Portable Surgical Platform Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable, lightweight, and rugged surgical operating platform that can be quickly erected under adverse conditions to support medical treatment in emergency situations, such as battlefield injuries, mass casualties, and biological or chemical attacks, where traditional hospital facilities may not be available.
Innovation Solution
A folding, lightweight, and portable surgical operating platform that can be assembled in under a minute without tools, weighing approximately 34 pounds, with dimensions of 41 inches by 12 inches by 15 inches, capable of supporting over 400 pounds, and equipped with adjustable height and tilting features, as well as compatibility with standard surgical equipment, allowing for easy transportation and setup in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hospital operating table is used, then surgical stability and equipment support are improved, but portability and setup time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into modular components including collapsible legs, adjustable support members, and detachable equipment mounts. This segmentation allows the heavy platform to be broken into manageable sections for transport while maintaining structural integrity during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates collapsible and adjustable elements that transform from a compact portable state to a stable operational state. The legs can be folded parallel to each other for transport, then deployed and locked into position to provide surgical stability when needed.
2Reliability
If a traditional hospital operating table is used, then surgical stability and equipment support are improved, but setup time and complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The platform components are pre-configured with integrated connection points, pre-attached support members, and preset adjustment mechanisms. This preliminary preparation allows rapid deployment without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized tools during emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates self-locking mechanisms and automatic stabilization features that engage when components are deployed. The support members automatically adjust to provide proper leg positioning, and equipment mounts self-align to standard surgical equipment dimensions.
3Weight of moving object
If platform size is reduced for portability, then carryability by one person is improved, but load-bearing capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The platform utilizes high-strength aluminum alloys and composite materials that provide exceptional strength-to-weight ratios. These materials allow the platform to maintain load-bearing capacity for patients and equipment while keeping the overall weight portable for single-person transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform employs a space-efficient folding mechanism where legs collapse parallel to each other, reducing the platform's footprint to a compact form factor. This dimensional transformation allows the full-strength platform to be compressed into a portable size without compromising structural integrity.
4Loss of time
If the platform is designed for rapid deployment, then setup time is improved, but structural complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates universal connection points and standardized mounting interfaces that serve multiple functions. The same structural elements provide both structural support and equipment attachment, reducing the number of separate components needed while enabling rapid deployment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A folding, lightweight, portable, and rugged surgical operating platform apparatus that can be erected quickly under adverse conditions at any location and without tools other than the users hands and without the need to attach any loose pieces to form the unitary platform. As needed, the surgical platform will hold, support, elevate, move, and tilt a stretcher (or litter in military terms) bearing a wounded person and the portable surgical support equipment such as IV poles, surgical instrument trays, armboards, wrist restraints, leg stirrups, light poles, and other equipment that a surgeon needs to treat major injuries and save lives. In the folded position, the platform takes up limited, uniform space for ease of portability by a single individual. Different users have different applications and requirements for how the platform is supported using stationary supporting legs or wheels when rolling capability are required.