Medical procedure facilitation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labor assist devices fail to provide patient-controlled assistance for obese patients during the pushing phase of childbirth, risking patient autonomy and caregiver injury due to repetitive lifting and lack of optimal positioning support.
Innovation Solution
A medical lift-assistance device with a variable assist mechanism, including a strut, height-adjustment feature, and gear system, allowing patients to adjust and control the lifting force applied to their legs, ensuring optimal positioning and reducing the need for caregiver assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fabric straps are used to assist leg lifting, then patient leverage is improved, but patient autonomy is lost and caregiver injury risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to independently control the lifting mechanism through self-contained controls on the device, eliminating dependence on caregivers while maintaining full patient autonomy and control over the leg positioning process
Solution Approach 2:
The manual fabric strap system is replaced with an automated mechanical lifting system that uses motors and control mechanisms to provide powered assistance, transitioning from purely mechanical leverage to an electromechanical system that preserves patient autonomy
2Ease of operation
If manual leg lifting assistance is provided by caregivers, then patient positioning is achieved, but caregiver musculoskeletal injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual lifting process performed by caregivers is replaced with an automated electromechanical lifting system that uses motors and mechanical actuators to perform the physically demanding task of leg elevation, eliminating repetitive strain on caregiver musculoskeletal systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables patients to independently control the lifting mechanism through self-contained controls on the device, eliminating dependence on caregivers while maintaining full patient autonomy and control over the leg positioning process
3Device complexity
If fixed height leg supports are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different patients is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed height support structure is transformed into a dynamically adjustable system with motorized height control and variable positioning capabilities, allowing the device to adapt to different patient anatomies and positioning requirements while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple adjustable parameters including height, angle, and positioning speed to serve diverse patient needs and medical procedures, making a single device adaptable to various patient sizes and clinical requirements rather than requiring multiple fixed-height supports
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
Enhances patient independence and reduces caregiver strain by providing adjustable, patient-controlled leg lifting assistance, maintaining the optimal lithotomy position during contractions, thereby minimizing the risk of injury and improving the efficiency of medical professionals.
Implementation Method 1
a first gear, a first axle, a first rotational axis extending along the first axle, and a first rotational direction. Here, the first axle is attached to the bracket, the first gear is rotatably attached to the first axle... a second gear, a second axle, and a second rotational axis extending along the second axle... the second gear is rotatably attached to the second axle and engages the first gear
Data Source
AI summary
A medical lift-assistance device including a bracket, a variable assist mechanism, a lifting arm, and a pad sub-assembly. The variable assist mechanism has a strut attached to the bracket, a height-adjustment feature, a first gear, a first axle, a first rotational axis extending along the first axle, a first rotational direction, a second gear, a second axle, a second rotational axis extending along the second axle, and a second rotational direction. The first gear is rotatably attached to the first axle and the second gear is rotatably attached to the second axle and engages the first gear. The strut applies a force to the height-adjustment feature capable of causing the first gear to rotate in the first rotational direction and the second gear and the lifting arm to rotate in the second rotational direction.