Surgical Tension Bracket with Hand-Gripped Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction boom devices for arthroscopic surgery require weights or sandbags for tension adjustment, which are cumbersome, resource-intensive, and difficult to control, and often necessitate device relocation during procedures, posing risks to staff and complicating patient movement.
Innovation Solution
A hand-gripped tension adjustment device that incrementally adjusts traction rope tension without weights, featuring a gear assembly for height and position adjustment, a friction plate system for precise control, and a strain gauge for tension measurement, attaching to the short end of the operating table to eliminate the need for device relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If weights or sandbags are used for tension adjustment, then traction force can be applied, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical weights and sandbags system with an electric motor-driven winch system. The motor winds the traction rope to apply force, eliminating the need for physical weights. This substitution transforms the manual mechanical system into an automated electromechanical system, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining the required traction force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device incorporates a self-contained motor and control system that automatically adjusts and maintains traction force without requiring external weights or manual intervention. The system serves itself by generating the necessary force internally through the motor, eliminating dependency on external mass objects and simplifying operation.
2Force
If weights are used for tension adjustment, then traction force can be applied, but loss of time increases due to locating and storing weights
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the weights-based mechanical system with an electric motor system, the patent eliminates the time-consuming processes of locating, transporting, and storing physical weights. The motor is integrated into the device and immediately available for operation, eliminating all preparatory time associated with weight management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the time-consuming weight management functions from the overall process. Instead of requiring separate steps for obtaining and storing weights, the system integrates force generation directly into the device through the motor, removing the extraneous time-consuming activities entirely.
3Force
If weights are used for tension adjustment, then traction force can be applied, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in controlling and measuring tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tension sensor that provides real-time feedback on the traction force being applied. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to monitor and precisely adjust the motor output to achieve and maintain the desired tension level. The closed-loop control enabled by feedback significantly improves measurement precision compared to the open-loop weights system.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of the weights system with an electromechanical system enables precise electronic control and measurement of force. The motor's torque can be precisely controlled through electrical signals, and the integrated sensor provides accurate digital measurement, far surpassing the imprecise mechanical indication available with weights.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the traction boom device attaches to the long side of the operating table, then it can provide stable support, but adaptability deteriorates due to need for relocation during contralateral procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mounting bracket to attach to the end of the operating table rather than the long side, creating a universal mounting position that works for all surgical procedures including contralateral cases. This single end-position mounting provides stable support while eliminating the need for relocation, making the device adaptable to all procedural requirements without compromising stability.
5Stability of the object's composition
If the traction boom device attaches to the long side of the operating table, then it can provide stable support, but ease of operation deteriorates due to interference with patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mounting location from the long side (lateral dimension) to the end of the operating table (longitudinal dimension). This dimensional change repositions the device away from the patient transfer path, eliminating interference with patient movement between the operating table and gurney while preserving stable support through the rigid end-mounted bracket structure.
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
Provides better control over tension applied to patients, reduces resource usage and staff risk, and simplifies patient movement by allowing continuous attachment to the operating table during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge and display (164) positioned at the second end of the mounting member, wherein the strain gauge measures the tension in the traction rope
Implementation Method 2
A first friction plate is in frictional contact with the support leg... The second friction plate is in frictional contact with the support leg creating frictional contact with the second friction plate and the support leg
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a surgical traction system with a hand gripped tension adjustment device that slidably mounts onto a boom structure. When activated the tension adjustment device moves down the boom structure and incrementally adjusts the tension in a traction rope. The boom structure attaches to a bracket assembly that mounts onto the short end of a surgical table.