Stabilization System with Modular Bolster Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stabilization systems for physical therapy lack effective support mechanisms that can accommodate various body regions and apply directed forces efficiently, particularly in supporting lateral forces greater than 20 lbs, while being easy to disinfect and adjust for different user sizes and therapy needs.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization system comprising a table with vertically aligned holes and corresponding bolster connectors that allow for reversible engagement, enabling bolsters to be securely locked in place to support different body regions, with features like rotational freedom and a locking mechanism, and made from disinfectable materials to accommodate various body sizes and therapy types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolsters are made securely lockable to support lateral forces greater than 20 lbs, then support strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The bolster support system is segmented into modular components: the table with pre-drilled holes, the bolster with connector, and the optional locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high strength through proper component design while managing complexity by making each component independent and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The table holes and bolster connectors are pre-designed and pre-positioned before use. The holes are drilled at specific locations and orientations to accommodate various body regions, and the connectors are pre-shaped to match. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during therapy while ensuring adequate lateral force support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the table has multiple holes at various body regions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table is designed with multiple holes that serve universal functions across different therapy applications. The same hole pattern accommodates various body regions (head, neck, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles) and different bolster configurations, making the table adaptable to diverse therapy needs without requiring multiple specialized tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The hole arrangement provides dynamic adaptability through the reversible engagement feature. Bolsters can be inserted into, removed from, and repositioned between different holes based on the specific therapy requirements and patient size, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to changing needs during and between therapy sessions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bolsters are made disinfectable, then hygiene is improved, but material selection becomes more restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties are selected and optimized to achieve the required disinfection resistance. The bolster and table surfaces are made from materials that can withstand repeated exposure to disinfectants while maintaining their structural integrity and physical properties. This parameter optimization allows for effective hygiene maintenance without excessively limiting material choices.
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilization system configured to be arranged on a floor comprising a table having generally flat surface having a longitudinal axis for receiving a human body having a first hole, a second hole, and third hole within the flat surface, each hole having a hole shape with a generally vertical inner surface and configured to receive a bolster connector, a bolster comprising a bolster connector ‘having an outer shape corresponding to the hole shape, the bolster connector configured to be reversibly engaged by one of the holes, a generally flat surface generally perpendicular to the table surface when the bolster connector is engaged by one of the holes.