Surgical Hand Support Frame for Stable Digit Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for holding back tissue during surgery, such as physical holding by assistants, clamps, and frames, are unstable, inconvenient, and labor-intensive, especially when elevating a digit for surgery, as they often require additional stabilization of other digits and can lead to crowding and strain.
Innovation Solution
A frame with two wings and a supporting surface that elevates a digit or digits, featuring engaging features for retaining ties, and a securing device with stretchable ties to stabilize the digit in place, allowing other digits to be held under the frame, providing a stable and ergonomic platform for surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a digit is elevated for surgery, then surgical access is improved, but other digits naturally tend to adopt an elevated orientation requiring additional stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The frame utilizes the weight of other digits (held in a natural position under the plate) as a counterbalancing force to stabilize the elevated digit being operated on, eliminating the need for additional weights or assistants to prevent unwanted digit elevation
2Stability of the object's composition
If lead weights or assistants are used to hold down digits, then digit stabilization is achieved, but the solution becomes unstable and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to be self-stabilizing through its geometric configuration, where the plate and wings create a stable platform that automatically maintains digit positions without requiring external assistance or adjustment during surgery
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple digits are secured onto the supporting surface, then versatility is improved, but the frame structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting surface is designed with a width and geometry that allows it to accommodate either one or two digits depending on surgical requirements, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple different frame configurations
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a frame (21) for elevating and supporting two digits during surgery. The frame has a plate (24) with two wings (22, 23) which define a plane and a space (25) therebetween, a support surface (32) between the wings to support two digits, and engaging features (28) on each wing for removable engagement with retaining ties to hold digits in place on the frame. The frame provides a platform for securely supporting digits during hand surgery.