Surgical Frame Translating Lower Beam Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical frames with translating lower beams often interfere with surgical equipment during procedures, particularly in spinal surgery, due to the movement of main beams and translating lower beams, necessitating a solution to prevent interference and enhance access and equipment positioning.
Innovation Solution
A surgical frame with a translating lower beam and a linkage mechanism that allows surgical equipment to move relative to the beam, using a linear movement mechanism to reposition equipment and prevent interference with the main beam during rotations, thereby maintaining access and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical equipment is attached directly to the surgical frame or supported by moveable carts, then the equipment can be positioned and used during surgery, but the equipment and carts may interfere with the movement of the main beam or translating lower beam during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
A linkage mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the translating lower beam and the surgical equipment. The linkage includes a first portion moveably connected to the translating lower beam and a second portion to which the surgical equipment is connected, allowing the equipment to move relative to the beam without direct attachment interference
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical equipment is made moveable relative to the translating lower beam through the linkage mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of equipment position. The linear movement mechanism enables the equipment to translate along the beam, providing adaptability while maintaining operational flexibility
2Ease of operation
If the translating lower beam moves relative to the surgical frame to provide access, then access to the patient is improved, but the beam movement may cause interference with attached surgical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism allows the surgical equipment to move dynamically with the translating lower beam while maintaining a stable operational position. As the beam translates to provide patient access, the linkage ensures the equipment moves correspondingly, preventing instability or interference
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism provides a mechanical feedback system where movement of the translating lower beam is transmitted through the linkage to the surgical equipment, ensuring the equipment position is automatically adjusted in response to beam movement, maintaining system coordination and stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the main beam is rotated to reposition the patient, then patient positioning flexibility is improved, but the rotation may interfere with surgical equipment that is fixed or moveably attached to the translating lower beam
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical equipment is configured to move relative to the translating lower beam through the linkage mechanism, allowing the equipment to be repositioned along the beam as needed. This dynamic positioning capability ensures equipment remains accessible during patient repositioning while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism segments the connection between the translating lower beam and the surgical equipment, allowing independent movement of each component. The beam can rotate for patient repositioning while the equipment can be independently repositioned along the beam through the linear movement mechanism, preventing interference
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical frame and method for use thereof is provided. The surgical frame is capable of reconfiguration before, during, or after surgery using a moveable main beam supporting a patient thereon. The surgical frame includes a translating lower beam that is moveable between at least a first lateral position and a second lateral position, and a linkage and/or surgical equipment supportively and moveably attached to the translating lower beam or interconnected with the translating lower beam via the linkage. The linkage and/or the surgical equipment are moveable between a first position at or adjacent a first end of the translating lower beam and a second position closer to a second end of the translating lower beam than the first position. The translating lower beam is used to join a first support portion and a second support portion of the surgical frame to one another, and movement of the translating lower beam affords access to a patient receiving area. A linear movement mechanism can be used to facilitate movement of the linkage and/or the surgical equipment along the translating lower beam to avoid interference with the main beam or the translating lower beam.