Patient Support Structure with Counterbalancing and Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical support systems are inadequate for providing flexible and unobstructed access during procedures, as they often require massive counterbalancing structures that obstruct imaging equipment and are not easily portable or storable, leading to interruptions and logistical challenges in maintaining patient positioning and equipment access.
Innovation Solution
A patient support system with independently height-adjustable end supports and a semi-constrained frame that allows for tilting, rotation, and angulation, enabling selective positioning of the patient's head, body, and limbs in multiple planes, while being compact and easily repositionable without the need for massive counterbalancing structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If massive counterbalancing structures are used to maintain patient positioning stability, then positioning stability is improved, but device portability and storage ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterbalancing mechanisms integrated into the support structure that use opposing forces to stabilize patient positioning without requiring massive external structures. The counterbalancing elements are strategically positioned to create mechanical equilibrium, allowing the device to maintain stability while remaining portable and easily storable.
2Stability of the object's composition
If massive counterbalancing structures are used to maintain patient positioning stability, then positioning stability is improved, but equipment access and imaging equipment movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into segmented, modular components that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows imaging equipment and surgical tools to access the patient from multiple angles without requiring removal of large counterbalancing structures, while still maintaining overall positioning stability through the coordinated arrangement of segments.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed patient support structures are used to maintain stable positioning, then positioning stability is improved, but adaptability to different surgical positions and procedures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the support structure to transition between fixed stable positions and flexible reconfigurable states. During surgical procedures, the structure can be quickly adjusted to different configurations (prone, supine, lateral positions) while maintaining stability in each position through integrated locking and counterbalancing mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used to provide multi-plane positioning, then positioning flexibility is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions (tilting, rotating, angulating) are merged into integrated mechanisms that operate through unified control systems. The support structure combines several degrees of freedom into coordinated movement systems, reducing the number of separate controls and mechanisms needed while maintaining comprehensive multi-plane positioning capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included. Primary and secondary elevators and a failsafe locking system are provided.