Surgical Mask Positioning with Adjustable Threaded Legs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical mask positioning systems for prone-position patients during surgical procedures lack ease of adjustment and effective pressure distribution, potentially leading to tissue damage and inadequate eye visualization.
Innovation Solution
A surgical mask positioning device with adjustable support legs featuring a first threaded element fixed to the mask and a rotatable second threaded element, along with a mirror and rotatable handle, allowing for independent adjustment of the mask's position without lifting it, ensuring optimal pressure distribution and eye visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional surgical mask positioning systems are used, then the mask can be positioned on the patient's face, but the adjustment process is complex and requires lifting the mask shell onto extending legs
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable leg is divided into multiple segments: a fixed first threaded element attached to the mask shell, a movable second threaded element, and a rotatable handle. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each leg without moving the entire mask shell, simplifying the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism adds a rotational dimension through the handle that threads the second element along the first element. This transforms the adjustment from a complex multi-step process into a simple rotational motion, enabling height and angular adjustment without lifting the mask.
2Productivity
If the mask position is adjusted using conventional systems, then positioning can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and not efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The first threaded element is pre-attached to the mask shell during manufacturing, so no assembly or lifting is required during adjustment. The surgeon can directly rotate the handle to adjust the leg position, eliminating time-consuming setup steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded mechanism allows the leg to adjust itself through simple handle rotation. The threading automatically converts rotational motion into linear displacement, providing self-adjusting capability without requiring complex mechanical linkages or multiple adjustment steps.
3Reliability
If the mask is positioned with fixed pressure points, then the mask can be secured, but tissue damage may occur due to non-uniform pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable leg allows dynamic positioning of the mask shell at multiple heights and angles. This enables the mask to be positioned optimally for each patient's anatomy, distributing pressure more evenly across the face rather than concentrating it at fixed points, thereby preventing tissue damage while maintaining stability.
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 device provides easy and precise adjustment of the surgical mask, maintaining neutral neck positioning and distributing pressure uniformly, thereby reducing the risk of tissue damage and enhancing eye visualization during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Each support leg includes a first threaded element having a connector fixing the same to the boss extending from the surgical mask... a second threaded element which adapted for rotatable and threadingly engages the first threaded element
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning system for a surgical mask utilizing an adjustable leg that is positioned on a mirror by way of a series of orifices. The adjustable leg includes a handle rotatably confined by the mirror orifice to raise and lower the surgical mask.