OR Table Carriage Assembly for Stable Angled Knee Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical positioning systems are limited by their compatibility with standard OR tables, obstructive design, and lack of stability during procedures, particularly for surgeries like knee replacements.
Innovation Solution
A carriage system that couples to a standard OR table, allowing a patient positioning device like a distractor to be slidably translated and anchored at desired angles, forming a stable triangle configuration with the OR table and patient limb, providing enhanced support and access for surgeons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a specialized surgical OR table is used for precision positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the positioning function into two independent parts: a standard OR table for basic support and a separate modular carriage assembly for precision positioning. The carriage can be detached and transferred between tables, providing specialized functionality without requiring a completely specialized table.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage assembly is designed to be universally compatible with standard OR tables through standardized interfaces (e.g., C-channel rails). This allows the same carriage to be used across different tables and surgical procedures, reducing the need for multiple specialized tables while maintaining positioning precision.
2Ease of operation
If a patient positioning system is placed above the surgical site for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but obstruction of the surgical site increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage system utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning components underneath the patient and surgical site. The base plate and carriage operate in the sub-patient space, allowing surgical access from above while positioning controls remain accessible from the side or below, eliminating direct obstruction of the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal bar acts as an intermediary element that transmits positioning forces and movements from the carriage (positioned below) to the patient positioning device (at the surgical site). This allows the carriage to be located away from the direct surgical path while still controlling the positioning function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a patient positioning device is secured rigidly to maintain position, then positioning stability is improved, but ability to adjust position during surgery decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage incorporates a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism that provides dynamic positioning control. The ratchet allows incremental adjustment in one direction while preventing backward movement, enabling the system to transition from an adjustable state during positioning to a locked stable state during surgery, and back to adjustable if repositioning is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism changes its mechanical parameters (degrees of freedom) based on the surgical phase. During positioning, the system allows movement along the longitudinal bar; during surgery, the ratchet engages to constrain movement and maintain stability. This parameter change enables both adaptability and stability at different times.
4Ease of operation
If a distractor is mechanically coupled to the positioning boot for coordinated movement, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning stability and rigidity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the distractor and positioning boot into independently controllable units, each with its own carriage. This segmentation allows the distractor to be positioned and locked independently from the boot, providing stability for each component while maintaining operational flexibility through separate adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a carriage assembly and, more particularly, to a carriage apparatus, system, and method for coupling to a base plate and slidably holding a patient positioner, such as a distractor, at one or more angles with respect to an operating table. The carriage assembly may comprise a base, a jaw, and a fastener, which, when tightened, urges the jaw and base to clamp the rail of a baseplate, the baseplate being coupled to a side rail clamp via pins. Tapered openings in the carriage base may hold the patient positioner either vertically or at an angle with respect to the vertical. A secondary carriage may hold a boot configured to hold a foot. The carriages may be linearly translated to position the knee at a precise angles and provide enhanced structural stability.