Operating Table Lateral Support With Pivoting Arms for Fast Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning systems for operating tables are inefficient, causing strain on theatre staff, difficulty in quick position changes, and increased risk of back injuries due to slow adjustability and lack of height adjustment, leading to potential patient falls and operational interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A patient support device with pivotally connected arms and pads that can be securely locked in various positions along the table edge rail, allowing for height adjustment and 270° rotation to stow beneath the table, enabling quick repositioning and reducing the need for staff to lean over patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed support pads are used on the operating table, then the patient can be supported in position, but the support pads cannot be quickly adjusted when patient position needs to change for resuscitation
Solution Approach 1:
The support device uses a pivotal arm mechanism that allows the pad to be dynamically repositioned from a fixed position over the patient to a stowed position beyond the table edge. The arm can pivot between working and stowed positions, enabling quick adjustment without manual intervention to move heavy pads.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into separate functional components: a movable arm, a pivotal connection point, and a detachable pad. This segmentation allows the arm mechanism to remain while the pad can be independently adjusted or removed, facilitating rapid reconfiguration for different patient positions.
2Ease of operation
If support pads are placed close to the patient for effective support, then the patient is well-supported, but the pads obstruct theatre staff and cannot be easily accessed for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The arm mechanism allows the pad to be dynamically positioned close to the patient during surgery for effective support, then quickly pivoted outward to a stowed position beyond the table edge when staff need to access the patient. This dynamic repositioning eliminates obstruction while maintaining support effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system utilizes the third dimension by positioning pads vertically above the table edge when not in use, rather than only horizontal movement. This allows pads to be stored out of the way without interfering with staff movement around the table.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard height pads are provided for all theatres, then manufacturing is simplified, but the pads do not accommodate variation in body sizes and impede surgeon access
Solution Approach 1:
The arm mechanism provides height adjustment capability, allowing the pad to be positioned at different vertical levels to accommodate various patient body sizes. This dynamic height adjustment replaces the need for multiple fixed-height pad specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
A single arm-based support device can accommodate multiple patient sizes and positions through adjustment, making it a universal solution that replaces the need for multiple specialized pads for different body types and surgical procedures.
4Reliability
If the patient's mass presses the arm into the mattress, then the patient is securely supported, but the pad cannot be retracted when position change is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal arm mechanism is designed to pivot freely at its connection point, allowing the arm to be lifted from the mattress when the locking mechanism is released. The patient's weight provides stable support during surgery but does not prevent the arm from being repositioned when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system separates the support function (arm pressing on patient) from the positioning function (arm angle and location). This allows the arm to maintain secure support while the pivotal connection enables independent repositioning when resuscitation or position change is required.
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
The solution reduces back injuries in theatre staff, facilitates quicker patient repositioning, maintains sterile drapes in place, and minimizes patient falls, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
support means pivotally connected at one end to the rail and rail engagement means and at the opposite end to a pad for contacting the patients body
Implementation Method 2
means for locking the supporting means in positions where the pad is overlying the table further from the table than the rail and below the table
Data Source
AI summary
A patient positioning support for an operating theatre table (2) has a saddle (18) for clamping to the rail (8) which runs alongside the edge of the table and a pair of articulating arms (26, 32) attached to the saddle for holding a pad in contact with a patients body or limb. The devices are mounted in pairs and are lockable in positions which overlie the tame or lie outboard of the table or below the table when not required. The locking action is by friction but radial arrays of teeth (66, 68), which are locked by hand screws (62), give the preferred locking action. Other items of equipment such as arm boards, neural head supports and stirrups can be substituted for the pad.