Fail-Safe Patient Support Release for Secure Table Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning support systems lack a fail-safe mechanism to prevent improper disconnection of patient support structures from the base structure, which can lead to accidental falls or injuries during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fail-safe release mechanism featuring a two-part interlock system, including a direct mechanical link and a software-synchronized mechanism, that ensures the patient support structure can only be released when in a specific orientation or under increased load, preventing accidental disconnection and ensuring secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple connection mechanism is used to attach the patient support structure to the base structure, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of improper disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking components (first locking member, second locking member, third locking member) that must all be engaged simultaneously. This segmentation ensures that the patient support structure cannot be accidentally disconnected, as each locking member provides a separate security layer that must be deliberately released in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to automatically engage and lock into place when the patient support structure is attached to the base structure, before any operational use. This preliminary locking action ensures that the connection is secured in advance, preventing improper disconnection during subsequent operations while maintaining ease of use.
2Reliability
If a complex fail-safe mechanism is implemented to prevent improper disconnection, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members are designed to automatically engage and lock into place through the natural movement and positioning of the patient support structure during attachment. The mechanism serves itself by using the structural geometry and movement to trigger the locking action, eliminating the need for external actuators, sensors, or complex control systems that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking functions are combined into a single integrated connection subassembly where the first, second, and third locking members work together as a unified system. This merging allows the fail-safe mechanism to provide enhanced reliability while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure, as the locking members share common mounting points and operational sequences.
3Ease of operation
If the connection mechanism allows easy release for repositioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into multiple sequential steps corresponding to each locking member (first, second, and third locking members). To reposition the patient support structure, each locking member must be deliberately released in a specific sequence, which prevents accidental disconnection while allowing controlled repositioning when needed. This segmented approach ensures that no single action can inadvertently disconnect the structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A fail-safe release mechanism for use with patient positioning support apparati having a base structure and a patient support structure, to prevent collapse of the patient support structure during disconnection of the patient support structure from the base structure at outboard ends thereof.