Separate Hydraulic System for Surgical Support Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical support devices combine structural and hydraulic components, limiting material selection, increasing device size and weight, and restricting functionality.
Innovation Solution
A surgical support apparatus with a separate hydraulic system for locking and unlocking structural components, allowing for a variety of material selection for structural strength and reducing weight, featuring three lockable joints with hydraulic pistons and a control system powered by an electric motor and pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If structural and hydraulic components are combined into one component, then device complexity is reduced, but device weight increases and material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate structural components and hydraulic components. The structural arms are distinct from the hydraulic tubing and pistons, allowing each to be optimized independently for weight and function while maintaining overall system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is extracted from the structural arms as a separate subsystem. The hydraulic tubing is routed independently through the structure rather than being integrated into the arm components themselves, reducing the weight burden on load-bearing structural elements.
2Device complexity
If structural and hydraulic components are combined into one component, then device complexity is reduced, but material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate structural components and hydraulic components. The structural arms are distinct from the hydraulic tubing and pistons, allowing each to be optimized independently for weight and function while maintaining overall system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are selected for different components based on their specific functional requirements. Structural arms use materials optimized for strength-to-weight ratio, while hydraulic components use materials suitable for fluid containment and pressure resistance, achieving local optimization throughout the system.
3Measurement precision
If hydraulic pressure system is used for locking joints, then positioning precision is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic pressure is applied to pistons within the joints to achieve precise locking and positioning. The hydraulic system provides controlled force application that enables accurate positioning while the separate component architecture minimizes the weight penalty of the hydraulic subsystem.
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
Enables a reduction in device weight and potential for modularity while maintaining functionality, allowing for precise positioning and tool management during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Each joint houses a hydraulic piston and a locking ring. Hydraulic pressure is supplied to the joints by an electric motor and pump and is controlled by an electric circuit, pressure sensors and valves. When hydraulic pressure is applied, the pistons are activated, locking the joints.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical support apparatus for supporting and positioning a patient's limb or an instrument during surgical procedures. The apparatus consists of an adjustable structural component which houses a separate hydraulic system used for locking and unlocking the structural apparatus. The structural component includes three lockable joints and two rigid support arms. Each joint houses a hydraulic piston and a locking ring. Hydraulic pressure is supplied to the joints by an electric motor and pump and is controlled by an electric circuit, pressure sensors and valves. When hydraulic pressure is applied, the pistons are activated, locking the joints. Hydraulic pressure can also be released to unlock the joints through a user control circuit. The structural component also includes a universal rail clamp to attach the device to a support structure and a distal quick connect for attachment of accessory devices.