Patient Support Interlock Release to Prevent Improper Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning support systems lack a fail-safe mechanism to prevent improper disconnection of patient support structures from the base structure, which can lead to accidental falls or injuries during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fail-safe release mechanism featuring a two-part interlock system, including a direct mechanical link and a software-synchronized mechanism, that ensures the patient support structure can only be released when in a specific orientation or under increased load, preventing accidental disconnection and ensuring secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple connection mechanism is used to join patient support structure to base structure, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of improper disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into two separate locking members (first locking member and second locking member) that must both be engaged simultaneously to secure the patient support structure. This segmentation ensures that neither locking member can be accidentally disengaged alone, while still allowing relatively easy controlled disconnection when both are intentionally released.
2Reliability
If a fail-safe release mechanism with two-part interlock is implemented, then reliability is improved by preventing improper disconnection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members are designed to be self-locking through spring-loaded plunger mechanisms that automatically engage with corresponding slots when the patient support structure is properly positioned. The system uses the patient's own weight and positioning to trigger automatic locking, eliminating the need for complex manual locking procedures while maintaining high reliability.
3Reliability
If orientation-dependent locking is used to prevent disconnection, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed-position lock to a dynamic orientation-dependent lock. The locking members are positioned such that they only engage when the patient support structure assumes specific orientations (e.g., horizontal or angled positions). When the structure is moved to these predetermined orientations, the locking members automatically align and engage, providing reliable locking without restricting necessary operational movements.
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 mechanism prevents inadvertent disconnection and falling of patient support structures, enhancing safety by requiring a specific sequence or load condition for release, thereby reducing the risk of patient injury and equipment malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
The software can operate an electronic release mechanism, such as by one or more solenoids that are not entirely disconnected from the patient positioning support apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A fail-safe release mechanism for use with patient positioning support apparati having a base structure and a patient support structure, to prevent collapse of the patient support during disconnection of the patient support structure from the base structure.