Wheel Alignment Guide for Medical Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning medical equipment in operation rooms, such as using markers or adhesives, are inefficient and pose risks of misalignment, residue, and contamination in sterile environments, making it difficult to accurately reposition equipment during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A wheel alignment guide with a body member that securely couples to the ground via electrostatic, magnetic, or static cling connections, featuring concave edges to accommodate wheel pivoting, and a secondary orientation guide for visual indication, eliminating the need for markers and adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If markers or adhesives are used to guide machine realignment, then visual indication of position is provided, but the risk of misalignment, residue, and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes harmful markers and adhesives from the operating environment entirely. Instead of placing indicators on the floor that can cause contamination, the system uses the equipment's own wheel and a guide mechanism that does not require contact with the sterile field, thereby eliminating the source of contamination while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wheel alignment guide as an intermediary component between the equipment wheel and the floor. This guide provides the necessary visual indication and alignment function without requiring adhesives or markers that could contaminate the sterile environment, thus mediating between the need for precision and the need for cleanliness
2Measurement precision
If adhesives are used to mark the correct spot, then visual indication is provided, but residue is left on the floor and bacterial or fungal growth may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes adhesives from the system. The alignment guide uses a non-adhesive mechanism that provides visual indication through the interaction between the wheel and guide geometry, eliminating residue production and the associated risks of organism growth in sterile environments
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide appears to be a disposable or easily replaceable component that does not leave residue. Rather than using permanent adhesives that create contamination risks, the system uses a temporary guide that can be removed or replaced without affecting the floor surface or introducing harmful substances
3Measurement precision
If markers are placed on the floor to guide alignment, then visual indication is provided, but the marks may be erased and incorrect marks may be chosen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical wheel alignment guide as an intermediary that provides reliable visual indication. Unlike floor markers that can be erased, the guide maintains its structural integrity and visual cues throughout the procedure, ensuring consistent and reliable alignment information
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide provides continuous visual feedback to the operator through its interaction with the wheel. The guide's design ensures that only the correct position provides the proper visual indication, eliminating confusion about which mark to follow and ensuring reliable alignment
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
Enables precise and safe repositioning of medical devices, improving procedural efficiency and reducing the risk of contamination, while maintaining a sterile environment.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom side securely couples to the ground surface via an electrostatic connection
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, the bottom side includes a magnetic or electric charge, forming a connection with a complementary charge on the ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel alignment guide that provides a visual indication of the desired placement of an apparatus. The wheel alignment guide includes one or more body members defining an opening to surround a portion of the apparatus, such as a wheel. The wheel of the apparatus is disposed within the opening of the wheel alignment guide after a desired position of the apparatus is selected, and the wheel may be pivoted via concave edges of the one or more body members. If the apparatus is moved during operation, the apparatus may be repositioned due to the placement of the wheel alignment guide. Accordingly, the wheel alignment guide eliminates the need for inefficient markers and potentially-dangerous adhesives, particularly in an operating room.