Surgical Drape with Elastomeric Pouches for Limb Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical drapes are prone to tearing when supporting heavy limbs or holding instruments, leading to potential contamination and movement of limbs during surgery, and may slip, causing obstruction or contamination of the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
A surgical drape with elastomeric pouches that can stretch to support weight without tearing and anti-slip patient positioners to prevent slippage, featuring a sheet with pouches connected to the distal side and a fastener on the proximal side for secure attachment to a surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional pouches are used to support heavy limbs or hold instruments, then the pouch can provide basic support, but the pouch is subject to tearing if the weight is too great
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch is constructed from multiple layers including a fluid-impermeable layer and a fluid-permeable layer bonded together, creating a composite structure that distributes weight and stress across different material properties, preventing tearing while maintaining support capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch is divided into multiple structural components including reinforced corners, layered construction, and integrated fastening systems, allowing each segment to handle specific stress points and distribute loads to prevent catastrophic failure
2Ease of operation
If the pouch is used to support the dead weight of a limb, then the pouch can hold the limb, but the pouch may tear causing the limb to move during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch incorporates pre-reinforced corners and layered construction that provides structural cushioning and stress distribution before weight is applied, preventing tearing under the dead weight of limbs during surgical procedures
3Ease of operation
If the drape is used during surgery, then the drape can cover the surgical site, but the drape may slip causing obstruction or contamination of the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The drape incorporates elastic portions that allow dynamic adjustment and stretching away from the sheet, enabling the drape to adapt to movement and maintain secure positioning without slipping during surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The drape uses flexible elastomeric materials that can conform to body contours and maintain adhesion through elastic recovery, preventing slippage while allowing necessary movement during surgery
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
The drape effectively supports heavy limbs and holds instruments securely, reducing the risk of contamination and slippage, maintaining a sterile environment during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
The pouch includes at least two elastomeric portions, which allow the pouch to stretch away from the sheet
Implementation Method 2
At least one anti-slip patient positioner is attached to the proximal side of the drape
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical drape having a sheet. The sheet includes a distal side and a proximal side relative to a surgical patient. The drape also includes a surgical pouch connected to the distal side of the sheet. The surgical pouch is connected to the sheet via at least two elastomeric portions.