Safety systems for use on medical tables

Abstract

The system for determining and displaying constraints on the movement of the operating table includes a patient support surface (600) for fastening to an operating table column of the operating table, a display unit (607) for displaying information regarding the constraints on the movement of the operating table, and an evaluation unit (606), which determines constraints on the movement of the operating table based at least on an identification and / or configuration of the patient support surface (600) before a patient is placed on the patient support surface (600) and displays these constraints on the display unit (607).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the priority of German patent application No. 10 2021 130 310.9, filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office on November 19, 2021. The disclosure content of German patent application No. 10 2021 130 310.9 is hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure content of this application.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to medical and surgical tables with movable tabletops and / or segments of the tabletops, and in particular to a system for limiting the motion of the tabletops and / or segments based on the characteristics of the tabletops and / or segments and the load of the patient, as well as a system for indicating the motion limitations to a user. [Background technology]

[0003] Operating tables are used to support a patient, for example, during a surgical procedure. Currently, due to the flexibility of the operating table's setup, the number of accessories, and the different options for patient positioning offered by the operating table, nurses and doctors must consider many important aspects to use the operating table properly. Some of these aspects are listed below. - The accessories used must be adapted to the weight of the patient. The configuration of the accessories must likewise be adapted to the weight of the patient. - The patient support surface on which the patient is positioned should only be moved within permissible limits. -Whenever movement constraints are applied, care must be taken not to exceed permissible limits. - When adjusting the operating table, care must be taken to ensure that the table does not collide with external objects such as the C-arm. -Furthermore, when adjusting the operating table, care must be taken to ensure that the patient is properly secured and does not fall or slip off the table.

[0004] Important information regarding the points listed above may be found in the operating table's instruction manual. If the user ignores the instruction manual or does not pay sufficient attention to collisions and the patient, the following dangerous events may occur: - Operating table tip-over: Patients may fall, which can result in permanent injury or even death. - Overloading of structural parts of accessories and the operating table: This can result in structural components permanently bending or breaking, causing permanent injury or even death to the patient. - Overload of motorized joints: the operating table cannot be moved, causing mobility restrictions. - Collision of the operating table with external objects: During movement, the operating table may collide with expensive equipment such as the C-arm and cause damage. - Patient falls: If the patient is not properly secured, he or she may start to slip during table movements, which may result in the patient falling to the floor in the worst case scenario.

[0005] The patient support surface of the operating table can have interchangeable and removably connectable segments. In many cases, some or all of the interchangeable segments are movable. By using different interchangeable segments, a single operating table can be reconfigured differently for different patients and procedures. However, this means that the size, shape, dimensions, range of motion, and strength of the individual tables vary from time to time to ensure patient safety and to take into account the mechanical limitations of the individual table arrangements. For certain advanced table functions, it is useful for the table control system to know the identity and sequence of the table extensions. It is useful for the table system to automatically detect the identity and sequence of the table extensions, including second and third level or stage extensions that are connected to the table column and are not directly connected to the central patient support segment.

[0006] In the document US2017 / 0027797A1, a personal support device capable of supporting a patient is disclosed, the personal support device includes a control unit communicatively coupled to at least one removable component of the personal support device, the control unit being capable of determining the presence or absence of the at least one removable component, and capable of deactivating or activating at least one movement of the personal support device in response to determining the presence or absence of the at least one removable component. The removable component may include an RFID identifier. The control unit may also communicate with the removable component via wired communication. However, US2017 / 0027797A1 does not disclose a modular operating table system having multiple extension levels and using an advantageous combination of both wired and RFID communication at different table extension levels as disclosed herein. Also, it does not disclose a system for determining and visually displaying operating table configurations and movement constraints for an array of different patient weight ranges prior to a medical procedure.

[0007] The patient support surface used to support the patient can be of modular design and can have a primary support surface section that can be expanded by coupling onto various secondary support surface sections. For this purpose, the primary support surface section and the secondary support surface section can have mechanical connection elements, by means of which the primary support surface section and the secondary support surface section can be detachably connected. The secondary support surface section can be, for example, a foot section or a head section. Furthermore, the secondary support surface section can also be an intermediate section or an extension section, which is, for example, inserted between the primary support surface section and the head section.

[0008] When a secondary surface section is adjusted or extended to its position, the risk of the secondary surface section colliding with another object should be as low as possible. The risk of collision depends, among other things, on the type of secondary surface section. For example, the leg section is longer than the head section and therefore has a different collision risk than the head section. It is therefore desirable if it is possible to determine which secondary surface sections are connected to the main surface section. This also makes it possible to define constraints on the movement of the respective secondary surface section in order to avoid collisions. For example, depending on the configuration of the patient support surface, i.e. the combination of the main surface section and the installed secondary surface section, a maximum extension distance and / or a maximum adjustment angle of the secondary surface section can be specified.

[0009] The operating table operator is responsible for creating the correct configuration of the operating table for the procedures planned during surgery. Some or all of the following criteria may be considered: - surgical specialty of the planned operation, - weight of the patient, - the planned permissible configuration of the operating table including accessories, i.e. the installed sub-support surface sections, - the load capacity of the sub-support section and the operating table used, and - Planned movements and position of the operating table.

[0010] Knowing the patient weight and what combination of table configurations and positions is required for a particular procedure is part of the clinical routine, whereas memorizing all permissible combinations and loading situations described in the operating instructions for the table and accessories is not part of the clinical routine.

[0011] In theory, the operator would need to consult the operating table and installed accessories instructions to ensure that the planned procedure can be performed using the planned table load and configuration, which is a disadvantage as it requires a high level of effort. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0027797 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a surgical table having a load sensor arrangement which is advantageously designed to measure a variable from which the load acting on the load sensor arrangement can be determined.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a surgical table that generates a signal indicating the risk of the table tipping over.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a surgical table that generates a signal indicating a risk of overloading the surgical table and / or components of the surgical table.

[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a patient support surface for fastening to a surgical table column, which allows for determining which secondary support surface sections are to be coupled to a primary support surface section of the patient support surface.

[0017] Additionally, a patient support surface is created that provides feedback to the operator prior to the start of the procedure regarding limitations that the operating table with the installed support surface sections will experience during operation.

[0018] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the operating table comprises a load sensor arrangement having a plurality of load sensors designed to measure at least one variable, i.e. more precisely one or more variables, from which a load acting on the load sensor arrangement can be determined.

[0019] The load acting on the load sensor arrangement may in particular include all external force variables acting on the load sensor arrangement, i.e. forces and torques. The load sensors may for example be force sensors, in particular load cells, each measuring a force acting on the respective sensor. In such an embodiment, the measured variable may be the force measured by each of the force sensors, i.e. each of the force sensors measures a corresponding variable. Each of the force sensors may output as output signal, for example an electrical signal, such as a voltage, from which the measured force may be derived. Furthermore, it may be provided by the force sensors that each of them outputs a specific dimension of the measured force, for example in digital form.

[0020] It is also conceivable that the load sensor arrangement measures a total resulting force as a variable, which results from the individual forces acting on the different force sensors. In this case, the load sensor arrangement can in particular measure exactly one variable, namely the total resulting force. The total force can again be output as an electrical signal, for example as a voltage, or as a specific dimension, for example in digital form, from which the measured force can be derived.

[0021] Loads acting on the load sensor arrangement include, for example, loads generated by components of the operating table located above the load sensor arrangement, but also loads generated by a patient placed on the operating table or other objects placed on the operating table. Furthermore, a person can also generate a load on the operating table, for example, in that the person stands next to the operating table and supports himself / herself on the operating table with his / her hands or another part of the body. Furthermore, external forces generated in other ways can generate loads on the operating table. Loads such as these can also be measured by the load sensor arrangement.

[0022] The load sensor arrangement with multiple load sensors may be arranged between at least two parts of the operating table. The at least two parts are essentially immobile relative to each other. When the operating table, in particular the patient support surface, is moved or adjusted during surgery, e.g. when the patient support surface tilts and / or expands, the at least two parts do not essentially move relative to each other, i.e. they remain essentially in the same position relative to each other. This applies both to the distance of the at least two parts from each other and to the angle(s) that the at least two parts form with each other.

[0023] However, the at least two portions can move very slightly relative to one another to the extent that the load sensor is physically deformed by weight and pressure. Thus, "essentially the same position" includes relative movement of the at least two portions by up to 3 millimeters due to temporary elastic deformation of the load sensor. In alternative terms, it can be said that the load sensors or the at least two portions are movable by up to 3 millimeters relative to one another and / or are movable to the extent that the load sensor is physically deformed.

[0024] At least two portions of the operating table may be disposed beside or adjacent to the load sensor arrangement. The load sensor arrangement may be in contact with the two portions. For example, the load sensor arrangement may be in contact with each of the two portions. The two portions may be rigidly coupled to the load sensor arrangement, at least during movement of the operating table.

[0025] The load sensor arrangement may be arranged at different positions within the operating table. For example, the load sensor arrangement may be integrated into the operating table column. In this case, a first side of the load sensor arrangement may be coupled to at least a first portion of the column, and a second side of the load sensor arrangement may in particular be opposite the first side and may be coupled to a second portion of the column. The first and second portions of the column are designed to be immovable relative to each other. Furthermore, the first portion of the column may be arranged above the second portion of the column.

[0026] Additionally, the load sensor arrangement may be located at or adjacent to the interface that the column forms with the patient support surface or the stand (or base), such that the load sensor arrangement may be located, for example, between the patient support surface and the column, where a first side of the load sensor arrangement may be coupled to a portion of the patient support surface and a second side of the load sensor arrangement may be coupled to a portion of the column, the two portions being immovable relative to one another.

[0027] Alternatively, the load sensor arrangement may be disposed, for example, between the column and the stand, where a first side of the load sensor arrangement may be coupled to a portion of the column and a second side of the load sensor arrangement may be coupled to a portion of the stand, the two portions being immobile relative to each other.

[0028] Integrating the load sensor between two or more non-moving structural parts of the operating table has several advantages over other solutions, especially those that integrate the load sensor in a joint. For example, such solutions may involve integrating the load sensor into multiple universal joints, so that the load sensor is located between multiple (e.g., three) parts that are movable relative to each other. Such solutions are not ideal, since dynamic effects pose major accuracy problems. Furthermore, moving parts tend to wear over time, reducing the reliability of the system and requiring regular maintenance and calibration. Problems such as these are reduced or even eliminated by locating the load sensor between at least two structurally non-moving parts.

[0029] The load sensor arrangement may be integrated into the operating table such that the entire load is channeled or transferred through the load sensor arrangement, in particular, loads occurring above the load sensor arrangement may be channeled or transferred through the load sensor arrangement.

[0030] In one embodiment, the load sensors of the load sensor arrangement may be arranged in parallel and mirror images of each other. For example, the load sensor arrangement may have a total of four force sensors or load cells. This design has the advantages of improved accuracy and reliability.

[0031] Some or all of the load sensors of the load sensor arrangement may be arranged with mirror symmetry about an imaginary first axis and with mirror symmetry about an imaginary second axis. The first and second axes may be aligned orthogonally to each other. For example, the first axis may extend parallel to a major axis of the patient support surface and the second axis extends perpendicular to this major axis but parallel to the patient support surface. In this case, the load sensor arrangement may be located between the patient support surface and the operating table column.

[0032] In some designs, the load sensors are arranged in a grid pattern or grid with multiple load sensors on each of the "sides". In some embodiments, all of the load sensors are arranged in a common plane. For example, the load sensors may be arranged in a 2x2 grid. The load sensors may be arranged in a grid arrangement with, for example, 2-4 load sensors in each dimension.

[0033] The mirror-symmetrically arranged load sensors may be aligned in the same direction. In particular, the mirror-symmetrically arranged load sensors may be aligned parallel to one another. The load sensors may each have their main axes aligned parallel to one another.

[0034] The load sensors of the load sensor arrangement may be identical in design.

[0035] In some embodiments, the load sensor has an elongated shape. For example, the load sensor can be a rectangular body.

[0036] In one embodiment, the operating table may comprise a load determination unit coupled to the load sensor arrangement and capable of receiving at least one measured variable from the load sensor arrangement, based on the measured at least one variable the load sensor arrangement may determine at least one of the following loads and / or one of the following centres of gravity: - the measured load and / or the centre of gravity of the measured load, - the active load and / or the centre of gravity of the active load, and -Total load and / or centre of gravity of total load.

[0037] The load sensor arrangement can be designed to determine, for example, either all three of the above-mentioned loads and / or their centers of gravity, a selection of two of the above-mentioned three loads and / or their centers of gravity, or only one of the above-mentioned loads and / or their centers of gravity.

[0038] The measured load is the load acting on the load sensor arrangement. The measured load corresponds to the load generated by all people, objects and forces on the operating table above the load sensors. The measured load corresponds to the load value measured by the load sensor arrangement.

[0039] The active load corresponds to the loads generated by components not related to the operating table as well as by people and external forces acting on the operating table. The components related to the operating table are the components recognized by the operating table, for example the main table top section and the secondary table top section fastened on the main table top section and / or other accessories recognized by the operating table. The influence of the components related to the operating table is not taken into account in the active load. Only the remaining components of the operating table, i.e. the components not related to the operating table, contribute to the active load. These may be, for example, accessories not recognized by the operating table. Furthermore, the patient on the operating table contributes to the active load. The active load also includes all external forces acting on the operating table, for example forces exerted on the operating table by people and / or objects outside the operating table.

[0040] The total load is the load resulting from the measured loads and from the loads generated by components associated with the operating table that are located below the load sensor arrangement. The total load therefore takes into account loads from components that are located below the load sensor arrangement and do not contribute to the measured load because they cannot be measured by the load sensor arrangement. The total load therefore is the load generated by the entire operating table, the patient, components associated with the operating table, components not associated with the operating table, and other external forces.

[0041] In one embodiment, the operating table may further include a safety unit, which is coupled to the load determination unit and receives from the load determination unit at least one load value determined by the load determination unit and / or at least one center of gravity determined by the load determination unit. Based on the at least one load and / or the at least one center of gravity, the safety unit may generate a safety signal indicating whether the operating table is in a safety critical situation. A safety critical situation exists, for example, when the safety of a patient on the operating table is at risk. For example, this may be the case when there is a risk of the operating table tipping over or being overloaded.

[0042] The safety unit may generate a safety signal using other parameters such as position data of the operating table, in particular indicating where the patient support surface is to be placed, some information about the recognized accessories, and the load and center of gravity of the recognized accessories.

[0043] The safety unit allows the operating table user to be warned if a safety critical situation occurs in order to ensure patient safety and to take measures to avoid or prevent the safety critical situation.

[0044] In one embodiment, one or more measures can be taken if the safety unit generates a safety signal indicating a critical safety situation of the operating table. For example, the operating table can generate an acoustic and / or optical warning signal. Furthermore, the warning signal can be generated in text form and displayed to the user, for example on a remote control for the operating table. Furthermore, the movement of the operating table can be restricted. For example, the extension and / or tilt of the patient support surface and / or the movement of the operating table can be slowed down or stopped. Furthermore, at least one function of the operating table can be blocked.

[0045] When the safety signal again indicates a safe condition of the operating table, the measures taken can be reduced or reversed.

[0046] In one embodiment, the safety unit may comprise an anti-tip unit that generates an anti-tip signal based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load indicating whether there is a risk of the operating table tipping over. The anti-tip signal is thus a safety signal of the safety unit.

[0047] If there is a risk of tipping, for example, an audio and / or visual warning can be issued to the user and / or measures can be taken to prevent the table from tipping over, for example the motion of the table can be blocked or the speed of the table can be slowed down.

[0048] In one embodiment, the anti-tilt unit can determine a residual tilt torque for at least one tilt point based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load. Further, the anti-tilt unit compares the determined residual tilt torque with a specified residual tilt torque threshold, and generates a tilt safety signal to indicate a tipping risk when the residual tilt torque is below the residual tilt torque threshold.

[0049] The tilt point is a point, or in some cases an axis, around which the operating table can tilt. For example, the tilt point may be located on the lower edge of the base that faces the floor. Additionally, the tilt point may be marked by a roller, which can be used to displace the operating table on the floor.

[0050] In some embodiments, the tilt points may be defined as all points along the perimeter of a table base or stand that faces (and possibly touches) the underlying floor. For example, all points along the perimeter of a rectangular table base may be tilt points. In other embodiments, for example, if the stand has a less regular shape, the tilt points may be defined as all points along the sides of a conceptual or imaginary polygon defined by the far vertices of the base. For example, in the case of an H-shaped base, the tilt points are the four vertices of the H and the sides of the conceptual rectangle formed by the four vertices of the H. In the case of a circular base, all points on the perimeter are tilt points.

[0051] In general, it can be said that the operating table remains stable if the center of gravity of the total load is above the plane bounded by the tipping points, but if the center of gravity of the total load is not directly above this plane, the operating table will tip over.

[0052] The residual tipping torque at the tipping point can be determined by multiplying the distance of the tipping point from the center of gravity of the total load by the total load, and the total load is specified as a force. The residual tipping torque is called "residual tipping torque" in English literature. If the determined value of the residual tipping torque is positive, this means that the operating table is stable for this tipping point. If the residual tipping torque is negative, the operating table will tip over. The higher the value of the residual tipping torque, the more stable the operating table will be. In this embodiment, a residual tipping torque threshold is specified, for example, having a value of 225 Nm. This means that the residual tipping torque must not fall below 225 Nm. If the residual tipping torque threshold is not reached, the operating table can audibly or visually warn the user. Other options are to block or slow down the movement of the operating table.

[0053] In one embodiment, the anti-tilt unit can determine a respective residual tilt torque for a plurality of tilt points, in particular for all possible tilt points. The anti-tilt unit can compare each of the plurality of residual tilt torques with a residual tilt torque threshold. If only one of the tilt torques is below the residual tilt torque threshold, the anti-tilt unit can generate a tilt safety signal to indicate a tipping risk. This provides a high level of safety for tilting the operating table.

[0054] In one embodiment, at least one virtual or imaginary line can be identified that passes through at least one tilt point and encloses a specified angle with the specified normal vector, the so-called stability angle, and the tipping prevention unit generates a tipping safety signal to indicate a tipping risk if the center of gravity of the total load passes through the at least one virtual line. In particular, the tipping safety signal can indicate a tipping risk if the center of gravity of the total load passes through the at least one virtual line in a direction in which the residual tipping torque decreases. This embodiment also includes the case where the virtual line does not pass through a tilt point, since it is shifted in parallel. In this case, the center of gravity of the total load must also be shifted accordingly so that a tipping risk can be indicated.

[0055] The normal vector may be defined, for example, by the force vector of the weight of the operating table when the operating table is on a flat, non-inclined floor. The normal vector is then aligned perpendicular to the floor surface. The normal vector may also be defined, for example, by the base plate of the stand or the patient support surface in the normal position. The normal vector is then aligned perpendicular to the base plate of the stand or perpendicular to the patient support surface in the normal position.

[0056] In one embodiment, for a number of tilt points, in particular for all possible tilt points, at least one virtual or imaginary line can be identified, each passing through the respective tilt point and surrounding a specified angle with the specified normal vector, the so-called stable angle. The virtual lines define a space. As long as the center of gravity of the total load is within this space, there is no risk of the operating table tipping over. The operating table can tip over only if the center of gravity of the total load leaves the space defined by the virtual line or the space tangent to the virtual line. Thus, the anti-tip unit generates a tilt safety signal to indicate a risk of tipping over if the center of gravity of the total load leaves the space defined by the virtual line.

[0057] In one embodiment, the determined stability angle that an imaginary or imaginary line passing through the tilt point encloses with the determined normal vector can depend on the nature of the tilt point. For example, if the tilt point is provided by a roller, the stability angle can be larger. In comparison, if the tilt point does not include a roller but is located, for example, on the lower edge of the stand, the stability angle can be smaller.

[0058] In one embodiment, if the tilt point is provided by a roller, a stability angle of 10 degrees may be selected. For all other tilt points, especially for rigid bases or substructures, a stability angle of 5 degrees may be selected.

[0059] In some embodiments, the stability angle is at least 2 or at least 5 degrees, or in the range of 5 to 15 degrees, or in the range of 3 to 20 degrees. In some designs with retractable wheels or rollers, the stability angle is at least 2 degrees when the operating table is on the floor, and at least 8 degrees when the operating table is on wheels or rollers. Certain safety regulations require that the medical table remain stable at a 5 degree incline when placed directly on the floor, and at a 10 degree incline when placed on wheels. This technology is useful in meeting such safety regulations, but is not limited to this purpose.

[0060] The above two embodiments, in which the residual tilt torque is compared with a residual tilt torque threshold or in which it is checked whether the center of gravity of the total load passes through at least one imaginary line, can be used independently of each other to generate a tilt safety signal. Moreover, the two methods can be combined with each other.

[0061] In one embodiment, the safety unit may include an overload protection unit that generates an overload protection signal based on a predetermined load and / or a center of gravity of the predetermined load, the predetermined load being from a group of a measured load, an active load, and a total load, the overload protection signal indicating whether the operating table and / or at least one component of the operating table is at risk of overload.

[0062] The overload protection signal is a safety signal of the safety unit.

[0063] The overload protection unit prevents damage, such as bending or even breaking, of the components of the operating table due to excessive load acting on the operating table, thereby preventing any danger to the patient.

[0064] The at least one component of the operating table for which the overload risk is determined may for example be a sub-support surface section of the patient support surface, or another accessory of the operating table, or another component of the operating table, for example a roller or an operating table column.

[0065] If there is a risk of overloading, for example, an audible and / or visual warning can be given to the user and / or measures can be taken to prevent overloading the table, for example the motion of the table can be blocked or the speed of the table can be slowed down.

[0066] In one embodiment, the overload protection unit can compare the defined load with at least one determined overload threshold. If the defined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, an overload protection signal is generated by the overload protection unit, indicating an overload risk. The at least one overload threshold may be specific to the operating table and / or to at least one component. As a result, individual overload thresholds can be used for each component of the operating table. This makes it possible to determine the overload risk of components with different stability.

[0067] In one embodiment, the operating table can have a patient support surface. The patient support surface is used to support a patient, for example, during a surgical procedure. The patient support surface can be of modular design and can have a primary support surface section that can be extended by coupling onto various secondary support surface sections. For this purpose, the primary support surface section and the secondary support surface section can have mechanical connection elements by which the primary support surface section and the secondary support surface section can be detachably connected. The secondary support surface section can be, for example, a foot section or a head section. Furthermore, the secondary support surface section can also be an extension section or an intermediate section, which is, for example, inserted between the primary support surface section and the head section.

[0068] In one embodiment, the operating table may have a patient support surface with a primary support surface section and at least one secondary support surface section. The at least one secondary support surface section may be removably connected to the primary support surface section. In this embodiment, the at least one secondary support surface section is at least one component. This design allows the risk of overload for one or more secondary support surface sections to be determined. Furthermore, individual overload risks for several secondary support surface sections may be identified and appropriate measures may be taken if an overload is likely to occur.

[0069] The secondary surface sections may have individual load limits. In the case of an arrangement consisting of several interconnected secondary surface sections, there may be load limits that are different from the load limits of the individual secondary surface sections. In particular, the load limit of the arrangement consisting of interconnected secondary surface sections may be smaller than the load limit of the individual secondary surface sections. This situation is taken into account in an embodiment. For this purpose, an overload threshold of the arrangement connecting the secondary surface sections to each other and to the primary surface section may be specified. The overload protection unit may compare the defined load with the overload threshold specified for the arrangement of the secondary surface sections and generate an overload protection signal indicating a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the overload threshold.

[0070] In addition to the possible overload risk of the individual support surface sections and the arrangement of the secondary support surface sections, the risk of overload of certain sections or regions of the patient support surface can also be determined. These regions can extend, for example, along the outer boundaries of the secondary support surface sections. In this case, the regions comprise a certain number of secondary support surface sections. However, it is also conceivable that the region boundaries do not extend along the outer boundaries of the secondary support surface sections. In this case, a part of the secondary support surface section can belong to one region and the remaining part of the secondary support surface section belongs to an adjacent region. In an embodiment, therefore, at least a part of the patient support surface can be virtually or conceptually divided into a plurality of regions and an overload threshold can be specified for each region. The overload protection unit checks in which region the center of gravity of the defined load is located and compares the defined load with the overload threshold specified for this region. If the defined load exceeds the overload threshold specified for this region, an overload protection signal can be generated by the overload protection unit, indicating the risk of overload.

[0071] Furthermore, a graph or curve extending along at least a portion of the patient support surface can be specified. The graph or curve specifies a respective overload threshold at each point of the at least a portion of the patient support surface. The graph or curve can be, for example, a straight line. In particular, the straight line can slope downwards towards the distal end of the patient support surface, so that the overload threshold decreases towards the end of the patient support surface. The overload protection unit can check the point at which the centre of gravity of the defined load is located on the patient support surface. The expression "the point at which the centre of gravity of the defined load is located on the patient support surface" does not necessarily mean that the centre of gravity of the defined load is located within the patient support surface. The centre of gravity can also be located outside the patient support surface. In this case, the corresponding point on the patient support surface can be determined, for example by a vertical projection of the centre of gravity onto the patient support surface. The overload protection unit compares the defined load with the overload threshold specified for the determined position and generates an overload protection signal indicating a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the overload threshold specified for this position.

[0072] In one embodiment, the operating table can have at least one drive. The overload protection unit can determine a load acting on the at least one drive based on the measured load and / or the center of gravity of the measured load and compare the determined load with at least one identified overload threshold. If the determined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, an overload protection signal can be generated by the overload protection unit, indicating a risk of overload. This can prevent overloading of the drive.

[0073] The drive can in particular be an electric drive, which is used, for example, to adjust the patient support surface or individual components of the patient support surface, in particular to extend or tilt the patient support surface. The operating table can also include a number of drives. For each drive, an individual overload threshold specific to the respective drive can be specified. This makes it possible to identify the individual overload risks of the drives.

[0074] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for operating a surgical table, wherein a load sensor arrangement of the surgical table includes a plurality of load sensors and measures at least one variable capable of determining a load acting on the load sensor arrangement, and wherein the load sensor arrangement is disposed between at least two portions of the surgical table, the at least two portions being essentially immobile relative to one another.

[0075] The method according to the second aspect may have all the embodiments described in this disclosure in relation to the operating table according to the first aspect.

[0076] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical table includes a load sensor arrangement having a plurality of load sensors, a load determining unit, and an anti-tilt unit.

[0077] A load sensor arrangement having a plurality of load sensors can be used to measure at least one variable and determine a load acting on the load sensor arrangement from the variable. A load determination unit is coupled to the load sensor unit and determines a total load and / or a center of gravity of the total load based on the at least one measured variable. The total load is obtained from a load acting on the load sensor arrangement and a load generated by a component associated with the operating table and located below the load sensor arrangement. An anti-tip unit generates an anti-tip signal based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load, indicating whether a risk of the operating table tipping over exists.

[0078] The operating table and components thereof according to the third aspect may have all the embodiments described in the present disclosure in relation to the operating table and components thereof according to the first aspect.

[0079] If the anti-tip unit generates an anti-tip safety signal indicating a risk of the operating table tipping over, in one embodiment the operating table may generate an acoustic and / or optical and / or textual warning signal, and / or may slow down or stop the movement of the operating table, and / or may shut off at least one function of the operating table.

[0080] In one embodiment, the anti-tip unit can determine a residual tipping torque for at least one tipping point based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load, and compare the residual tipping torque with a determined residual tipping torque threshold. If the residual tipping torque is below the residual tipping torque threshold, a tipping safety signal is generated, indicating a risk of tipping.

[0081] In one embodiment, the anti-tilt unit multiplies the distance of the center of gravity of the total load from the at least one tilt point by the total load, so that the anti-tilt unit can determine the residual tilt torque at the at least one tilt point.

[0082] In one embodiment, the anti-tilt unit can determine a respective residual tilt torque for a plurality of tilt points, in particular for all possible tilt points, and compare each of the residual tilt torques with the determined residual tilt torque threshold. If at least one of the residual tilt torques is below the residual tilt torque threshold, the anti-tilt unit can generate a tilt safety signal to indicate a risk of tipping.

[0083] In one embodiment, at least one virtual line can be identified, passing through the at least one tipping point and enclosing a specified angle, the so-called stability angle, with the specified normal vector, and the anti-tip unit can generate a tipping safety signal to indicate a tipping risk if the center of gravity of the total load passes through the at least one virtual line.

[0084] In one embodiment, multiple virtual lines can be identified, each passing through the tipping point and each enclosing a specified angle, the so-called stability angle, with the specified normal vector. The multiple virtual lines can define a space. The anti-tip unit generates a tipping safety signal to indicate a tipping risk if the center of gravity of the total load leaves the space defined by the multiple virtual lines.

[0085] In one embodiment, the identified stable angle that an imaginary line passing through the tilt point encircles with the identified normal vector may depend on the nature of the tilt point.

[0086] In one embodiment, if the tilt point is provided by a roller, the stability angle can be larger. If the tilt point does not have a roller, the stability angle can be smaller.

[0087] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for operating a surgical table. A load sensor arrangement of the surgical table including a plurality of load sensors measures at least one variable capable of determining a load acting on the load sensor arrangement. Based on the at least one measured variable, a total load and / or a center of gravity of the total load resulting from the load acting on the load sensor arrangement and from loads generated by components associated with the surgical table and located below the load sensor arrangement is determined. Further, an anti-tip signal is generated based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load, indicating whether a risk of the surgical table tipping over exists.

[0088] The method according to the fourth aspect may have all the embodiments described in this disclosure in relation to the operating table according to the first aspect and the operating table according to the third aspect.

[0089] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical table includes a load sensor arrangement having a plurality of load sensors, a load determining unit, and an overload prevention unit.

[0090] A load sensor arrangement having a plurality of load sensors can be used to measure at least one variable and determine from the variable a load acting on the load sensor arrangement. A load determination unit is coupled to the load sensor unit and determines at least one prescribed load, which may be a measured load, an active load or a total load as defined above, and / or a center of gravity of the prescribed load, based on the at least one measured variable. An overload protection unit generates an overload protection signal based on the defined load and / or the center of gravity of the defined load, which overload protection signal indicates whether there is a risk of overload on the operating table and / or at least one component of the operating table.

[0091] The operating table and components thereof according to the fifth aspect may have all the embodiments described in the present disclosure in relation to the operating table and components thereof according to the first aspect.

[0092] When the overload protection unit generates an overload protection signal indicating a risk of overloading the operating table and / or at least one component of the operating table, in one embodiment an acoustic and / or optical and / or textual warning signal may be generated, and / or the movement of the operating table may be slowed down or stopped, and / or at least one function of the operating table may be shut off.

[0093] In one embodiment, the overload protection unit is capable of comparing the defined load with at least one identified overload threshold and generating an overload protection signal indicating a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, the at least one overload threshold may be specific to the operating table and / or to at least one component.

[0094] In one embodiment, the operating table can include a patient support surface having a primary support surface section and at least one secondary support surface section removably connected to the primary support surface section, and the at least one component is the at least one secondary support surface section.

[0095] In one embodiment, the patient support surface may have a plurality of secondary support surface sections, and an overload threshold is specified for the arrangement in which the secondary support surface sections are connected to each other and to the primary support surface section. The overload protection unit may compare a defined load to the overload threshold specified for the arrangement of the secondary support surface sections, and generate an overload protection signal indicating a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the overload threshold.

[0096] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the patient support surface can be virtually divided into a number of regions and an overload threshold can be identified for each region. The overload protection unit can check in which region the center of gravity of a defined load is located and compare the defined load with the overload threshold identified for this region. The overload protection unit can generate an overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the overload threshold identified for this region.

[0097] In one embodiment, a respective overload threshold can be specified for each point of at least a portion of the patient support surface. The overload protection unit can check the point at which the center of gravity of a defined load is located on the patient support surface and compare the defined load with the overload threshold specified for this point. The overload protection unit can generate an overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the overload threshold specified for this point.

[0098] In one embodiment, the operating table can have at least one drive. The overload protection unit can determine a load acting on the at least one drive based on the measured load and / or the center of gravity of the measured load and compare the determined load with at least one identified overload threshold. An overload protection signal can be generated to indicate a risk of overload if the determined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold.

[0099] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for operating a surgical table. A load sensor arrangement of the surgical table including a plurality of load sensors measures at least one variable capable of determining a load acting on the load sensor arrangement. Based on the measured at least one variable, at least one prescribed load, which may be the measured load, the active load or the total load as defined above, and / or a center of gravity of the prescribed load are determined. An overload protection signal is generated based on the prescribed load and / or the center of gravity of the prescribed load, indicating whether the surgical table and / or at least one component of the surgical table is at risk of overload.

[0100] The method according to the sixth aspect may have all the embodiments described in the present disclosure in relation to the operating table according to the first aspect and the operating table according to the fifth aspect.

[0101] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support surface includes a primary support surface section and one or more secondary support surface sections that can be removably connected to the primary support surface section. The primary support surface section, which may also be referred to as an intermediate support surface section, has an interface for coupling the patient support surface to a surgical table column.

[0102] The patient support surface is designed such that when at least one of the secondary support surface sections is connected to the primary support surface section, at least a portion of the information, i.e., one or more portions of the information, is transmitted via an interface between at least one secondary support surface section and the primary support surface section.

[0103] At least one secondary support surface section has an interface with the primary support surface section such that the at least one secondary support surface section is directly connected to the primary support surface section, and one or more other secondary support surface sections may be coupled to the at least one secondary support surface section such that the at least one secondary support surface section is indirectly connected to the primary support surface section.

[0104] The at least some information relates to at least one secondary support surface section directly connected to the primary support surface section and / or one or more other secondary support surface sections indirectly connected to the primary support surface section. The at least some information may describe in more detail or characterize the respective secondary support surface section to which it refers. For example, the at least some information may indicate the nature or type of the respective secondary support surface section, i.e., the at least some information may indicate, for example, whether it is a head section, a foot section, or a mid section. Furthermore, some information regarding the functionality of the respective secondary support surface section, for example adjustment and extension options, and / or dimensions of the secondary support surface section, especially in a fully retracted and / or fully extended state, may be included in the at least some information.

[0105] At least some of the information is transmitted in the direction of the primary support surface section. In the case of a plurality of secondary support surface sections, for example one or more middle sections and a foot or head section, arranged vertically, some information can be transmitted successively from the outer secondary support surface section, then to the inner secondary support surface section, and finally from the secondary support surface section directly connected to the primary support surface section to the primary support surface section. Thus, the primary support surface section can receive respective partial information from all the secondary support surface sections directly or indirectly connected to it. The primary support surface section or a unit integrated in the primary support surface section can use these partial information to determine, for example, which secondary support surface sections to connect to the primary support surface section. Furthermore, for example, it can determine the order or arrangement in which the secondary support surface sections are connected to the primary support surface section. In some embodiments, some information about a first secondary support surface section that is not directly connected to the primary support surface section is transmitted to the primary support surface section via at least one second secondary support surface section that is directly connected to the primary support surface section.

[0106] At least some of the information is preferably transmitted by electrical signals via an interface between the at least one secondary support surface section, which may be an intermediate section, and the primary support surface section. The electrical signals can be current and / or voltage signals. The electrical signals can be transmitted via the interface in a wired manner, in particular via wires, i.e. the electrical signals transmitted from the at least one secondary support surface section to the primary support surface section located directly adjacent thereto are not wireless signals, in particular transmitted via an air interface.

[0107] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the secondary support surface section may be movable and / or expandable.

[0108] Each of the secondary support surface sections can be designed as either an intermediate section or an end section. An intermediate section is a secondary support surface section that can be positioned between a primary support surface section and another secondary support surface section, or between two other secondary support surface sections. An intermediate section is also called a level N-1 or level N-2 support section. An intermediate section can be, for example, a shoulder section used to support the patient's shoulder, or an extension section.

[0109] An end section is the last section in a series of support sections. Thus, an end section can be connected to a main support surface section or to an intermediate section. An end section is also referred to as a level N support surface section. An end section can be, for example, a head section or a foot section used to support the head or legs of a patient.

[0110] In one embodiment, at least one secondary support surface section having an interface with the primary support surface section may be an intermediate section. The intermediate section may have a first side and in particular a second side opposite the first side. The intermediate section may be connected on its first side to the primary support surface section and on its second side to another intermediate section or end section. The first side may be arranged to face the opposite side of the primary support surface section. Some information about the further intermediate section and / or end section may be transmitted by electrical signals to the primary support surface section after said some information is transmitted from the further intermediate section or end section to the intermediate section directly connected to the primary support surface section. Furthermore, some information about the intermediate section directly connected to the primary support surface section may also be provided to the primary support surface section by electrical signals. In this way, all of the some information about the intermediate sections and end sections directly or indirectly connected thereto may be provided to the primary support surface section.

[0111] In one embodiment, the intermediate section may have an electrical contact unit on a first side for electrically coupling to the primary support surface section and a further electrical contact unit on a second side for electrically coupling to a further intermediate section or an end section. By means of the electrical contact unit mounted on the first side an electrical signal may be guided to the primary support surface section and by means of the further electrical contact unit the intermediate section may receive an electrical signal from the further intermediate section or also from the end section if provided. In case only the primary support surface section has a power supply, a power supply for the intermediate section, in particular for a secondary support surface section downstream of the intermediate section, may be provided via the electrical contact unit.

[0112] Each electrical contact unit may have one or more contact elements or contacts, such as pin contacts or spring contact pins.

[0113] When two intermediate sections are connected in series to the main support surface section, the electrical contact unit attached to a first side of the first intermediate section can be electrically coupled to the main support surface section, and the electrical contact unit disposed on a second side of the first intermediate section can be electrically coupled to the electrical contact unit disposed on a first side of the second intermediate section.

[0114] In one embodiment, the primary support surface section can have an electrical contact unit attached to a first side of the first intermediate section for electrically coupling to the electrical contact unit of the intermediate section, and the interface between the primary support surface section and the intermediate section can be designed such that when the primary support surface section and the intermediate section are connected to each other, the electrical contact units of the two sections are in contact with each other and thus in electrical contact with each other.

[0115] Each intermediate section can have a first connection element on its first side for releasable mechanical connection to a primary support surface section or another intermediate section, and a second connection element on its second side for releasable mechanical connection to another intermediate section or an end section. Additionally, the intermediate sections can also have a third connection element such that another secondary support surface section can be connected to the intermediate section. The mechanical or structural connection elements can establish a strong and resilient connection between the support surface sections.

[0116] Each end section may have a connection element on only one side for removable mechanical connection to the main support surface section or the intermediate section.

[0117] In one embodiment, the connection elements can be designed as male or female pluggable assemblies, where a male assembly fastened to a support surface section can be plugged into a complementary receiving opening of a female assembly on another support surface section or on the main support surface section. The male assembly can be, for example, a pin, stud or plug assembly, and the female assembly can have a complementary embodiment, for example a socket assembly, a recessed space or an empty interior.

[0118] A locking element, particularly disposed within the male assembly, can be moved between a released position and a locked position to secure the mechanical connection of the two support surface sections against unintentional separation.

[0119] In one embodiment, exactly two male assemblies and exactly two complementary female assemblies can be provided for the connection between the two support surface sections, with the two male assemblies fastened to one support surface section and the two female assemblies placed on the other support surface section. A different number of male and female assemblies for establishing the connection between the two support surface sections is also conceivable.

[0120] For wireless transmission, a conventional transmitter-receiver system can be used, for example RFID technology (radio frequency identification). The coupling can be established by an alternating magnetic field generated by an RFID reader in short range or by high frequency radio waves. Thus, not only can data be transmitted, but also the RFID transponder can be energized. In some embodiments, the RFID transponder and the reader are configured to communicate at a frequency of about 125 kHz, for example between 110 kHz and 170 kHz. The ability to use an active reader / passive tag RFID system is advantageous for "backwards compatibility" with older table extensions that often contain passive RFID transponders. In some embodiments, the RFID reader only generates energy for the passive RFID tag and does not provide energy to operate the motor or the additional RFID reader.

[0121] Additionally, the first electrical contact unit can be at least partially housed within a watertight sealing element at the distal end of the male assembly. The watertight sealing element can be spring loaded as described above to ensure electrical contact with the second electrical contact unit. The watertightness allows the mid-section to be washed with water or other suitable liquid.

[0122] In one embodiment, the intermediate section may have a third wireless transmission unit, in particular an RFID reader, on its second side for receiving wireless transmissions from the further intermediate section or the end section. In this case, the further intermediate section or the end section may have a fourth wireless transmission unit, in particular an RFID transponder. The patient support surface may be designed to convey some information transmitted by the fourth wireless transmission unit and received by the third wireless transmission unit from the intermediate section to the main support surface section via an interface between the intermediate section and the main support surface section by means of electrical signals.

[0123] In one embodiment, the end sections do not have electrical contact units, in which case some information can be transmitted from the end sections to the intermediate section and then to the main support surface section only by the fourth wireless transmission unit.

[0124] Alternatively, it can be provided that the end sections have electrical contact units for electrically coupling to electrical contact units of the main support surface section or the intermediate section so that some information can be transmitted from the end sections to the main support surface section.

[0125] In one embodiment, the midsection can have a female assembly on its second side into which a male assembly of a further midsection is receivable to establish a removable connection between the two midsections, and the end section can also have a male assembly that can be received by the female assembly on the second side of the midsection.

[0126] In one embodiment, the intermediate section may have a control unit that allows it to transmit at least some information to the main support surface section. The control unit may be, for example, an electronic assembly. The control unit may obtain power from the main support surface section.

[0127] In one embodiment, each secondary support surface section may have a storage unit in which at least some information regarding the respective secondary support surface section is stored, and at least some information may be read from the storage unit and transmitted to the primary support surface section during operation of the patient support surface.

[0128] In one embodiment, an evaluation unit integrated into the primary support surface section may be provided, which is used to evaluate at least some of the information transmitted by the electrical signal to the primary support surface section. In particular, the evaluation unit may determine which secondary support surface sections are connected to the primary support surface section. Furthermore, the evaluation unit may determine the order in which one or more secondary support surface sections are arranged. For example, the results determined by the evaluation unit may be displayed on a display unit, such as a display.

[0129] In one embodiment, the evaluation unit may be located outside the patient support surface, rather than within the patient support surface. The patient support surface may have an interface through which data may be exchanged with the evaluation unit. The patient support surface may communicate with the evaluation unit wirelessly or in a wired manner.

[0130] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical table comprises a surgical table column according to the seventh aspect and a patient support surface. The patient support surface can be fastened onto the surgical table column using its interface provided for this purpose.

[0131] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a primary support surface section is provided for removable connection to one or more secondary support surface sections of a patient support surface, the primary support surface section being designed to receive at least a portion of information when the primary support surface section is connected to the secondary support surface section, the at least a portion of information relating to the secondary support surface section and / or one or more other secondary support surface sections connected to the secondary support surface section, transmitted by electrical signals via an interface between the primary support surface section and the secondary support surface section.

[0132] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the secondary support surface section is provided for removable connection to the primary support surface section and / or to one or more further secondary support surface sections of the patient support surface. The secondary support surface section may be designed according to the present disclosure and may in particular be an intermediate section. When the secondary support surface section is connected to the primary support surface section, the secondary support surface section transmits at least some information about the secondary support surface section and / or one or more other secondary support surface sections connected to the secondary support surface section by means of an electrical signal via an interface between the secondary support surface section and the primary support surface section.

[0133] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a patient support surface is set forth. The patient support surface is fastened to a surgical table column and comprises a primary support surface section and at least one secondary support surface section removably connected to the primary support surface section. According to the method, at least a portion of information regarding the at least one secondary support surface section and / or one or more other secondary support surface sections connected to the at least one secondary support surface section is transmitted by electrical signals via an interface between the at least one secondary support surface section and the primary support surface section.

[0134] The operating table according to the eighth aspect, the primary support surface section according to the ninth aspect, the secondary support surface section according to the tenth aspect and the method according to the eleventh aspect may have any of the embodiments described in this disclosure in relation to the patient support surface according to the seventh aspect.

[0135] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure relates to an advanced determination and display system of constraints for operation of an operating table. The system includes a patient support surface, which can in particular be fastened fixedly, i.e. permanently or removably, on an operating table column of the operating table. Furthermore, the system has a display unit capable of displaying some information regarding the constraints for the operation of the operating table. Furthermore, an evaluation unit is provided, which determines the constraints for the operation of the operating table based on at least an identification and / or a configuration of the patient support surface. The display unit displays the constraints determined by the evaluation unit. The constraints are displayed on the display unit before the patient is placed on the patient support surface. The identification of the support surface area can refer to different sub-areas of the patient support surface, which can be removably or fixedly connected to each other. For example, the patient support surface can include head, leg, arm and middle areas as well as other suitable sub-areas. The identification indicates which sub-areas the patient support surface includes. The configuration can specify, for example, the configuration or the order or position in which the individual sub-areas are arranged.

[0136] In one embodiment, the patient support surface comprises a primary support surface section and one or more secondary support surface sections. The primary support surface section is provided with an interface for coupling to the operating table column. The primary support surface section can be fixedly or permanently or removably coupled to the operating table column via the interface. The one or more secondary support surface sections can be removably connected to the primary support surface section. When at least one of the secondary support surface sections is connected to the primary support surface section, a signal is transmitted from the at least one secondary support surface section to the primary support surface section. The signal can be, for example, an electrical, wireless, RFID or optical signal, or other type of signal. These can be, for example, electrical and / or wireless signal arrangements as described above. Based on the signal transmitted to the primary support surface section, the evaluation unit determines which secondary support surface sections, i.e. which sub-regions, are connected to the primary support surface section, in particular in which order or configuration or position the secondary support surface sections are arranged. The evaluation unit uses its knowledge, i.e. which secondary support surface sections are connected to the primary support surface sections and optionally in what order or configuration or position, to generate some information regarding constraints or limitations on the movement of the operating table.

[0137] The constraints may, for example, relate to the mobility of the patient support surface, in particular the conformance and extensibility of the secondary support surface sections. They may additionally or instead be limitations on the longitudinal, i.e. longitudinal, displaceability of the patient support surface and / or limitations on the degree of Trendelenburg inclination of the patient support surface. Depending on which secondary support surface sections are connected to the primary support surface section, other constraints may arise on the conformance and extensibility of the secondary support surface sections. The constraints on the mobility of the patient support surface may relate to the movement of the entire patient support surface and / or to the individual movements of the secondary support surface sections.

[0138] In some embodiments, different patient support surfaces or types of patient support surfaces may be provided that are compatible with one or more operating table columns and can be fastened onto these operating table columns accordingly. Each of the different patient support surfaces or types of patient support surfaces may have individual constraints applied, meaning that different constraints apply to the different patient support surfaces.

[0139] In some embodiments, the constraint relates to a maximum weight that a patient can have in order to be allowed to be placed on the patient support surface, above which a patient may not be placed on the patient support surface in the selected configuration.

[0140] Some of the information generated by the evaluation unit and displayed on the display unit informs the operator of the patient support surface about the constraints the patient support surface is subject to during operation, thereby saving the operator the time-consuming task of learning the operating instructions for the patient support surface.

[0141] Furthermore, the evaluation unit can also be designed to generate and / or monitor constraints of the patient support surface based on knowledge of which secondary support surface sections are connected to the primary support surface sections. In this case, the evaluation unit has some information about which constraints the patient support surface is subject to in which configurations of the secondary support surface sections. During operation of the patient support surface, the evaluation unit can control individual components of the patient support surface such that the constraints are observed, e.g., such that a particular support surface section does not expand more than permitted for the corresponding configuration.

[0142] The constraints may also depend on the weight of the patient. For example, some information generated by the evaluation unit may specify constraints depending on the weight of the patient. In particular, constraints may be specified for a number of different weight ranges, for example, patient weights below 155 kg, patient weights between 155 kg and 250 kg, patient weights between 250 kg and 380 kg, and patient weights above 380 kg. In some embodiments, constraints for the specified table configuration may be specified or displayed for a variety of different weight ranges without the table or evaluation unit knowing or needing to know the patient weight and / or before the patient is positioned on the patient support surface. In some embodiments, the table motion constraints are automatically selected and / or adjusted by the table depending on the type and arrangement of the support surface subsections or sub-support surface sections recognized by the table. In some embodiments, weight ranges are automatically selected and / or adjusted by the table depending on the type and arrangement of the support surface subsections or sub-support surface sections recognized by the table.

[0143] In another embodiment, the patient's weight is communicated to the table system prior to the procedure. For example, a user can input some weight information about the intended patient (such as actual weight, estimated weight, and / or weight range or weights) or an external digital system with some patient information can be provided. A single set of constraints can then be determined and displayed based on the type and layout of the secondary support surface sections and the weight specifications of the intended patient. The constraints can be verified and displayed before the patient is actually on the table.

[0144] In one embodiment, the constraints on the movement of the operating table may include one or more of the following constraints: - constraints on the use of the sub-support surface sections, e.g., a particular sub-support surface section cannot be used due to patient weight; constraints on the configuration of the secondary support surface sections, e.g. certain secondary support surface sections cannot be combined with each other, e.g. three intermediate sections arranged tandemly are not permitted, - a constraint on the choice of axes along which movement of the secondary support surface sections is permitted, e.g. a constraint that movement of the secondary support surface sections about a particular axis cannot be performed, - a constraint on the range or path or distance over which the secondary support surface section is movable about an axis; - a constraint on the speed at which the secondary support section is movable about the axis; - constraints on the maximum weight of a patient that may be placed on the patient support surface; - constraints on longitudinal displacement of the patient support surface; - constraints on Trendelenburg tilt or inclination of the patient support surface; - Restrictions on the transverse incline or tilt of the patient support surface; -Limitations on height adjustment of the patient support surface, - constraints on extending the rollers of the operating table, -Restrictions on motorized transport of the operating table; and / or -Constraints on the transverse displacement of the patient support surface.

[0145] The system according to the twelfth aspect may have any of the configurations described in the present disclosure in relation to the patient support surface according to the seventh aspect. In particular, the signal transmitted from the at least one secondary support surface section to the primary support surface section may be an electrical signal by means of which at least some information about the at least one secondary support surface section and / or one or more other secondary support surface sections connected to the at least one secondary support surface section is transmitted via an interface between the at least one secondary support surface section and the primary support surface section.

[0146] In one embodiment, at least one secondary support surface section is an intermediate section that is connected on a first side to the primary support surface section and on a second side to a further intermediate or end section, and at least some information about the further intermediate or end section can be transmitted by electrical signals to the primary support surface section via the intermediate section that is directly connected on its first side to the primary support surface section.

[0147] The system can identify another mid or end section using some information about the other mid or end section that is transmitted from the mid section.

[0148] In one embodiment, the one or more intermediate sections may each have a control unit that allows them to transmit some information to the main support surface section. The control unit may be, for example, an electronic assembly. The control unit may obtain power from the main support surface section.

[0149] In one embodiment, each secondary support surface section may have a storage unit in which at least some information regarding each secondary support surface section is stored, and at least some information may be read from the storage unit and transmitted to the primary support surface section during operation of the system.

[0150] In one embodiment, some information regarding the constraints on the movement of the operating table is displayed in textual form and / or graphically by the display unit, allowing the operator of the operating table to easily understand the constraints.

[0151] The display unit, in the form of a display, can be integrated into a component of the system, for example a remote control of the operating table. The remote control can also display some other information about the patient support surface or the table arrangement with the patient support surface. The remote control can also receive inputs and commands from the operator for controlling the patient support surface or the table arrangement with the patient support surface. The display unit can also be a multi-purpose monitor or display screen for the operating room. The display unit can be, for example, a monitor or display screen mounted on a ceiling suspension arm or on a wall of the operating room or another medical room. The same monitor or display screen can also be used to display some other information about the integrated operating room, for example videos, patient vital signs, and / or information about the lights, tables, and other medical equipment. It is also conceivable to integrate the display unit into the patient support surface.

[0152] In one embodiment, the system includes an input unit into which an operator can input the weight of a patient supported or to be supported on the operating table. The input unit can be provided, for example, on the patient support surface, on a table column supporting the patient support surface, on a remote control (as described above) that optionally also displays the constraints, or in combination with a multipurpose operating room monitor or display screen (as described above). Additionally or alternatively, the system can have an interface for receiving some electronic patient weight information from outside the system.

[0153] In one embodiment, a load determination unit can be integrated into the system and determines the load acting on the patient support surface, in particular the weight of a patient supported on the patient support surface. The load determination unit can be fully or partially integrated into the table column and / or the patient support surface and / or other components of the operating table. For example, the load determination units described in this application or other load determination units can be used as the load determination unit.

[0154] In one embodiment, in addition to the partial information regarding the identity and / or configuration of the patient support surface, the evaluation unit also uses the patient weight inputted to the input unit and / or received via the interface and / or the load determined by the load determination unit to generate information regarding constraints on the movement of the operating table. Using the information regarding the patient weight or the load acting on the patient support surface, the evaluation unit can provide the operator with more specific partial information regarding constraints during the movement of the operating table. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation unit can automatically limit the movement of the entire patient support surface and / or individual support surface sub-regions or sections based on the partial information regarding the patient weight and / or the load acting on the patient support combined with the partial information regarding the identity and position of the support surface sub-regions.

[0155] In one embodiment, the primary support surface section may include at least one light source used to generate light, and at least one detection element that may be used to detect the light.

[0156] Each of the one or more secondary support surface sections may include one or more light guides and one marking element. The marking element modifies the light incident on it in a manner specific to the respective secondary support surface section. When at least a portion of the secondary support surface sections, i.e. one or more of the available secondary support surface sections, are connected to the primary support surface section, light generated by the at least one light source is guided within the secondary support surface section by the light guide to the marking elements of the secondary support surface section connected to the primary support surface section and from the marking elements to the at least one detection element.

[0157] These signals are transmitted from at least one secondary support surface section to the primary support surface section, and based on the signals an evaluation unit determines which secondary support surface section is connected to the primary support surface section, comprising light generated by at least one light source, which light is guided by a light guide to the marking element of the secondary support surface section connected to the primary support surface section and from the marking element to at least one detection element.

[0158] Because the marking elements modify the light in a manner specific to each secondary support surface section, the evaluation unit can deduce from the light returned by the marking elements to the at least one detection element and detected by the at least one detection element which secondary support surface sections, and in particular in what order or configuration the secondary support surface sections are connected to the primary support surface sections.

[0159] It is not necessary to integrate an electronic assembly into the secondary support surface section to detect which secondary support surface section is connected to the primary support surface section.

[0160] The marking elements can be used to detect which secondary support surface sections are connected to the primary support surface sections. To do this, the marking elements change the light incident on the marking elements in a manner specific to the respective secondary support surface sections. In one embodiment, the marking elements can change the spectral light characteristics of the incident light. For example, the marking elements only allow light within a particular wavelength range to pass. The wavelength range transmitted by a particular marking element is specific to each secondary support surface section. In one embodiment, the at least one light source can generate white light, and the marking elements can be optical filters that only allow light of a particular color or wavelength range to pass. For example, the marking elements allow red, green, or blue light to pass, respectively. Based on the wavelength range detected by the at least one detection element, it can be determined which secondary support surface sections are connected to the primary support surface sections.

[0161] Instead of wavelength, the marking elements can also select the incident light according to other criteria, for example according to polarization state. In one embodiment, the marking elements can each only pass light having a specific polarization state or a specific polarization direction. Based on the polarization state of the detected light, the evaluation unit can determine which secondary support surface section is coupled to the primary support surface section.

[0162] In one embodiment, secondary support surface sections of the same type may have marking elements that modify light in the same way, for example the foot section and the head section may each include marking elements that act on incident light in the same way, making it possible to distinguish the foot and head sections from one another.

[0163] The marking elements can be designed to allow light generated by the at least one light source to pass through them. The marking elements can be designed to reflect light generated by the at least one light source.

[0164] The marking element may be integrated into one of the light guides in the respective minor support surface section or may be located at one end of the light guide. Furthermore, the marking element may be integrated into another optical component, such as a beam splitter, or may be located adjacent to the optical component.

[0165] In one embodiment, the at least one light source can emit light in the visible, infrared, and / or ultraviolet range. In one embodiment, the at least one light source can emit white light. The at least one light source can be designed as one or more light emitting diodes.

[0166] In one embodiment, the at least one detector element can include multiple photodiodes, each photodiode detecting light in a different wavelength range, for example, one photodiode can be designed to detect red light, another photodiode can be designed to detect green light, and yet another photodiode can be designed to detect blue light.

[0167] German Patent Application No. 10 2020 114 190.4, filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office on May 27, 2020, describes further embodiments of a patient support surface in which it is possible to determine with the aid of optical signals which secondary support surface sections are connected to a primary support surface section. The content of the disclosure of German Patent Application No. 10 2020 114 190.4 is hereby incorporated in its entirety into the content of the present disclosure of the present application.

[0168] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical table system includes a surgical table having a surgical table column according to the twelfth aspect, and a system, wherein a patient support surface of the system is removably or permanently fastened onto the surgical table column.

[0169] In one embodiment, the operating table system may include a load sensor arrangement having a plurality of load sensors for measuring at least one variable. A load acting on the load sensor arrangement may be determined from the at least one variable. The load sensor arrangement may be disposed between at least two parts of the operating table, the at least two parts being essentially immobile relative to each other. The described embodiment may have all the embodiments described in the present disclosure in connection with the operating table according to the first aspect.

[0170] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is specified for determining and displaying constraints for a movement of an operating table having a patient support surface fastened on an operating table column. According to the method, constraints for a movement of the operating table are determined based on at least an identification and / or a configuration of the patient support surface. Furthermore, the determined constraints are displayed by a display unit before a patient is placed on the patient support surface. Furthermore, some information about the constraints can be used to automatically restrict the movement of the entire patient support surface and / or the movement of individual subsections of the support surface. In some embodiments, some information about the constraints of the movement of the table is displayed on the display before a patient lies on the table and the constraints are automatically applied to the table later when a patient is on the table, taking into account the measured weight of the patient.

[0171] The operating table system according to the thirteenth aspect and the method according to the fourteenth aspect may have any configuration as described in this disclosure in relation to the system according to the twelfth aspect.

[0172] The present disclosure also includes a remote control, display, and user interface for use with the surgical table, as well as circuitry and / or electronic instructions for controlling the surgical table.

[0173] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0174] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a surgical table with a patient positioned on the patient support surface of the surgical table. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system architecture of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having a load sensor arrangement, a load determination unit, and a safety unit. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical table according to the present disclosure to illustrate measured loads, active loads, and total loads. [Figure 4]1A-C show schematic diagrams of various embodiments of a surgical table according to the present disclosure, the surgical table having a load sensor arrangement disposed between two parts that are not movable relative to each other. [Diagram 5] 1A-D show schematic diagrams of various embodiments of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having force sensors arranged in parallel and mirror symmetry. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams for explaining forces acting on a force sensor. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams for explaining the reduction of lateral forces by symmetrically arranging force sensors. [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic diagram for explaining the determination of the gravity vector for an inclined patient support surface; [Figure 9] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having a load sensor arrangement, a load determining unit, and an anti-tilt unit. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B show schematic diagrams of a surgical table according to the present disclosure in locked and unlocked positions with a tilt point, respectively. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B show schematic diagrams of a surgical table according to the present disclosure with the center of gravity of the total load on the inside and outside of the contact surface of the tilt point, respectively. [Figure 12] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical table according to the present disclosure with imaginary 5 degree or 10 degree lines. [Figure 13] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having a load sensor arrangement, a load determination unit, and an overload prevention unit. [Figure 14] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having an extended section configuration; [Figure 15A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having different load limits at sections or points. [Figure 15B] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having different load limits at sections or points. [Figure 16] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical table according to the present disclosure in extreme Trendelenburg position. [Figure 17]1 shows a schematic side view of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having sub-support surface sections at different levels; [Figure 18] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a patient support surface according to the present disclosure having an interface designed for data transmission between a main support surface section and an intermediate section. [Figure 19] 1A-D show schematic diagrams of a patient support surface according to the present disclosure in an assembled state with male and female components for connecting the support surface sections. [Figure 20] 19A-D show schematic diagrams of the patient support surface shown in FIGS. 19A-D with separate support surface sections. [Figure 21] A to D show schematic diagrams of male and female assemblies. [Figure 22] 1 shows a flowchart representation of a method according to the present disclosure for generating information regarding constraints on the movement of an operating table. [Diagram 23] 4A and 4B show exemplary graphical representations displayed by the display. [Figure 24] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a patient support surface according to the present disclosure having an interface designed for data transmission between a main support surface section and an intermediate section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0175] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale and are intended to illustrate respective features only diagrammatically.

[0176] It should be noted that the features and components described below, whether or not each is described in relation to a single embodiment, can be combined with each other, and the combination of features in each embodiment is merely intended to describe the basic structure and function of the claimed device.

[0177] In the drawings, the same or similar elements are provided with the same reference symbols wherever possible.

[0178] 1 illustrates diagrammatically a mobile operating table 10 that can be used to support and transport a patient 12 during a surgical procedure. From bottom to top, the mobile operating table 10 includes a stand 14 for placing the operating table 10 on a surface, a vertically disposed operating table column 16 that includes the stand 14, and a patient support surface 18 fastened to the upper end of the operating table column 16. The patient support surface 18 can be fixedly connected to the operating table column 16 or, alternatively, removably fastened to the operating table column 16.

[0179] The patient support surface 18 is modular and is used to support the patient 12. The patient support surface 18 includes a primary support surface section 20 connected to the operating table column 16 that can be expanded as desired by coupling on various secondary support surface sections. In FIG. 1, a leg section 22, a shoulder section 24, and a head section 26 are coupled to the primary support surface section 10 as secondary support surface sections.

[0180] The patient support surface 18 of the operating table 10 can be adjusted to the appropriate height and can be tilted or inclined depending on the type of surgical procedure being performed.

[0181] The table column 16 is height adjustable and has an internal mechanism for adjusting the height of the patient support surface 18 of the table 10. The mechanism is disposed within a housing 28 to protect the components from contamination.

[0182] The stand 14 has two sections 30, 32 of different lengths. Section 30 is a short section associated with the foot end of the leg section 22, i.e., the end of the patient support surface 18 on which the feet of the patient 12 being treated rest. Section 32 is a long section associated with the head section 26 of the patient support surface 18.

[0183] Additionally, the stand 14 can have wheels or rollers that can be used to move the operating table 10 across a floor. Alternatively, the stand 14 can be anchored above the ground.

[0184] For better illustration, a Cartesian coordinate system XYZ is shown in Figure 1. The X and Y axes are horizontal axes and the Z axis is vertical. The X axis extends along the support surface sections 22, 24, 26 arranged adjacent to each other.

[0185] 2 shows a schematic diagram of a system architecture of a surgical table 100 according to the present disclosure. The surgical table 100 comprises a load sensor device 102, a load determination unit 104, a safety unit 106, a monitoring and calibration unit 108, a data storage 110, and other components 112 of the surgical table 100. Furthermore, the safety unit 106 includes an anti-tip unit 114 and an overload protection unit 116.

[0186] The load sensor arrangement 102 includes a plurality of load sensors and is designed to measure at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor arrangement 102 can be determined. In the present case, the load sensors are force sensors, each measuring a force acting on the respective sensor. The force values ​​measured by the individual force sensors are output by the load sensor arrangement 102 as a signal 120 in digital form. Additionally, the load sensor arrangement 102 includes the electronic components required to operate the force sensors.

[0187] The load determination unit 104 receives a signal 120 having the measured force values ​​and determines therefrom the desired load and / or the load center of gravity. In particular, the load determination unit 104 can determine the measured load, the active load, and / or the total load as well as the associated load center of gravity.

[0188] To be able to properly process and analyze the applied force values, the load determination unit 104 needs some data regarding the geometry and mass or weight of the operating table 100 and the accessories. These data are stored in a data memory 110 and made available to the load determination unit 104 by a signal 122. In particular, some information regarding the mass and center of gravity of the individual components and accessories of the operating table 100 can be obtained from these data. The data memory 110 is expandable via a connection module of the operating table 100.

[0189] The load determination unit 104 generates as output a signal 124 containing some information about the determined load and the center of gravity of the load, which is transmitted to the safety unit 106, which analyzes all available data, including the load, center of gravity and position data of the operating table 100 and the accessories recognized by the operating table 100.

[0190] The safety unit 106 determines whether the operating table 100 is safe or if it is in a dangerous situation. The safety unit 106 generates a safety signal 126 that indicates whether the operating table 100 is in a safety critical state.

[0191] Depending on the severity of the recognized situation, the algorithm reacts accordingly. For example, the operating table 100 may output a warning or stop moving. The warning can be given by the operating table 100 via an acoustic or optical signal or in text form via a remote control. These measures can vary from slowing down the speed of movement, to stopping the movement, to blocking some functions, and can continue until the operating table 100 reaches a safe state again.

[0192] However, it may be provided that the safety feature may be deactivated by the user at any time and movement of the operating table 100 may continue at the user's own risk.

[0193] The anti-tip unit 114 and the overload protection unit 116 are subunits of the safety unit 106. The anti-tip unit 114 generates an anti-tip signal 128 based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load, which indicates whether there is a risk of the operating table 100 tipping over. The overload protection unit 116 generates an overload protection signal 130 based on a defined load and / or the center of gravity of the defined load, which indicates whether there is a risk of overload on the operating table 100 and / or at least one component of the operating table 100. Alternatively, the overload protection unit 116 may use a measured load or a total load and / or the center of gravity of one of these loads to generate the overload protection signal 130. Both the tip safety signal 128 and the overload protection signal 130 are safety signals of the safety unit 106.

[0194] If the stand 14 does not have wheels or rollers, but is instead fixedly connected to the floor, the anti-tip unit 114 may be deactivated or not implemented in the safety unit 106.

[0195] Since the system is designed to ensure that it recognizes critical situations, it also has a monitoring and calibration unit 108. This software module checks the likelihood of the measurements and recognizes if the system is malfunctioning or if it needs to be calibrated or tared. The monitoring and calibration unit 108 generates corresponding output signals 132, 134, which are sent to the load determination unit 104 or to the components 112 of the operating table 100.

[0196] The components 112 of the operating table 100 continuously generate position data, data for adjusting the individual components, and some information regarding the accessories recognized by the operating table 100. These data are made available to the system using signals 136.

[0197] Figure 3 illustrates diagrammatically the various loads that the load determination unit 104 may determine based on the data provided by the load sensor unit 102. In Figure 3, the measured load, the active load, and the total load are identified by the reference numerals 140, 142, and 144, respectively.

[0198] The measured load is the load acting on the load sensor arrangement 102. The measured load corresponds to the load generated by all people, objects and forces on the operating table 100 above the load sensor. The measured load corresponds to the load value measured by the load sensor arrangement 102.

[0199] The active load corresponds to the loads generated by components not related to the operating table 100 as well as by people and external forces acting on the operating table 100. The influence of components related to the operating table 100 is not taken into account in the active load. Only the remaining components of the operating table 100, i.e. components not related to the operating table 100, contribute to the active load. These can be, for example, accessories not recognized by the operating table 100. Furthermore, the patient on the operating table 100 contributes to the active load. The active load also includes all external forces acting on the operating table 100, for example forces exerted on the operating table 100 by people and / or objects outside the operating table 100. The active load is essentially the load measured without the influence of known objects such as table top parts, recognized accessories, etc.

[0200] The total load is the load resulting from the measured loads and from the loads generated by components associated with the operating table 100 and located below the load sensor arrangement 102. The total load therefore takes into account loads from components that are located below the load sensor arrangement 102 and do not contribute to the measured load because they cannot be measured by the load sensor arrangement 102. The total load is therefore the load generated by the entire operating table 100, the patient, components associated with the operating table 100, components not associated with the operating table 100, and other external forces.

[0201] 4A-4C, in various embodiments, generally illustrate a surgical table 200 in accordance with the present disclosure. The surgical table 200 is similar in many respects to the surgical table 100 generally illustrated in FIG. Elements of the surgical table 200 that are the same as or similar to elements of the surgical table 100 are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0202] The operating table 200 is an operating table according to the first aspect of the present application and can be operated using the method according to the second aspect.

[0203] In the operating table 200, the load sensor arrangement 102 with the multiple load sensors is arranged between at least two parts of the operating table 200. The at least two parts are essentially immobile relative to each other. When the operating table 200, and in particular the patient support surface 18, is moved or adjusted during surgery, e.g. when the patient support surface 18 tilts and / or expands, the at least two parts essentially do not move relative to each other, i.e. essentially stay in the same position relative to each other. This applies both to the distance of the at least two parts from each other and to the angle(s) that the at least two parts enclose each other.

[0204] The load sensor arrangement 102 is preferably integrated into the surgical table 200 such that the total load above the load sensor flows or is transferred through the load sensor arrangement 102 .

[0205] The load sensor arrangement 102 may be positioned at different locations within the operating table 200. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the load sensor arrangement 102 is positioned between the stand 14 and the operating table column 16, while in Figure 4B the load sensor arrangement 102 is integrated into the operating table column 16. In Figure 4C the load sensor arrangement 102 is located adjacent to the interface between the patient support surface 18 and the operating table column 16.

[0206] Figure 5A shows a surgical table 200 having a load sensor arrangement 102 disposed between the patient support surface 18 and the surgical table column 16. The load sensor arrangement 102 includes four identical force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b, which are arranged parallel and mirror images of each other. Two different variations of the arrangement of the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b are shown in Figures 5B and 5C. Figures 5B and 5C each show a top view of the load sensor arrangement 102 along the line AA shown in Figure 5A.

[0207] For the alignment of the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2c, a first axis 210 and a second axis 212, which are perpendicular to each other, are identified. The first axis 210 extends parallel to a main axis of the patient support surface 18, and the second axis 212 extends perpendicular to this main axis but parallel to the patient support surface 18.

[0208] Each of the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2c has a major axis aligned parallel to the first axis 210 in FIG. 5B. In FIG. 5C, the major axes of the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b are aligned parallel to the second axis 212. Furthermore, the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b are arranged in mirror symmetric pairs with respect to the axes 210, 212, respectively. The pairs (1a, 1b), (1a, 2a), (1b, 2b), and (2a, 2b), respectively, form mirror symmetric force sensor pairs. In some embodiments, the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b are arranged in a 2×2 grid as shown. In some embodiments, the grid arrangement has at least two force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b on each side. In some embodiments, the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b all lie in a single common plane where both the first axis 210 and the second axis 212 intersect.

[0209] The force sensors may also be positioned within the sensor assembly 102 differently than in Figures 5B and 5C. Some exemplary alternative positions of the force sensors within the sensor assembly 102 are shown in Figure 5D.

[0210] Using the example sensor arrangement 102 shown in Figure 5B or Figure 5C, the measured load can be calculated by adding up all the forces measured by sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b. The corresponding center of gravity can be calculated utilizing the following torque compensation equation and the forces shown in Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A shows a cross-section along the x-axis and Figure 6B shows a cross-section along the y-axis. The torque balance equation can be applied in both directions, so the x and y components of the center of gravity can be determined. F 荷重 =F 1a +F 2a +F 1b +F 2b (1)

number

[0211] In equations (1) to (3), F 荷重 is the weight force exerted by the patient. Force F 1a , F 1b , F 2a , and F 2b are the forces measured by sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b. The parameters a and b are the distances of the sensors in the x and y directions, respectively. X cg and Y cg are the respective x and y coordinates of the center of gravity of the load generated by the patient.

[0212] The active and total loads as well as their corresponding center of gravity values ​​can be calculated by adding or subtracting the corresponding components of the operating table 200 and their center of gravity values ​​stored in the data memory 110.

[0213] The placement of sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b proposed in Figures 5B and 5C makes the system robust against lateral forces. The symmetric placement cancels out the lateral forces as shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0214] Cancellation of lateral forces also enables the described system to reliably measure forces and center of gravity when the patient support surface 18 is in an inclined position. 荷重 can be split into two components. The first component is located outside the force sensor and is cancelled out by the effects explained above. The second component F 測定 extends perpendicular to the force sensors and is reliably measured. If the inclination angle α of the patient support surface 18 is known, the actual loads above the sensors and their center of gravity can be calculated.

[0215] In Figure 9, a surgical table 300 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown diagrammatically and is similar in many respects to the surgical table 100 shown diagrammatically in Figure 2. Elements of the surgical table 300 that are the same as or similar to elements of the surgical table 100 are given the same reference numbers.

[0216] The operating table 300 is an operating table according to the third aspect of the present application and can be operated using the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0217] The operating table 300 includes a load sensor arrangement 102 having a plurality of load sensors, a load determination unit 104, and an anti-tip unit 114. The load determination unit 104 determines a total load and a center of gravity of the total load on the operating table 300 based on the forces measured by the force sensors. The anti-tip unit 114 generates an anti-tip signal 128 based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load, indicating whether there is a risk of the operating table 300 tipping over near a tip point 310.

[0218] Figures 10A and 10B show the operating table 300 from the side and front, respectively. In Figure 10A, the operating table 300 is in a lowered or locked position, i.e., the stand 14 is resting on the floor and the operating table 300 cannot be moved. In this position, the operating table 300 can tilt about the lower edge of the stand 14, which faces the floor.

[0219] 10B, the operating table 300 is in an unlocked position, i.e., the operating table 300 rests on rollers 312 and can move on the floor. In this position, a possible tilt point is provided by the rollers 312.

[0220] In principle, the operating table 300 is stable as long as the center of gravity COG of the total load is within the footprint of the tilt point 310, i.e., directly above the plane bounded by the tilt point 310. This situation is shown in Figure 11A. However, as shown in Figure 11B, if the center of gravity COG of the total load is not directly above the footprint of the tilt point 310, the operating table 300 will tip over.

[0221] In one embodiment, the anti-tilt unit 114 is configured to measure the distance x between the tipping point 310 and the center of gravity COG of the total load. 1 By multiplying by the total load, the residual tilt torque M at the tilt point 310 is obtained. r 11A and 11B show a force vector F as a total load, and a distance x between the force vector F and the tilt point 310. 1 Therefore, the residual tilt torque M r is M r =F * x 1 Residual tilt torque M r A positive value of x means that the operating table 300 is stable with respect to this tilt point 310 (see FIG. 11A). 1 As decreases, the residual tilt torque M r The residual tilt torque M r If the residual tilt torque M is negative, i.e., if the center of gravity COG and the force vector F are not directly above the plane bounded by the tilt point 310, the operating table 300 will tip over (see FIG. 11B). rThe higher the value of is, the more stable the operating table 300 will be. For example, a residual tilt torque threshold is identified with a value of 225 Nm. This means that the residual tilt torque must not fall below 225 Nm. If the residual tilt torque threshold is not reached, the operating table 300 can audibly or visually warn the user. Other options are to block or slow down the motion of the operating table 300.

[0222] Furthermore, the anti-tilt unit 114 can check the respective residual tilt torques for all possible tilt points and compare each of these residual tilt torques with a residual tilt torque threshold. If only one of the tilt torques is below the residual tilt torque threshold, the anti-tilt unit 114 can determine that the risk of tipping increases and can take appropriate measures.

[0223] Further embodiments for determining the risk of tipping are based on the stability requirements of standard 60601-1. Standard 60601-1 specifies that the operating table 300 must remain stable at a 5 degree inclination under all circumstances of the intended use, and at a 10 degree inclination only for the defined transport position. This requirement can be implemented within an imaginary 5 degree line 320 at each tilt point and a 10 degree line 322 at each tilt point with rollers 312, as shown in FIG. 12. The 5 degree and 10 degree angles can be referred to as stability angles. Thus, in some embodiments, there is a first stability angle when the operating table is placed directly on the floor, and a larger second stability angle when the operating table is in a transport position on rollers or wheels.

[0224] The stability angle (e.g., 5 degrees or 10 degrees) is determined by the identified normal vector 324. The normal vector 324 can be defined, for example, by the base plate of the stand 14 or the patient support surface 18 in a normal, i.e., non-extended, position. In the normal position, the normal vector 324 is aligned perpendicular to the base plate of the stand 14 or perpendicular to the patient support surface 18. Instead of a 5 degree or 10 degree stability angle with the normal vector 324, other suitable stability angles can be selected for the virtual lines 320, 322.

[0225] If the center of gravity COG of the total load violates, i.e., passes one of the imaginary 5 degree lines 320, the operating table 300 can audibly or visually warn the user. Other possibilities are to partially or completely shut down the function or slow down the operating table 300. If the center of gravity COG crosses one of the imaginary 10 degree lines 322, the powered transport function of the operating table 300 can be shut down.

[0226] The 5 degree imaginary line 320 and the 10 degree imaginary line 322 each define a three-dimensional space. Typically, the "walls" of the three-dimensional space slope inward as one moves further up from the base of the operating table 300, so that the center of gravity COG is constrained more strongly outward at a higher center of gravity COG than at a lower center of gravity COG closer to the ground. The inward slope of the "walls" of the three-dimensional space is determined by the stability angle. In one embodiment, the anti-tip unit 114 can indicate a risk of tipping if the center of gravity COG of the total load leaves one of the defined spaces.

[0227] In Figure 13, a surgical table 400 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown diagrammatically and is similar in many respects to the surgical table 100 shown diagrammatically in Figure 2. Elements of the surgical table 400 that are the same as or similar to elements of the surgical table 100 are given the same reference numbers.

[0228] The operating table 400 is an operating table according to the fifth aspect of the present application and can be operated using the method according to the sixth aspect.

[0229] The operating table 400 includes a load sensor arrangement 102 having a plurality of load sensors, a load determination unit 104, and an overload protection unit 116. The load determination unit 104 determines the active load and / or the center of gravity of the active load based on the forces measured by the force sensors. The overload protection unit 116 determines an overload protection signal 130 based on the active load and / or the center of gravity of the active load. The overload protection signal 130 indicates whether the operating table 400 and / or at least one component of the operating table 400 is at risk of overload.

[0230] The overload protection unit 116 can recognize if an accessory or a configuration of accessories is not suitable for the load acting on the operating table 400. Additionally, the overload protection unit 116 helps to maintain operational limits that apply to a particular weight class.

[0231] Typically, accessories are approved for the weight of the patient. Once a detection method is implemented to recognize the accessories and inform the operating table 400 which accessories are to be attached, the overload protection unit 116 can check if the measured weight does not exceed the weight limit of the accessories. If the weight limit of the operating table 400 or the accessories is exceeded, the operating table 400 can audibly or visually warn the user. Other options are to block or slow down the movement of the operating table 400.

[0232] The operating table 400 shown in Fig. 13 comprises as accessories a head section 402, a foot section 404 and two extension sections 406 which in the illustrated configuration are connected to a main support surface section 408. For each accessory the maximum permissible load is indicated in Fig. 13. The head section 402 has a maximum permissible load of 250 kg, the foot section 404 has a maximum permissible load of 135 kg, each of the extension sections 406 has a maximum permissible load of 454 kg, and the entire operating table 400 has a maximum permissible load of 545 kg. The overload protection unit 116 can check whether one of the components is overloaded.

[0233] Accessories can also be overloaded if the configuration in which the accessories are coupled together is not suitable for the active load. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, three extension sections 406 can be cascaded one above the other. While each of the extension sections 406 individually is suitable for a load of 454 kg, the combination 410 of the three extension sections 406 is only suitable for 155 kg. Thus, in some embodiments, the allowable weight of a table configuration is determined taking into account multiple extension sections 406 coupled to the operating table, with the addition of more extension sections 406 reducing the allowable weight of the entire table configuration compared to a configuration having fewer extension sections 406.

[0234] Knowing the active load and the configuration of the operating table 400, the overload protection unit 116 can determine if the allowable weight of the configuration 410 is exceeded. The operating table 400 can audibly or visually warn the user if the allowable weight is exceeded. Other options are to block or slow down the motion of the operating table 400.

[0235] An overload situation may also be caused by incorrect positioning of the patient. For example, Fig. 15A shows a case where the patient is sitting on the head section 402, with the patient's overall center of gravity being above the head section 402. Although the attachment 402 is suitable for use by a patient weighing 380 kg, the attachment 402 is intended only as a head rest, i.e. sitting on it is not permitted.

[0236] The overload protection unit 116 can check the load and its center of gravity. The overload protection unit 116 can recognize if the patient is positioned incorrectly and if an accessory or a configuration of accessories or the entire operating table 400 is overloaded.

[0237] Furthermore, the overload protection unit 116 can also determine the risk of overload for a particular section or area of ​​the patient support surface 18. In Fig. 15A, the patient support surface 18 is divided into different areas where maximum allowable loads of 155 kg, 250 kg and 55 kg are applied as examples. The overload protection unit 116 checks in which area the center of gravity of the active load is located and compares the active load with the overload threshold, i.e. the maximum allowable load, specified for this area. If the active load exceeds the maximum allowable load specified for this area, the overload protection unit 116 can generate an overload protection signal 130 to indicate the risk of overload.

[0238] FIG 15B shows a modification of the operating table 400 shown in FIG 15A. In the embodiment shown in FIG 15B, the front of the patient support surface 18, including the head section 402, is not divided into different regions each having a constant overload threshold, but instead a straight line 420 is provided that extends along the front of the patient support surface 18. The straight line 420 identifies a respective overload threshold for each point on the front of the patient support surface 18. Towards the head end of the patient support surface 18, the overload threshold becomes smaller. The line 420 represents the F / M 閾値 where F is the force at the center of gravity of the active load, and M 閾値 is a constant.

[0239] During operation, the overload protection unit 116 checks at which point on the patient support surface 18 the center of gravity of the active load is located and compares the active load with an overload threshold specified for this determined point. If the active load exceeds the maximum allowable load specified for this area, the overload protection unit 116 can generate an overload protection signal 130 to indicate the risk of overload.

[0240] Another overload situation occurs when the drive of the operating table 400 becomes overloaded and the operating table 400 cannot return to its original position. This occurs, for example, when the motion constraints are not respected. By way of example, FIG. 16 shows an extreme longitudinal displacement and Trendelenburg position in combination with a heavy patient. This may be a position where the operating table 400 cannot return to its starting position because the longitudinal translation drive and the Trendelenburg drive are overloaded. In particular, the Trendelenburg drive is forced by a force F 測定 Furthermore, the drive for longitudinal displacement cannot apply the torque generated by the longitudinal force F 長手方向 It is not possible to generate

[0241] The overload protection unit 116 can check the load of each drive based on the measured load and / or the center of gravity of the measured load. For each drive there is a load limit that must not be exceeded. If this limit is exceeded, it will warn the user. Other options are to shut off the motion of the overload drive or to slow down the speed of the operating table 400.

[0242] 17 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical table 500 having accessories or support surface sections arranged at different stages or levels. In the configuration shown in FIG. 17, the surgical table 500 has levels 1, 2, and 3.

[0243] To the right of the main support surface section 501, two intermediate sections 502, 503 are fastened side-by-side at levels 1 and 2, respectively. End sections 504, 505 are attached to the intermediate section 503 at level 3. To the left of the main support surface section 501 is the intermediate section 506 at level 1. On the side of the intermediate section 506 facing away from the main support surface section 501, end sections 507, 508 are fastened at level 2.

[0244] FIG. 17 further shows a stand 509 for positioning the operating table 500 on a surface, and an operating table column 510 fastened to the stand 509, with the main support surface section 501 fastened to the upper end of the operating table column.

[0245] Figure 18 shows a schematic representation of a patient support surface 600 according to the present disclosure, which may in particular be part of a system for determining and displaying constraints on the movement of an operating table. The patient support surface 600 may, for example, be fastened to the operating table column 510 of the operating table 500 of Figure 17. The patient support surface 600 consists of a main support surface section 601, two middle sections 602, 603, and two end sections 604, 605.

[0246] The patient support surface 600 is according to the seventh aspect and according to the twelfth aspect of the present application. The patient support surface 600 can be operated using the method according to the eleventh aspect or using the method according to the fourteenth aspect. Together with the stand 509 and the operating table column 501 from Fig. 17 the patient support surface 600 can form an operating table according to the eighth aspect or an operating table system according to the thirteenth aspect. The primary support surface section 601 is the primary support surface section according to the ninth aspect, while the intermediate sections 602, 603 and the end sections 604, 605 are secondary support surface sections according to the tenth aspect of the present application.

[0247] The intermediate sections 602, 603 are directly connected to the main support surface section 601, while the end sections 604, 605 are indirectly connected to the main support surface section 601 by being coupled to one of the intermediate sections 602, 603, respectively.

[0248] When the mid sections 602, 603 and the end sections 604, 605 are connected to the primary support surface section 601, some information is transmitted from the mid sections 602, 603 and the end sections 604, 605 to the primary support surface section 601. The transmitted part of the information indicates the nature or type of each secondary support surface section, i.e., the part of the information indicates whether the respective secondary support surface section from which the transmitted information comes is, for example, a head, a foot or a mid section.

[0249] Some information received from the middle sections 602, 603 and the end sections 604, 605 is passed to an evaluation unit 606 integrated in the main support surface section 601. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 606 can be integrated in another component of the system. Based on some information, the evaluation unit 606 can determine which secondary support surface sections, and in particular in what order or configuration the secondary support surface sections are connected to the main support surface section 601. The configuration of the patient support surface 600 can be displayed on a display 607 or generally on a display unit. For example, the display 607 can be integrated in a remote control, a display screen on a wall, a display screen on a ceiling arm, the patient support surface 600, or another component of the operating table system.

[0250] The respective portions of information are transmitted from the end sections 604, 605 to the primary support surface section 601 via the respective intermediate sections 602 and 603. The interface 609 is located between the primary support surface section 601 and a first side 608 of the intermediate section 602 facing the primary support surface section 601. Accordingly, the interface 611 is located between the primary support surface section 601 and a first side 610 of the intermediate section 603 facing the primary support surface section 601. The respective portions of information are transmitted to the primary support surface section 601 via the interfaces 609, 611 by means of electrical signals, e.g. current and / or voltage signals.

[0251] On their first sides 608, 610, the intermediate sections 602, 603 each include an electrical contact unit having contacts 615 and 616, respectively. Furthermore, the primary support surface section 601 includes an electrical contact unit having contacts 617 and 618 at interfaces 609, 611, respectively. When the intermediate sections 602, 603 are connected to the primary support surface section 601, the electrical contacts 615, 617 and the electrical contacts 616, 618 come into contact with each other and form electrical contacts, respectively, allowing a respective piece of information to be transmitted by electrical signals to the primary support surface section 601 via the interfaces 609 or 611. Furthermore, the intermediate sections 602, 603 can be supplied with power via the electrical contacts described from the primary support surface section 601.

[0252] On their second sides 620, 621 facing away from the first sides 608 and 610, respectively, the intermediate sections 602, 603 further comprise respective further electrical contact units having contacts 622 and 623, respectively. These electrical contact units couple further intermediate sections (not shown in FIG. 18) to the intermediate sections 602, 603 and allow the further intermediate sections to provide respective pieces of information to the intermediate sections 602, 603 by means of electrical signals before transmitting them to the main support surface section 601. The other intermediate sections not shown in FIG. 18 can have the same structure as the intermediate sections 602, 603.

[0253] Furthermore, the control unit 624 or 625 may be integrated into the intermediate section 602, 603, allowing it to transmit some information to the main support surface section 601. Furthermore, some information regarding the intermediate section 602 or 603 may also be stored in the respective control unit 624, 625 or in a storage unit connected thereto.

[0254] From the end sections 604, 605 some information relating to the end sections 604, 605 is transmitted to the respective intermediate sections 602 and 603 by means of radio signals. For this purpose, the end sections 604, 605 and the intermediate sections 602, 603 each have a radio transmission unit, which is designed as RFID transponders 630 and 631 in the end sections 604, 605 and as RFID readers 632 and 633 in the intermediate sections 602, 603. Some information relating to the end sections 604, 605 can be stored in the respective RFID transponders 630, 631 or in storage units connected thereto.

[0255] To be compatible with components not having electrical contact units for wired transmission of some information, the intermediate sections 602, 603 include an RFID transponder 635 or 636 at the interfaces 609, 610, respectively, and the main support surface section 601 includes a corresponding RFID reader 637, 638. Thus, some information from the intermediate sections 602, 603 can also be transmitted to the main support surface section 601 by the RFID readers 637, 638 reading the respective information from the RFID transponders 635, 636.

[0256] For example, the present disclosure includes arrangements of patient support surface 600 in which one or more mid-sections 602, 603 each include one or more electrical contacts 615, 616, 622, 623, and each electrical contact 615, 616, 622, 623 may be located on two opposing sides of the mid-section 602, 603. The present disclosure also includes these arrangements of patient support surface 600 in which one or more end sections 604, 605 may be connected to one or more mid-sections 602, 603, and each end section 604, 605 includes a corresponding wireless transmission unit 630, 631 for transmitting signals to the mid-sections 602, 603, but at least some of the end sections 604, 605 do not include electrical contacts.

[0257] In the above example, and referring to FIG. 18, the end sections 604, 605 can be two separately movable leg supports with their own wireless transmission units 630, 631 respectively.

[0258] 19A-19D and 20A-20D generally illustrate a patient support surface 700 according to the present disclosure, which is an improvement over the patient support surface 600 shown in FIG.

[0259] The patient support surface 700 has a main support surface section 701, two middle sections 702, 703, and an end section in the form of a head rest 704. In Figures 19A-19D the patient support surface 700 is shown in an assembled state, while in Figures 20A-20D the support surface sections of the patient support surface 700 have been separated from one another.

[0260] In Figures 19A and 20A, the patient support surface 700 is shown in a perspective view, and in Figures 19B and 20B, in a top view from below. Figures 19C and 20C show the patient support surface 700 in cross section along lines AA or BB shown in Figures 19B and 20B. Figures 19D and 20D show enlarged views of details 705 and 706 marked in Figures 19C and 20C, respectively.

[0261] For the removable mechanical connection of the support surface sections, connecting elements designed as a male assembly 710 or a female assembly 711 are used, whereby the male assembly 710 fastened to one support surface section can be plugged into a complementary receiving opening of the female assembly 711 on the other support surface section.

[0262] The main support surface section 701 has two female assemblies 711 on each of two opposing sides. The middle sections 702, 703 each have two male assemblies 710 on one side and two female assemblies 711 on an opposing side. The end section 704 includes two male assemblies 710 on one side. Generally speaking, it can be envisioned that the middle sections 702, 703 can have one or more male assemblies on a first side and one or more female assemblies on a second, opposing side. The one or more male assemblies can be elongated, rigid, and / or load-bearing structures.

[0263] The middle section 702 can be fastened onto the main support surface section 701 by inserting two male assemblies 710 located on one side of the middle section 702 into the pair of female assemblies 711 of the main support surface section 701. Similarly, the middle section 703 can be fastened onto the middle section 702 and the end section 704 can be fastened onto the middle section 703 by inserting two respective male assemblies 710 into the pair of female assemblies 711.

[0264] Details of examples of male and female assemblies 710, 711 are described below with reference to Figures 21A-D, which show the mid-section 702 by way of example. Figure 21A shows a perspective view of the mid-section 702 of the male assembly 710. Figure 21B shows an enlarged view of the marked detail 715 in Figure 21A. Figure 21C shows a perspective view of the mid-section 702 of the female assembly 711. Figure 21D shows an enlarged view of the marked detail 716 in Figure 21C.

[0265] As shown in particular in FIG. 21B, the male assemblies 710 are elongated and have at their distal ends three contacts 720 belonging to the electrical contact unit of the respective male assembly 710. Generally, the male assembly 710 includes one or more electrical contacts 720, which are preferably aligned to contact corresponding contacts 721 in the female assembly 711 in the assembled state. Furthermore, the female assembly 711 also includes three contacts 721, which form the electrical contact unit of the respective female assembly 711. Generally, the female assembly 711 includes one or more electrical contacts 721, preferably on an inner surface, which are preferably oriented to contact corresponding contacts 720 on the male assembly 710 in the assembled state. The contacts 720 and 721 are arranged such that the contacts 720, 721 contact each other when the corresponding male assembly 710 is plugged into the female assembly 711. It is also contemplated that embodiments may include only one pair of male assemblies 710 and female assemblies 711, with each interface having electrical contacts 720, 721, and one or more additional pairs of male assemblies 710 and female assemblies 711 not including electrical contacts but having only a physical connection and / or support function.

[0266] To ensure reliable interface locking and in particular to establish an electrical connection between the contacts 720, 721, one or more of the contacts 720, 721 can be spring loaded. For example, the contacts 720 of the male assembly 710 can be integrated into a spring-loaded cylinder 725 or a spring-loaded sleeve. FIG. 20D shows a cylinder 725, at whose right end the contacts 720 are arranged. The cylinder 725 is guided in a recess 726 of the male assembly 710. Furthermore, at least the left part of the cylinder 725 is hollow and a spring 727 is arranged in the cavity. The right end of the spring 727 is fastened or supported on the cylinder 727 and the left end is fastened or supported on the male assembly 710 or a component connected thereto. Due to the spring tension of the spring 727, the cylinder 725 is pushed out of the recess 726 in the unloaded state. Additionally, fixed contact between the contacts 720 , 721 is implemented by integrating three spring contact pins into the female assembly 711 .

[0267] When the male assembly 710 is plugged into the corresponding female assembly 711, the spring 727 is compressed as shown in Figure 19D. The interaction of the spring 727 with the mini-spring in the recess 726 displaces the locking bolt and forces the locking balls outward.

[0268] It has been mentioned above in relation to FIG. 18 that the evaluation unit 606 of the patient support surface 600 shown in FIG. 18 can determine which secondary surface sections to connect to the primary support surface section 601, in particular in what order or configuration the secondary surface sections are arranged, based on the electrical signals transmitted via the interfaces 609 and 611. The type of secondary surface sections connected to the primary support surface section 601 and their configuration impose constraints that must or should be observed when manipulating the patient support surface 600. The constraints can for example relate to the mobility of the patient support surface 600, in particular to the conformability and extensibility of the secondary surface sections. Depending on which secondary surface sections and in what configuration they are connected to the primary support surface section 601, other constraints may arise regarding the conformability and extensibility of the secondary surface sections.

[0269] Alternatively, the system can be used to determine and warn of limitations on table systems where the table parts are not interchangeable and do not have to be verified or determined for each procedure.

[0270] The evaluation unit 606 may generate some information regarding constraints on the movement of the patient support surface 600 based on knowledge of which secondary support surface sections are connected to the primary support surface sections 601, and if applicable, in what order. The display 607 may display the constraints, for example in textual form and / or graphically.

[0271] The constraints may also depend on the weight of the patient. If the weight of the patient is unknown, some information generated by the evaluation unit 606 may indicate constraints depending on the weight of the patient. For example, individual constraints may be given for different weight ranges.

[0272] If the weight of the patient and / or the load acting on the patient support surface 600 is known, the evaluation unit 606 can take this information into account to generate some information regarding the weight of the patient and / or the load acting on the patient support surface 600 that the constraints will exert.

[0273] For example, the limitations or constraints may include some or all of the following: longitudinal displacement of the entire patient support surface 600, Trendelenburg tilt of the entire patient support surface 600, transverse tilt of the entire patient support surface 600, movement of individual joints or sub-surface sections 602-605 within the patient support surface 600, or the constraints or conditions may include determining that certain weight ranges or particular configurations of the support surface sections 601-605 above weight limits are not allowed. The constraints or conditions may also include determining that certain types of movement are prohibited entirely.

[0274] The patient support surface 600 shown in Fig. 18 has an input unit 650, into which an operator can input the weight of a patient being or to be supported on the patient support surface 600. The input unit 650 can be integrated, for example, in a remote control, or in another component of the system. Alternatively or additionally, a load determination unit can be integrated into the patient support surface 600 and / or the column or base of an associated operating table, to determine the load acting on the patient support surface 600, in particular the weight of a patient supported on the patient support surface 600. For example, the load sensor arrangement 102 and load determination unit 104 shown in Fig. 2 can be used for this purpose.

[0275] FIG. 22 shows a flow chart of a method 800 that the evaluation unit 606 can use to determine some information regarding constraints on the movement of the operating table.

[0276] After the method is started, in decision step 801 a query is made as to whether the operating table and / or patient support surface 600 has a load determination unit, which can be used to determine the load, in particular the weight of the patient, acting on the patient support surface 600. If so, the method proceeds to decision step 802, otherwise the method proceeds to decision step 803.

[0277] In decision step 802 it is checked whether a patient is positioned on the patient support surface 600. If so, the method proceeds to decision step 804, otherwise the method proceeds to decision step 803.

[0278] Decision step 804 checks whether there is an evaluation unit that is able to detect a secondary support surface section connected to the primary support surface section 601. If such an evaluation unit is present, the method proceeds to step 805, otherwise the method proceeds to step 806.

[0279] In step 805, the evaluation unit 606 generates some information regarding constraints on the movement of the patient support surface 600, which information is particularly related to the identified weight of the patient and / or load acting on the patient support surface 600. The display 607 can display the information.

[0280] In step 806, the user is prompted to identify, for example by scanning, the accessories to be used, and in particular the secondary support surface section connected to the primary support surface section 601. The method 800 then proceeds to step 805.

[0281] Decision step 803 checks whether there is an evaluation unit capable of detecting a secondary support surface section connected to the primary support surface section 601, similar to decision step 804. If yes, the method 800 proceeds to decision step 807, otherwise the method 800 proceeds to step 808.

[0282] Decision step 807 checks whether the user has entered the patient weight into the input unit 650. If so, the method 800 proceeds to step 805, otherwise, the method 800 proceeds to step 809.

[0283] In step 809, the evaluation unit 606 generates some information regarding constraints on the movement of the patient support surface 600 for different weight ranges. The display 607 can display this information.

[0284] Step 808 corresponds to step 806, i.e. the user is queried to identify the accessories to be used, in particular the secondary support surface section connected to the primary support surface section 601. The method 800 then proceeds to decision step 807.

[0285] 23A and 23B show example graphics that can be displayed by the display 607. Some of the information displayed is generated in step 809 of the method 800 shown in FIG 22 and indicates constraints on the movement of the patient support surface 600 for various ranges of patient weights.

[0286] While the patient support surface 600 shown in Figure 18 uses electrical signals to transmit some information from the secondary support surface sections to the primary support surface section 601, a patient support surface 900 according to the present disclosure, shown generally in Figure 24, transmits information using optical signals instead of electrical signals. The patient support surface 900 includes a primary support surface section 902 and three secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 that are removably connected to the primary support surface section 902.

[0287] The secondary support surface sections 904, 906 are middle sections and the secondary support surface section 908 is an end section.

[0288] The secondary support surface section 908 is disposed as an end section on level 3, while the secondary support surface section 906 is disposed on level 2 and the secondary support surface section 904 is disposed on level 1. For example, the secondary support surface section 908 may be a head or foot section and the secondary support surface sections 904, 906 may be mid or extension sections, respectively.

[0289] 24 only shows a secondary support surface section disposed on one side of the primary support surface section 902. Additionally, a secondary support surface section, not shown in FIG. 24, may also be disposed on another side of the primary support surface section 902.

[0290] The primary support surface section 902 has an interface 910 on its underside that can be used to couple the primary support surface section 902 to a surgical table column.

[0291] Furthermore, the primary support surface section 902 includes one or more connection elements 914 on the outer surface 912. The secondary support surface sections 904, 906 also each have one or more connection elements 914 on two opposing outer surfaces 916, 918 and 920, 922, respectively. The secondary support surface section 908 has one or more connection elements 914 only on one outer surface 924. The connection elements 914 are designed to mechanically connect the primary support surface section 902 and the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 to each other. Furthermore, the connection elements 914 are designed to be removable so that the mechanical connection between the primary support surface section 902 and the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 can be removed as needed.

[0292] The main support surface section 902 comprises a light source 930 emitting white light and three detector elements 932, 933, 934 capable of detecting light at least in the visible range. A control and evaluation unit 936 integrated in the main support surface section 902 is electrically coupled to the light source 930 and the detector elements 932, 933, 934. The control and evaluation unit 936 is used to control the light source 930 and the detector elements 932, 933, 934 and to evaluate the light detected by the detector elements 932, 933, 934. The detector elements 932, 933, 934 send electrical signals to the control and evaluation unit 936 that contain some information about the detected light.

[0293] An interface 938 on the outer surface 912 of the main support surface section 902 provides connections (not shown) for the light sources 930 and the detector elements 932, 933, 934. The light sources 930 and the detector elements 932, 933, 934 can be directly connected to the interface 938 or a light guide can lead from the interface 938 to the light sources 930 and the detector elements 932, 933, 934.

[0294] The minor support surface section 904 includes a light guide 940 leading from the outer surface 916 to the outer surface 918. A beam splitter 941 is integrated in the light guide 940, and light from the light guide 940 is combined in a light guide 942. The light guide 942 leads to the outer surface 916. Furthermore, an optical filter 943 designed as a marking element is arranged at the end of the light guide 942 and is designed to allow only light in the red spectral region to pass through. Furthermore, light guides 944, 945 lead from the outer surface 918 to the outer surface 916. Interfaces 946 and 947 are arranged on the outer surfaces 916, 918 and provide connections for the light guides 940, 942, 944, 945, respectively.

[0295] The secondary support surface section 906 is constructed similarly to the secondary support surface section 904. The secondary support surface section 906 includes a light guide 950 leading from the outer surface 920 to the outer surface 922. A beam splitter 951 is integrated in the light guide 950, and light from the light guide 950 is combined in a light guide 952. The light guide 952 leads to the outer surface 920. Furthermore, an optical filter 953 designed as a marking element is arranged at the end of the light guide 952 and is designed to allow only light in the green spectral region to pass through. Furthermore, light guides 954, 955 lead from the outer surface 922 to the outer surface 920. Interfaces 956 and 957 are arranged on the outer surfaces 920, 922 and provide connections for the light guides 950, 952, 954, 955, respectively.

[0296] The minor support surface section 908 includes a light guide 960 that couples an input located on the outer surface 924 to an output also located on the outer surface 924. Furthermore, an optical filter 961 designed as a marking element is arranged at the end of the light guide 960 and is designed to allow only light in the blue spectral region to pass through. An interface 962 that provides connections for the input and output of the light guide 960 is also arranged on the outer surface 924.

[0297] When the primary support surface section 902 and the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 are fastened together by the connecting elements 914, the interfaces 938, 946 or 947, 956 or 957, 962 are connected to each other in pairs, respectively. The interfaces 938, 946, 947, 956, 957, 962 are designed to couple various components together, which will be described below.

[0298] In particular, the light source 930 is coupled to light guides 940, 950, 960. The light guides 940, 950, 960 form a common light guide path that guides the white light generated by the light source 930 to the sub-support surface sections 904, 906, 908. Furthermore, the interfaces 938, 946, 947, 956, 957, 962 are designed such that the red light transmitted by the optical filter 943 is guided to the detector element 932, the green light transmitted by the optical filter 953 is guided to the detector element 933 via a separate light guide path formed by the light guide 944, and the blue light transmitted by the optical filter 961 is guided to the detector element 934 via a separate light guide path formed by the light guides 945, 954. The propagation direction of light within the patient support surface 900 is indicated by arrows in FIG.

[0299] In operation of the patient support surface 900, the light source 930 generates white light that is guided through a common light guide path formed by light guides 940, 950, 960 to the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908. A portion of the light is separated from the common light guide path by beam splitters 941, 951 and guided to optical filters 943, 953 located in the secondary support surface sections 904, 906. The portion of the white light generated by the light source 930 that remains in the common light guide path is guided by the light guide 960 to an optical filter 961 located in the secondary support surface section 908.

[0300] Optical filters 943, 953, 961 allow only their respective spectral regions to pass. Red light transmitted by optical filter 943 is guided to detector element 932. Green light transmitted by optical filter 953 is guided to detector element 933. Blue light transmitted by optical filter 961 is guided to detector element 934.

[0301] The detector elements 932 , 933 , 934 detect the light transmitted by the respective optical filters 943 , 953 , 961 and transmit corresponding electrical signals to the control and evaluation unit 936 .

[0302] The control and evaluation unit 936 performs an evaluation of the received electrical signals and the portion of information contained therein. Based on the red, green or blue light detected by the detection elements 932, 933, 934, the control and evaluation unit 936 determines that the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 are connected to the primary support surface section 902. Since the detection elements 932, 933, 934 detected red, green and blue light, respectively, in this order, the control and evaluation unit 936 can further determine that the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 are connected to the primary support surface section 902 in this order. The control and evaluation unit 936 generates therefrom portion of information regarding constraints on the movement of the patient support surface 900 and can communicate this portion of information to a display, which displays this portion of information.

[0303] The various structures and features described herein are intended to be usable together, particularly in preferred embodiments. The structures and features are considered to be disclosed in their various possible combinations and subcombinations. The disclosure includes medical tables and operating tables, medical patient support surfaces and table tops, systems including remote controls and display screens for use with operating tables and patient support surfaces, individual modular components (support surface sections) for forming portions of patient support surfaces, and methods of use thereof. The disclosure also includes various disclosed approaches for determining which components (support surface sections) to include in a patient support surface, each of which can be used with various approaches for determining patient weight, and each of which can be used to limit table motion, prevent tipping, prevent overloading, and / or display some information to an operator regarding the limitations of table motion.

Claims

1. 1. A system for determining and displaying constraints on motion of an operating table, the system comprising: a patient support surface (600) fastened onto a surgical table column of a surgical table; a display unit (607) for displaying some information about the constraints on the movement of the operating table; an evaluation unit (606) designed to determine constraints for the movement of the operating table based at least on an identification and / or configuration of the patient support surface (600) before a patient is placed on the patient support surface (600) and to display the constraints on the display unit (607); Including, the system.

2. the patient support surface (600) includes a primary support surface section (601) having an interface for coupling to the operating table column, and one or more secondary support surface sections (602-605) removably connectable to the primary support surface section (601), wherein when at least one of the secondary support surface sections (602-605) is connected to the primary support surface section (601), a signal is transmitted from the at least one secondary support surface section (602, 603) to the primary support surface section (601); 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit (606) is designed to determine, based on the signal transmitted to the primary support surface section (601), which secondary support surface sections (602-605) are connected to the primary support surface section (601) and to determine constraints on the movement of the operating table therefrom.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the constraints relate to the movement of the patient support surface (600), in particular the movement of the entire patient support surface (600) and / or the individual movements of the sub-support surface sections (602-605).

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the constraints on the movement of the operating table include constraints for a plurality of different patient weight ranges.

5. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising an input unit (650) for inputting the weight of a patient placed on the operating table and / or an interface for receiving some electronic patient weight information from outside the system.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the evaluation unit (606) is designed to take into account the patient weight entered into the input unit (650) and / or some patient weight information received via the interface when determining the constraints on the movement of the operating table.

7. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the display unit (607) and the input unit (650) is provided by a remote control or a display screen that is physically separate from the patient support surface (600).

8. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the signal is an electrical signal, and by the electrical signal, at least some information regarding the at least one secondary support surface section (602, 603) and / or one or more other secondary support surface sections (604, 605) connected to the at least one secondary support surface section (602, 603) is transmitted via an interface (609, 611) between the at least one secondary support surface section (602, 603) and the primary support surface section (601).

9. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one secondary support surface section is an intermediate section (602, 603) connected on a first side (608, 610) to the primary support surface section (601) and on a second side (620, 621) to further intermediate or end sections (604, 605), and in particular at least some information about the further intermediate or end sections (604, 605) is transmitted to the primary support surface section (601) by the electrical signal.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the intermediate sections (602, 603) transmit some information about the end sections (604, 605) to the main support surface section (601), and the system uses this information to identify the end sections (604, 605).

11. 11. The system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the intermediate section (602, 603) comprises a control unit (624, 625) that transmits the at least some of the information to the main support surface section (601).

12. the main support surface section (902) having at least one light source (930) and at least one detector element (932, 933, 934); each of the one or more minor support surface sections (904, 906, 908) having one or more light guides (940, 950, 960), each having a marking element (943, 953, 961), the marking element modifying light in a manner specific to the respective minor support surface section (904, 906, 908); 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the signal includes the light generated by the at least one light source (930), the light being guided by the light guide (940, 950, 960) to the marking elements (943, 953, 961) of the secondary support surface sections (904, 906, 908) connected to the primary support surface section, and from the marking elements (943, 953, 961) to the at least one detection element (932, 933, 934).

13. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the constraints on the movement of the operating table include one or more of the following constraints: a constraint on the use of secondary support surface sections (602-605), a constraint on the configuration of secondary support surface sections (602-605), a constraint on the selection of axes about which the secondary support surface sections (602-605) can move, a constraint on the range in which the secondary support surface sections (602-605) can be moved about an axis, a constraint on the speed at which the secondary support surface sections (602-605) can be moved about an axis, a constraint on the maximum weight of the patient, a constraint on the longitudinal displacement of the patient support surface (600), a constraint on the Trendelenburg tilt of the patient support surface (600), a constraint on the lateral tilt of the patient support surface (600), a constraint on the height adjustment of the patient support surface (600), a constraint on the extension of rollers of the operating table, a constraint on powered transport of the operating table, and / or a constraint on the lateral displacement of the patient support surface.

14. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit (606) is designed to receive weight information of a portion of the patient before the patient is positioned on the patient support surface (600) and to use the weight information of the portion in determining movement constraints for the patient support surface (600).

15. The display unit (607) is provided on a remote control, a display screen on a wall, or a display screen on a ceiling arm; 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the constraints on the movement of the operating table include a constraint on longitudinal displacement of the patient support surface (600) and / or a constraint on Trendelenburg tilt of the patient support surface (600).

16. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient support surface (600) includes a primary support surface section (601) and one or more secondary support surface sections (602-605), and the configuration of the patient support surface (600) is a configuration in which the secondary support surface sections are connected to each other and to the primary support surface section.

17. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit (606) determines the constraints on the movement of the operating table, and the constraints are displayed on the display unit (607) when the operating table and / or the patient support surface (600) are in a stationary state where the operating table and / or the patient support surface (600) are not moving and when no signals or commands to move the operating table and / or the patient support surface (600) are pending.

18. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient support surface (600) includes a primary support surface section (601) and one or more secondary support surface sections (602-605), and identifying the patient support surface (600) indicates which secondary support surface sections (602-605) are connected to the primary support surface section (601).

19. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient support surface (600) includes a primary support surface section (601) and one or more secondary support surface sections (602-605), the evaluation unit (606) identifies at least which secondary support surface sections (602-605) are connected to the primary support surface section (601), and the evaluation unit (606) uses the identification to determine and display constraints on future movement of the patient support surface (600) after the patient is placed on the patient support surface (600).

20. 10. An operating table system comprising: an operating table (500) having an operating table column (510); and the system of claim 1, wherein the patient support surface (600) is fastened onto the operating table column (510).

21. a load sensor arrangement having a plurality of load sensors for measuring at least one variable; A load acting on the load sensor arrangement can be determined from the at least one variable; the load sensor arrangement is disposed between at least two portions of the operating table; 21. The operating table system of claim 20, wherein the at least two portions are essentially immobile relative to each other.

22. 1. A method for determining and displaying constraints on motion of an operating table, comprising: the operating table having a patient support surface (600) fastened onto an operating table column; A method in which constraints on the movement of the operating table are determined based at least on the identity and / or configuration of the patient support surface (600) before a patient is placed on the patient support surface (600), and the constraints are displayed by a display unit (607).

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