Surgical Boot Carriage with Cam Locking and Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support apparatuses for patients during surgery often allow excessive movement, requiring frequent adjustments to maintain access and traction, which can be cumbersome and risky.
Innovation Solution
A limb support system with a carriage and rollers that can be moved along a longitudinal member, featuring a locking mechanism using elastomeric blocks and a cam system to secure the carriage at any position, providing stable and adjustable support for patient extremities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a carriage with rollers is used to support patient limbs, then movement along the longitudinal member is enabled for positioning, but excessive movement relative to the support structure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage system transitions from a static fixed support to a dynamic adjustable support. The cam mechanism allows the carriage to be moved freely along the longitudinal member for positioning, then locked in place. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimization of surgical access while maintaining stability during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the carriage and the longitudinal member. It provides a controlled locking interface that prevents excessive movement while allowing intentional positioning adjustments. The cam and cam groove interaction creates a reliable locking system that mediates between the need for adjustability and the need for stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position of supports is adjusted frequently during surgery, then access to surgical site is improved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage can be pre-positioned along the longitudinal member at the desired location before the surgical procedure begins or before specific surgical steps. The locking mechanism secures the carriage in advance, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments during the surgery. This preliminary positioning reduces procedural time and minimizes disruption to the surgical flow.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with elastomeric blocks is used to secure the carriage, then movement is prevented, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric blocks automatically engage with the longitudinal member when the cam is actuated, utilizing the elastic properties of the material to create a self-locking mechanism. The deformation of the elastomeric blocks provides inherent friction and mechanical interlocking without requiring additional fasteners or complex locking components. This self-service locking approach enhances reliability while minimizing added complexity.
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 precise and secure positioning of patient limbs during surgery, allowing for infinite positioning options along the longitudinal member with a single action, reducing movement and improving surgical access while maintaining traction.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp includes a plurality of elastomeric blocks which deform under a load to secure the carriage to the longitudinal member
Implementation Method 2
at least one elastomeric block is deformed by a cam
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of rollers configured to engage the longitudinal member and maintain alignment of the carriage during movement
Data Source
AI summary
A carriage for a limb support includes a space for receiving a longitudinal member of a patient support apparatus, a plurality of rollers configured to engage the longitudinal member and a locking mechanism. The plurality of rollers is configured to maintain alignment of the carriage during movement of the carriage along the longitudinal member. The carriage also includes an elastomeric member that resists rotation to prevent unwanted motion of the carriage. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the carriage to the longitudinal member at any of an infinite number of positions along the length of the longitudinal member, the locking mechanism being lockable with a single action.