Patient Support Release Interlock for Fail-Safe Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning support apparatuses lack a fail-safe mechanism to prevent improper disconnection of patient support structures from the base structure, which can lead to accidental collapse and potential patient injury due to improper handling during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fail-safe release mechanism with a two-part interlock system, including a direct mechanical link and software synchronized mechanism, ensures that the patient support structure cannot be released from the base structure unless both interlocks are actuated in the correct order, with the release mechanism being dependent on the orientation and load on the patient support structure.
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 accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into two separate interlocks (first interlock and second interlock) that must both be engaged for the connection to be complete. This segmentation ensures that a single accidental release does not cause disconnection, while still allowing relatively easy connection through sequential engagement of the two interlocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The first interlock must be engaged before the second interlock can be engaged. This preliminary action sequence ensures that the connection is made in a specific order, preventing accidental disconnection while maintaining ease of operation through clear procedural guidance.
2Reliability
If a two-part interlock system is implemented to prevent improper disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system is segmented into two distinct but complementary components (first interlock and second interlock), each with its own locking and releasing mechanisms. This segmentation provides reliable connection stability while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The two interlocks are combined into a single integrated connection system where both must be engaged simultaneously to achieve full connection stability. This merging provides enhanced reliability without requiring completely separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
3Reliability
If interlock release is prevented under load to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when quick release is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock release mechanism is designed to be dynamically responsive to load conditions. Under normal load conditions, the interlocks remain locked to ensure safety. However, when a deliberate release action is taken (such as pressing a release button or lever), the system dynamically transitions to allow release, providing both safety and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect whether the patient support structure is properly supported and locked before allowing release. This feedback ensures that release only occurs when it is safe to do so, maintaining reliability while enabling operational control when needed.
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.