failure.