Static Cling Wheel Alignment Guide for Medical Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning medical equipment in an operating room, such as using markers or adhesives, are inefficient and pose risks of misalignment, infection, and aesthetic issues, particularly when repositioning is required for different patients.
Innovation Solution
A wheel alignment guide made of flexible static cling vinyl with a cross-shaped opening and slit, allowing secure attachment to the ground and enabling the wheel of medical devices to be accurately positioned and repositioned without leaving residues or obstructions, using electrostatic or magnetic charges for secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If markers are used to indicate position on the floor, then alignment guidance is provided, but the marks may be erased during procedure and are aesthetically unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wheel alignment guide as an intermediary device that physically engages with the equipment wheel rather than relying on floor markings. The guide includes a V-shaped groove that receives the wheel, creating a direct mechanical connection that prevents the equipment from drifting from its marked position, thereby solving both the durability and accuracy problems simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If adhesives are used to mark the correct spot, then position indication is provided, but residues remain on floor and may cause bacterial or fungal growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the floor surface entirely, eliminating the need for any floor markings or adhesives. The wheel alignment guide is a standalone device that provides alignment guidance through its physical structure (V-shaped groove and side walls) without leaving any residues on the floor, thereby eliminating infection risks while maintaining positioning accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is repositioned for different patients, then adaptability is improved, but multiple marks on floor increase likelihood of incorrect mark selection
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel alignment guide is designed as a universal device that can accommodate different equipment types and patient positioning needs. The guide can be relocated to different positions on the floor as needed, and each position can be marked with a single reference mark. The mechanical engagement of the wheel with the V-shaped groove ensures accurate reproduction of the original position regardless of how many times the guide is moved, solving both adaptability and precision requirements
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 wheel alignment guide provides a reliable, efficient, and safe means to maintain correct positioning of medical equipment, eliminating the need for markers or adhesives, ensuring precise alignment and reducing the risk of infection, while allowing for easy repositioning during procedures.
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 a body having an opening disposed therein. The wheel alignment guide is configured to surround a portion of the apparatus, such as a wheel, via the opening. In addition, the wheel alignment guide is adapted to rest on a ground surface, being held in place via a charge, such as an electrostatic charge created by static cling vinyl. A wheel of a medical device is disposed within the opening of the wheel alignment guide after a desired position of the medical device is selected. If the medical device is moved during a medical procedure, the medical device 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.