Container workshop

Mobile workshops are being employed more and more where there is a temporary need for orthopaedic devices. We’d like to introduce you to just such a mobile solution for maintaining orthopaedic devices used at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games.

A high-function service station, in a tight space
The Parapan American Games are a special challenge not only for athletes with a disability, but also for orthopaedic professionals who put in top performances with their expertise and a mobile workshop packed into just a few square metres of space.

To help them concentrate fully on the competition, the 1,600 athletes from 28 countries needed to be able to count on the proper functioning of their orthopaedic devices under extreme competitive conditions. During the games, a team of 22 Ottobock technicians from Brazil, the USA, Canada and Germany made sure that the athletes’ prostheses and orthoses were individually and optimally adjusted for their respective disciplines so that individual medal chances wouldn’t be jeopardised by material defects. Oftentimes, this wasn’t a matter of simply tightening a screw; rather, the on-site technicians were called upon to fix small and moderate disasters such as welding wheelchairs or fabricating a completely new prosthetic socket. In order to offer this high level of service, Ottobock shipped large quantities of materials and equipment to the mobile service workshop in Toronto.

Multifunctional layout
Using two containers – positioned at a 90° angle – Ottobock Planning & Equipping was seting up a fully functioning orthopaedic workshop onsite at the games. The area in front of the containers was also roofed over and used as workshop space. The mobile fixtures and machines such as the PROS.A. Assembly, the mobile vacuum pump, mobile casting apparatus, as well as the custom-made collapsible workstations (W x D: 2,000 mm x 750 mm), can be moved outdoors in just a few simple steps. These products are securely fastened and stowed while the containers are being transported. This solution makes the best possible use of the space both inside and outside the containers. The multifunctional solutions found inside the containers are also worth mentioning: The treatment table’s dividing curtain doubled as a welding curtain. The combined laminating/vacuum forming workstation features a swivelling extraction hood also used to extract vapours arising on the welding table.

Custom-made designs
The containers are also equipped with the latest machines, some of which are specially adapted for this purpose These include the Pro-Fit 4000 socket router tailored for use as a tabletop model. Like the original, it offers the same motor capacity, a swivelling milling shaft and a continuous speed regulator. The shavings produced during milling are extracted with a mini dust collector. Space was also made in the containers for the new infrared oven, which includes an integrated sensor formonitoring material sag. Custom-made, lockable drawer units and a special shelving system offer plenty of storage space for tools, materials and spare parts. Conveniently, the same boxes used at Ottobock also fit onto the shelves. This makes for a smooth flow, logistically, between Ottobock and the containers.

Health and safety
Of course, safe and ergonomic working conditions are still guaranteed in the compact workshop. Height-adjustable vices on swivelling vice lifts, along with height-adjustable seats, are key in providing an ergonomic workplace. This makes it possible to stand or sit while carrying out any activity at the workbench or the sewing machines. The workshop naturally includes a safety cabinet with an activated carbon filter attachment for storing hazardous materials such as lamination resin and adhesives.

Complete and comfortable
The container is also fitted with a heating and air conditioning system. All power and air connections on the outside of the container are concealed behind covers.

The container workshop can be locked and portable equipment and objects such as the welding table and patient bed can be locked in place with special hooks and straps, making it possible to transport both containers including all of their equipment.

Because containers with standardised dimensions are used, they can be easily transported by lorry. This setup makes it possible to offer quick orthopaedic treatment on the spot, for example as part of support measures in war zones or in regions afflicted by natural disasters. The mobile workshop is also suitable for orthopaedic companies that are moving, for example, and need to be able to continue offering their services.