Fail-Safe Patient Support Release with Two-Part Interlock Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient positioning support structures lack a fail-safe mechanism to prevent improper disconnection, which can lead to safety hazards during patient transfer and surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A two-part interlock mechanism, including a direct mechanical link and software synchronization, ensures that patient support structures remain securely attached to the base structure, with release only possible when certain conditions are met, such as patient orientation or weight, and includes a hand-held pendant for controlled detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple connection mechanism is used to attach patient support structures to the base structure, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of improper disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connection and disconnectionVSAvoidsecurity of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking components (first lock, second lock, interlock mechanism) that work together. Each component performs a specific function: the first lock provides initial securing, the second lock provides additional securing, and the interlock mechanism ensures proper sequencing. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability while remaining operable through modular, distinct actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interlock mechanism requires that the second lock be engaged before the first lock can be disengaged. This preliminary action sequence ensures that the patient support structure is fully secured before any release can occur, preventing accidental disconnection. The system built-in the requirement to complete securing actions before release actions are permitted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a fail-safe release mechanism with multiple locks and interlocks is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of improper disconnectionVSAvoidcomplexity of connection subassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking functions (first lock, second lock, interlock mechanism) are combined into a single integrated connection subassembly. The components work together as one unified system rather than separate mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of multiple locking stages. The merged design allows coordinated operation of all safety features through a single attachment/detachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the connection mechanism allows easy release for patient transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of accidental detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of patient transferVSAvoidrisk of accidental detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interlock mechanism requires that the second lock be engaged before the first lock can be disengaged, creating a preliminary action sequence that prevents accidental detachment. This sequencing ensures that the structure is fully secured before any release can occur, and that releases follow a controlled sequence, eliminating the risk of unintended detachment while maintaining ease of operation for intentional patient transfers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260044172A1Fail-safe release mechanisms for use with interchangeable patient positioning support structures

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC

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.