Therapeutic Table Arm Support and Hygienic Surface Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Therapeutic treatment tables often lack comfortable arm support for prone patients and have single access points for adjusting the treatment surface, with labor-intensive constructions prone to fabric tears and bacterial growth.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic treatment table with a neutrally buoyant arm support section that can be moved independently and a support frame with multiple access points for height adjustment, featuring an integral skin foam layer with anti-microbial properties and a molded recessed area for improved comfort and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed arm support section is attached to the thoracic or head section, then the table structure is simplified, but the patient's comfort is reduced because the arm support cannot be independently positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support section is separated from the thoracic and head sections, becoming an independent movable component. This segmentation allows the arm support to be positioned independently while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm support section is made movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment to various positions. This enables the arm support to adapt to different patient needs while maintaining a simple table structure.
2Device complexity
If a single access point control mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation is worsened because the operator can only adjust the table from one location
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is made universal by providing multiple access points distributed around the table. Each access point performs the same function of controlling the raising/lowering mechanism, allowing operation from various locations without increasing overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fabric layer is used to cover the foam layer, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the reliability is reduced because the fabric is prone to cutting and tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional fabric covering with a foam layer that has an integral skin or film surface. This integral skin provides the necessary durability and resistance to tearing while maintaining ease of manufacture through molded construction.
4Ease of manufacture
If seams are used to join fabric pieces, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the harmful factors increase due to bacterial growth at seam locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fabric pieces into a single integral foam structure with a continuous skin surface. This eliminates seams and joints where bacteria could grow, while the molded construction remains economically feasible through efficient manufacturing processes.
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 enhanced comfort and hygiene by allowing independent arm support and multiple access points for surface adjustment, reducing fabric tears and bacterial growth risks.
Implementation Method 1
an arm support section that is mounted on the frame so as to be neutrally buoyant
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic treatment table comprises a frame and a treatment platform that is mounted on the frame and adapted to support at least a portion of the body of a patient. A preferred treatment table also includes an arm support section which is mounted on the frame. The arm support section comprises an arm support that is moveable by a patient on the table independently of the treatment platform.