Patient Support System with Biasing Connector for Lateral Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support systems for positioning patients in lateral positions during surgery, such as hip arthroplasty, often result in skin abrasions and instability due to rigid construction, which fails to accommodate varying patient sizes and does not prevent slipping or provide adequate comfort.
Innovation Solution
A support system featuring adjustable arms, a biasing connector with segmented protrusions for angular and rotational movement, and compressive foam pads, allowing for customizable fit and reduced friction, along with a ball and socket connector for enhanced stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid support plate is used to stabilize the patient, then structural strength is improved, but skin abrasions and discomfort occur due to lack of adaptation to patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate incorporates a flexible cushioning layer (foam material) between the rigid structure and patient's body. This flexible layer adapts to the patient's anatomy while the rigid frame maintains structural strength and positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate combines rigid materials (for structural strength) with flexible foam materials (for comfort and skin protection). This composite construction allows simultaneous achievement of both strength and comfort requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed position support plate is used to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but obese or oversized patients cannot be accommodated due to lack of adjustment range
Solution Approach 1:
The support system incorporates adjustable arms with multiple degrees of freedom (angular and rotational movements) that allow dynamic positioning. The support plate can be adjusted to accommodate different patient sizes while maintaining stable positioning once positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into multiple adjustable segments (arms, support plates, positioning elements) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows customization for different patient anatomies while maintaining overall system stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection between support elements is used to ensure stability, then structural stability is improved, but comfort and adaptation to patient anatomy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between support elements incorporates joints with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the structure to adapt to patient anatomy while maintaining stability. The adjustable connections enable both comfort optimization and structural stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the support pad is fixed in position to maintain stability, then positioning stability is improved, but patient slipping occurs due to inability to accommodate body movement
Solution Approach 1:
The support pad mounting system allows angular and rotational adjustments to accommodate patient body movements and contours. This dynamic positioning capability prevents patient slipping while maintaining stable positioning throughout the procedure.
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 effectively prevents skin abrasions, maintains patient stability, and accommodates a wide range of patient sizes by allowing for adjustable positioning and reduced friction, enhancing comfort and safety during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing connector formed in segmented protrusions from an upper surface of the pad plate. Moreover the biasing connector comprises a groove formed by a base plate support segment and a projection adapted to receive the pad plate therein
Implementation Method 2
compressive foam pads, allowing for customizable fit and reduced friction
Implementation Method 3
a ball and socket connector for enhanced stability and comfort
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the application is a support system (100) for a side rail (103) on lateral edge (107) of an operating table (102) for positioning a patient (101) in lateral position during surgery procedures comprising: a first support unit (110) comprising a bottom plate (192), a first high adjustable arm (1306) and a second length adjustable arm (140), said first support unit (110) configured for supporting a lumbar area of the patient (101) and a second support unit (160) comprising an arm (170) for positioning a pad plate (202) connected to a support plate (220) with a support pad (230198) adjacent to the patient (101), said second support unit (160) connected to said first high second length adjustable arm (136140) to extend over said patient (101), and said arm (170) configured to position said support pad (198230) adjacent an iliac crest (199) of said patient (101). The support system (100) is characterized in that a connection (180) between said arm (170) and said pad plate (202) for providing degrees of movement between said pad plate (202) relative to the arm (170) and said support plate (220) comprises a biasing connector (240) formed in segmented protrusions (244) from an upper surface (203222) thereof, said biasing connector (240) comprising a groove formed by a base plate support segment (242) and a projection adapted to receive said pad plate (202) therein and, said pad plate (202) is configured for operably connecting to said support plate (220) and permitting an angular rotational movement of said support pad (198230) in relation to said round pad plate (202).