Patient Rotation Apparatus Center of Gravity Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual transfer of anesthetized patients from a gurney to an operating table is physically demanding, unsafe, and risks injury to both patients and staff, with potential for improper positioning and interference with life-support systems, due to unbalanced loads and separation of rotation axis and center of gravity in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A patient-safety-transfer system with center-of-gravity assemblies and powered-lift columns that align the rotation axis with the patient's center of gravity, using dual-rack-and-pinion, gas-shock absorber, and ratchet-and-pawl mechanisms to ensure balanced loads and controlled patient rotation between supine and prone positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting and inversion is used to transfer a patient from gurney to operating table, then the patient can be positioned for surgery, but the staff is exposed to physical injury and the patient is at risk of injury from improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical transfer device acts as an intermediary between the patient and the staff. The device includes a transfer table with a platform that can be manually or mechanically lifted, and a rotation mechanism that allows controlled turning of the patient from supine to prone position without direct manual handling of the patient's body weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical system of lifting and turning the patient directly is replaced with a mechanical transfer device that provides guided movement. The device uses a rotation axis and support structures to mechanically assist the transfer process, reducing the physical burden on staff and improving positioning accuracy.
2Device complexity
If the rotation axis is separated from the center of gravity in existing systems, then the system can be simpler in design, but the load becomes unbalanced making manual turning difficult and creating top-heavy instability
Solution Approach 1:
The device intentionally creates an asymmetric configuration where the rotation axis is positioned to align with the patient's center of gravity during the transfer process. This asymmetric positioning of the rotation mechanism relative to the platform allows for balanced load distribution, making manual turning feasible while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism is designed so that the center of gravity of the patient-device system remains aligned with the rotation axis throughout the turning process. This alignment creates a equipotential state where the gravitational force acts through the rotation axis, eliminating top-heavy instability and making the manual turning operation smooth and controlled.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation of the patient is performed after placement on the operating table, then positioning can be adjusted, but the patient's appendages and body are at risk of injury from gravity and improper support
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides preliminary support structures and positioning mechanisms that are in place before the patient is fully transferred to the operating table. The rotation mechanism and support platforms are pre-configured to maintain proper alignment and prevent appendage injury during the transfer and initial positioning phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device incorporates padding and support surfaces that cushion the patient's body and appendages during the transfer and rotation process. These protective elements are in place beforehand to prevent direct contact with hard surfaces and to distribute pressure evenly, reducing the risk of injury from gravity and manual manipulation.
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 system eliminates the need for manual lifting, ensures safe and balanced patient rotation, reduces the risk of injury to patients and staff, and maintains proper alignment and support during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
gas-shock absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A system for turning a person from a supine position to a prone position and vice versa includes opposing patient support platens each coupled to a corresponding end of a first and a second COG assembly, the first and second COG assemblies each coupled to a corresponding one of a pair of spindles, each one of the spindles disposed on a corresponding lift column. In yet another embodiment, registration plates, coupled to the system, conveniently align the attachment mechanisms of each COG assembly with distal ends of one or more platens. The registration plates allow for medical staff to align the system so that it straddles the operating table with the attachment mechanisms of the COG assembly in alignment with platen tubes (or other complimentary attachment mechanisms) located at the distal ends of the anterior platen.