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 medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fail-safe release mechanism featuring a two-part interlock system, including a direct mechanical link and a software-synchronized mechanism with solenoids, 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 join patient support structure to base structure, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of improper disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking components (first lock, second lock, interlock mechanism) that work together. Each component performs a specific function: the first lock provides initial securing, the second lock provides additional security, and the interlock prevents premature release. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of operation while significantly improving reliability through layered protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fail-safe mechanism performs preliminary actions by requiring specific conditions to be met before release is permitted. The interlock mechanism checks that the patient support structure is properly positioned and secured before allowing disconnection. This preliminary verification prevents improper disconnection while maintaining a straightforward operation sequence for legitimate releases.
2Reliability
If a fail-safe release mechanism with interlocks is implemented, then reliability is improved by preventing improper disconnection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a compact integrated assembly. The first lock, second lock, and interlock mechanism are combined in a space-efficient configuration that minimizes the overall footprint. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate mechanisms while maintaining all necessary safety functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock mechanism automatically monitors and controls the release sequence without requiring additional external systems. The mechanism self-regulates by mechanically preventing release of the first lock until the second lock is engaged, and vice versa. This self-service approach improves reliability while avoiding the complexity of electronic controls or external monitoring systems.
3Reliability
If mechanical locks are used to secure patient support structure, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty of release
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic controllable state. The interlock system allows the locks to switch between engaged and disengaged states based on operational requirements. When release is needed, the system dynamically changes state by disengaging the interlock, allowing rapid release while maintaining secure locking during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for release by providing a dedicated release mechanism that, when activated, performs the preliminary action of disengaging the interlock. This preliminary step automatically unlocks both locks simultaneously, making the release process easy and requiring minimal effort from the operator while maintaining high security during normal use.
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 mechanism prevents inadvertent disconnection and falling of patient support structures, enhancing safety by requiring a specific sequence or load condition for release, thereby reducing the risk of patient injury and ensuring secure attachment during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The software can operate an electronic release mechanism, such as by one or more solenoids
Data Source
AI summary
A surgery table includes a patient support structure coupled to a connection assembly and a base structure coupled to the connection assembly. The connection assembly includes an arm and a locking member that engages the arm. The arm includes spaced apart first and second apertures. The locking member includes spaced apart first and second bores. A first key member and a second key member are included.