Patient immobilization device, system and method for immobilizing a patient
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient immobilization devices are not simple and flexible enough for various medical procedures, requiring improved handling and immobilization techniques to prevent patient movement during diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A patient immobilization device with a planar nonwoven fabric element and multiple lateral arms, combined with micro-hook fastening elements that can be easily folded for compact storage and quickly deployed on a patient table, allowing for secure immobilization with optional disposable patches for hygiene and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple bonded nonwoven fabric with micro-hook fastener is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but immobilization flexibility and security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The immobilization device is divided into a central body and multiple detachable arms (at least two). Each arm can be independently attached or detached from the central body via perforations and fastening elements, allowing flexible configuration to immobilize different body parts or regions according to specific medical procedure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static simple fabric to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The arms can be attached/detached and positioned at different locations along the central body, enabling the device to adapt to various immobilization needs while maintaining simple manufacturing of individual components.
2Area of stationary object
If a large-area immobilization device is used, then coverage area is improved, but handling and storage complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large-area device is segmented into a central body and multiple arms that can be folded. When not in use, arms fold laterally onto the central body, and the device can be folded in half along its longitudinal axis, creating a compact package that is easy to handle and store despite providing large coverage area during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The arms are folded laterally onto the central body, and the device can be folded in half, creating a nested compact structure. This allows the large-area device to be stored in a space-efficient manner while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
3Reliability
If micro-hook fastening elements are used for secure attachment, then immobilization reliability is improved, but risk of patient contact with micro-hooks increases
Solution Approach 1:
A disposable patch with fabric loops on one side and micro-hooks on the other side is introduced as an intermediary element. The micro-hooks are attached to the patch rather than directly to the device arms, and the patch is placed between the device and patient skin. This maintains secure attachment reliability while preventing direct patient contact with micro-hooks, eliminating the safety risk.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple arms are added to increase immobilization flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a modular segmented structure with a central body and multiple detachable arms connected via perforations and fastening elements. This segmentation allows flexibility in configuring the number and position of arms based on specific needs, while each component remains simple in design and easy to manufacture, preventing overall device complexity from increasing significantly.
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 simple, flexible, and efficient patient immobilization, reducing handling complexity and ensuring secure patient restraint during medical procedures while allowing for easy access and minimizing risk of accidental detachment.
Implementation Method 1
The upper web and the lower web are configured and spaced apart such that a rail of a patient table can be clamped between them
Implementation Method 2
a deformable rubber strip which is arranged in the channel, which is configured such that it receives a lower part of the rail of the patient table
Implementation Method 3
The disposable patches have fabric loops on the inner face and micro-hooks on the outer face
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a patient immobilization apparatus (100) comprising a planar element (105) made of a non-woven fabric. The planar element (105) has an elongate middle section (110) and a plurality of arms (120; 130), which extend out laterally on both sides of the middle section (110). The patient immobilization apparatus (100) can be provided to the end user, preferably in a folded state. In the folded state, each of the arms (120; 130) is folded laterally on the elongate middle section (110). Parts of the elongate middle section (110), having the arms (120; 130) folded laterally thereon, are advantageously additionally foldable onto each other in the longitudinal direction. Each arm (120; 130) can be folded laterally in part on itself before it is folded laterally on the elongate middle section (110).