Operating table having load sensor arrangement

Abstract

A surgical table (100) comprising a load sensor assembly (102) having a plurality of load sensors for measuring at least one variable capable of determining a load acting on the load sensor assembly (102), the load sensor assembly (102) being disposed between at least two portions of the surgical table (100), the at least two portions being substantially immovable with respect to one another. The load sensor assembly (102) is integrated into the surgical table (100, 200) such that the entire load is transferred through the load sensor assembly (102).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority from German Patent Application No. 10 2021 107 833.4, filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office on March 29, 2021. The disclosure content of German Patent Application No. 10 2021 107 833.4 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a surgical table with a load sensor assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] Operating tables are used, for example, to position patients during surgical procedures. Currently, the flexibility of operating table configurations, the number of accessories, and the variety of patient positioning options they offer require nurses and doctors to consider many important aspects for the proper use of an operating table. Some of these aspects are listed below: -The accessories used must be adapted to the patient's weight. -The accessory configuration should also be adapted to the patient's weight. - The patient support surface on which the patient is positioned must only be moved within the permitted range. - Where travel restrictions apply, care should be taken not to exceed the permitted limits at any time. -When adjusting the operating table, care should be taken to ensure that the table does not collide with external objects such as the C-arm. -In addition, care must be taken when adjusting the operating table to ensure that the patient is properly secured and does not fall or slip off the table. Important information regarding the above points is provided in the operating table's user manual. If the user ignores the operating table's user instructions or does not pay sufficient attention to collisions or the patient, the following dangerous events may occur: - Operating table tip-over: Patients can fall, sustaining permanent injuries and possibly even death. - Overloading of accessories or structural components of the operating table, which may permanently bend or break structural components, causing permanent injury or even death to the patient. -Overload of powered joints: the operating table becomes stuck, limiting mobility. - Collision of the operating table with external objects: The operating table may collide during movement, damaging expensive equipment such as the C-arm. -Patient falls: If the patient is not properly secured, the patient may start to slip when the table moves, and in the worst case scenario, the patient may fall to the floor. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a surgical table having a load sensor assembly that is advantageously designed to measure a variable from which the load acting on the load sensor assembly can be determined.

[0005] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a surgical table that generates a signal indicating a risk of the table tipping over.

[0006] 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 a component of the surgical table.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical table includes a load sensor assembly having a plurality of load sensors, the load sensor assembly being designed to measure at least one variable, or more precisely, one or more variables, from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly can be determined.

[0008] The load acting on the load sensor assembly may include, in particular, all external force variables, i.e., forces and moments, acting on the load sensor assembly. The load sensors may, for example, be force sensors, in particular load cells, each measuring a force acting on the respective sensor. In such a configuration, the measured variable may be the force measured by each of the force sensors. That is, each of the force sensors measures a corresponding variable. Each of the force sensors may each emit an electrical signal, e.g., a voltage, as an output signal, from which the force measured in each case may be derived. Furthermore, it may be provided that each of the force sensors outputs a specific variable of the force measured by it, for example in digital form.

[0009] It is also conceivable that the load sensor assembly measures the resulting total force as a variable, where the resulting total force is derived from the individual forces acting on the different force sensors. In this case, the load sensor assembly can accurately measure one variable in particular, the resulting total force. The total force can also be output as an electrical signal, for example as a voltage, from which the force measured in each case can be derived, or it can be output as a specific variable, for example in digital form.

[0010] Loads acting on the load sensor assembly include, for example, loads caused by components of the operating table located above the load sensor assembly, as well as loads caused by a patient supported on the operating table or other objects located on the operating table. Additionally, a person may create a load on the operating table by, for example, standing next to the operating table and supporting themselves on the table with their hands or other parts of their body. Furthermore, loads can be created on the operating table by external forces generated in other ways. Such loads can also be measured by the load sensor assembly.

[0011] A load sensor assembly having a plurality of load sensors is disposed between at least two portions of the operating table. The at least two portions are essentially immovable relative to one another. When the operating table, and in particular the patient support surface, is moved or adjusted during surgery, for example, when the patient support surface is tilted and / or extended, the at least two portions essentially do not move relative to one another. That is, they remain in essentially the same position relative to one another. This applies to both the distance of the at least two portions from one another and the angle or angles the at least two portions form with one another.

[0012] However, the at least two portions may move very slightly relative to one another to the extent that the load sensor physically deforms due to weight and pressure. Thus, "essentially the same position" includes a relative movement of the at least two portions of up to 3 millimeters due to temporary deformation of the load sensor. In another formulation, the load sensors or at least two portions may be said to be movable by up to 3 millimeters relative to one another and / or to be movable only to the extent that the load sensor physically deforms.

[0013] At least two portions of the operating table can be positioned immediately adjacent to or adjacent to the load sensor assembly. The load sensor assembly can be in contact with the two portions. For example, the load sensor assembly can be in contact with each of the two portions. The two portions can be securely connected to the load sensor assembly, at least during operation of the operating table.

[0014] The load sensor assembly can be positioned at different locations on the operating table. For example, the load sensor assembly can be integrated into a support column of the operating table. In this case, a first side of the load sensor assembly can be connected to at least one first portion of the support column, and a second side of the load sensor assembly, which may be opposite the first side, can be connected to a second portion of the support column. The first and second portions of the support column are designed to be immovable relative to each other. Furthermore, the first portion of the support column can be positioned above the second portion of the support column.

[0015] Additionally, the load sensor assembly can be positioned at or adjacent to the interface that the support column forms with the patient support surface or the stand (or base). Thus, the load sensor assembly can be positioned, for example, between the patient support surface and the support column. In this case, a first side of the load sensor assembly can be connected to a portion of the patient support surface and a second side of the load sensor assembly can be connected to a portion of the support column, and these two portions cannot move relative to each other.

[0016] Alternatively, the load sensor assembly may be located, for example, between the pole and the stand, where a first side of the load sensor assembly may be connected to a portion of the patient support surface and a second side of the load sensor assembly may be connected to a portion of the pole, the two portions not being movable relative to each other.

[0017] Integrating a load sensor between two or more non-moving structural parts of an operating table offers several advantages over other solutions, particularly those in which the load sensor is integrated into the joint. For example, such a solution might involve integrating a load sensor into multiple universal joints, each of which is located between multiple, e.g., three, mutually movable parts. Such a solution is not ideal because dynamic effects create significant accuracy challenges. Additionally, moving parts tend to wear over time, reducing system reliability and requiring regular maintenance and calibration. These challenges are mitigated or even eliminated by locating the load sensor between at least two structurally immovable parts.

[0018] The load sensor assembly can be integrated into the operating table such that the entire load flows or is transferred through the load sensor assembly, particularly the load can originate above the load sensor assembly and flow or be transferred through the load sensor assembly.

[0019] In one embodiment, the load sensors of the load sensor assembly may be arranged in a parallel and mirror image relationship with respect to each other. For example, the load sensor assembly may have a total of four force sensors or load cells. This embodiment has the advantage of improved accuracy and reliability.

[0020] Some or all of the load sensors of the load sensor assembly may be arranged mirror-symmetrically about a first imaginary axis and mirror-symmetrically about a second imaginary axis. The first and second axes may be aligned perpendicular to each other. For example, the first axis may extend parallel to a major axis of the patient support surface, while the second axis may extend perpendicular to the major axis but parallel to the patient support surface. In this case, the load sensor assembly may be positioned between the patient support surface and the support column of the operating table.

[0021] In some designs, the load sensors are arranged in a grid-like pattern, or grid, with multiple load sensors on each "side." In some embodiments, all of the load sensors are arranged in a common plane. For example, the load sensors can be arranged in a 2x2 grid. For example, the load sensors can be arranged in a grid-like configuration with 2-4 load sensors on each dimension.

[0022] The mirror-symmetrically arranged load sensors can be aligned in the same direction. In particular, the mirror-symmetrically arranged load sensors can be aligned parallel to one another. The load sensors can each have their main axes arranged parallel to one another.

[0023] The load sensors of the load sensor assembly may be structurally identical.

[0024] In some embodiments, the load sensor has an elongated shape. For example, the load sensor may be a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0025] In one embodiment, the operating table can have a load determination unit that can be coupled to the load sensor assembly and can receive at least one measurement variable from the load sensor assembly. Based on the at least one measurement variable, the load sensor assembly can determine at least one of the following loads and / or one of the following centers of gravity: - the measuring load and / or the centre of gravity of the measuring load, - Payload and / or payload centre of gravity, and -Total load and / or centre of gravity of total load.

[0026] For example, the load sensor assembly can be designed to determine all three of the loads and / or their centers of gravity, or a selection of two of the three loads and / or their centers of gravity, or only one of the loads and / or their centers of gravity.

[0027] The measured load is the load acting on the load sensor assembly. The measured load corresponds to the load generated by all people, objects, and forces on the operating table above the load sensor. The measured load corresponds to the value of the load measured by the load sensor assembly.

[0028] The payload corresponds to the load acting on the operating table caused by components and external forces not associated with the operating table or the person. Components associated with the operating table are components recognized by the operating table, such as the primary support surface section, as well as secondary support surface sections fixed to the primary support surface section, and / or other accessories recognized by the operating table. The payload does not take into account the influence of components associated with the operating table. Only the remaining components of the operating table, i.e., components not associated with the operating table, contribute to the payload. For example, these may be accessories not recognized by the operating table. In addition, the patient on the operating table also contributes to the payload. All forces acting externally on the operating table, such as forces applied to the operating table by people and / or objects outside the operating table, also contribute to the payload.

[0029] The total load is the load resulting from the measured load and loads caused by components associated with the operating table and located below the load sensor assembly. Thus, the total load takes into account loads from components located below the load sensor assembly that do not contribute to the measured load because they are not measurable by the load sensor assembly. Thus, the total load is the load resulting from the entire operating table, the patient, components associated with the operating table, components not associated with the operating table, and other external forces.

[0030] In one embodiment, the operating table may further include a safety unit coupled to the load determination unit and configured to receive 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 state. A safety-critical state may exist, for example, when the safety of a patient on the operating table is at risk, such as when the operating table is at risk of tipping over or being overloaded.

[0031] The safety unit may use other parameters to generate the safety signal, such as, among other things, data on the position of the operating table indicating where the patient support surface is located, information about the recognized accessory, and the weight and center of gravity of the recognized accessory.

[0032] The safety unit may alert the operating table user when a safety hazard occurs to ensure patient safety, and may take steps to avoid or prevent the safety hazard.

[0033] In one embodiment, when the safety unit generates a safety signal indicating a critical safety condition of the operating table, one or more actions can be taken. For example, the operating table can generate an acoustic and / or visual warning signal. Additionally, the warning signal can be generated in text form and displayed to the user, for example, on the operating table remote control. It is also possible to restrict the operating table from moving. For example, the extension and / or tilting of the patient support surface and / or the movement of the operating table can be slowed or stopped. Additionally, at least one function of the operating table can be blocked.

[0034] If the safety signal again indicates a safe condition of the operating table, the action taken is reduced or cancelled.

[0035] In one embodiment, the safety unit can include an anti-tip unit that generates a tip safety signal that indicates whether the operating table is at risk of tipping based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load. Thus, the tip safety signal is a safety signal from the safety unit.

[0036] For example, if there is a risk of tipping, an audible and / or visual warning may be given to the user and / or measures may be taken to prevent the table from tipping, for example, the movement of the table may be impeded or the table speed may be reduced.

[0037] In one embodiment, the anti-tip unit may 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 the anti-tip unit may compare the determined residual tipping torque with a predetermined residual tipping torque threshold and generate a tipping safety signal to indicate a risk of tipping if the residual tipping torque is below the residual tipping torque threshold.

[0038] A tipping point is a point, or axis, if applicable, around which the operating table can tilt. For example, the tipping point may be located on the lower edge of the stand facing the floor. Additionally, the tipping point may be characterized by rollers, which can be used to move the operating table across the floor.

[0039] In some embodiments, tipping points may be defined as all points along the perimeter of the platform base or stand that face (or even touch) the floor below. For example, all points along the perimeter of a rectangular platform base could be tipping points. In other configurations, for example, when the foot shape is less regular, tipping points can be defined as all points along the edges of a conceptual or imaginary polygon defined by the far corners of the stand. For example, for an H-shaped base, tipping points would be the four corners of the H and the edges of the conceptual rectangle formed by the four corners of the H. For a circular base, any point on the circumference would be a tipping point.

[0040] Generally, the operating table remains stable when the center of gravity of the total load is above the area bounded by the tipping points. However, if the center of gravity of the total load is not directly above this area, the operating table will tip over.

[0041] The residual tipping torque at the tipping point can be calculated by multiplying the total load by the distance of the tipping point from the center of gravity of the total load, where the total load is expressed as a force. Residual tipping torque is called "residual tipping torque" in English technical literature. If the determined value of the residual tipping torque is positive, this means that the operating table is stable with respect to this tipping point. If the residual tipping torque is negative, the operating table will tip. The larger the value of the residual tipping torque, the more stable the operating table will be. In this embodiment, a threshold value for the residual tipping torque is specified, for example, 225 Nm. This means that the residual tipping torque is equal to or greater than 225 Nm. If the residual tipping torque threshold is not reached, the operating table can warn the user acoustically or visually. Other possible causes include impeded movement or a reduction in the operating table speed.

[0042] In one embodiment, the anti-tip unit can determine the residual tipping torque for each of a plurality of tipping points, particularly for all possible tipping points. The anti-tip unit can compare each of the plurality of residual tipping torques with a residual tipping torque threshold. If only one of the tipping torques is below the residual tipping torque threshold, the anti-tip unit can generate a tip-safe signal indicating a risk of tipping. This provides a high level of safety against tipping of the operating table.

[0043] In one embodiment, at least one imaginary or imaginary line may be specified, extending through at least one tipping point and surrounding a specified angle (so-called stability angle) with a specified normal vector. The tipping prevention unit generates a tipping safety signal, which indicates a risk of tipping if the center of gravity of the total load extends through the at least one imaginary line. In particular, the tipping safety signal can indicate a risk of tipping if the center of gravity of the total load extends through the at least one imaginary line in a direction that reduces the residual tipping torque. This embodiment also includes cases where the imaginary line is translated and therefore does not extend through the tipping point. In this case, the center of gravity of the total load must also be moved accordingly to indicate a risk of tipping.

[0044] The normal vector may be defined, for example, by the vector of the weight of the operating table when the operating table is placed on a flat, non-inclined floor. The normal vector is then positioned perpendicular to the floor surface. The normal vector may also be defined, for example, by the base plate of a stand or a patient support surface in a vertical position. The normal vector is then aligned perpendicular to the base plate of the stand or perpendicular to the patient support surface in a vertical position.

[0045] In one embodiment, for multiple tipping points, particularly for all possible tipping points, at least one imaginary or imaginary line extending through each tipping point and enclosing a specified angle, known as a stability angle, can be specified with a specified normal vector. The multiple imaginary lines define a space. As long as the center of gravity of the total load is within that space, there is no risk of the operating table tipping. Only when the center of gravity of the total load deviates from the space defined or delimited by the imaginary lines can the operating table tip over. Therefore, the tip-over prevention unit generates a tip-over safety signal to indicate a risk of tipping when the center of gravity of the total load deviates from the space defined by the imaginary lines.

[0046] In one embodiment, the predetermined stability angle, which is the imaginary or imaginary line passing through the tipping point and enclosed by the specified normal vector, may depend on the nature of the tipping point. For example, if the tipping point is provided by a roller, the stability angle may be larger. In comparison, if the tipping point does not include a roller and is located, for example, at the lower end of the stand, the stability angle may be smaller.

[0047] In one embodiment, if the tipping point is provided by a roller, a stability angle of 10 degrees may be selected. For all other tipping points, especially those with a solid base or substructure, a stability angle of 5 degrees may be selected.

[0048] In some embodiments, the stability angle is at least 2 degrees, 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 embodiments involving 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 medical tables to be stable at a 5-degree incline when standing directly on the floor and at a 10-degree incline when standing on wheels. This technology is useful for meeting such safety regulations, but is not limited to this purpose.

[0049] The above two embodiments, in which the residual tipping torque is compared to a residual tipping torque threshold or whether the center of gravity of the total load extends through at least one imaginary line, can be used independently of each other to generate a tipping safety signal. Furthermore, the two methods can also be combined with each other.

[0050] In one embodiment, the safety unit can include an overload protection unit that generates an overload protection signal based on a defined load and / or a center of gravity of the defined load, the defined load being from the group of the measured load, the payload, and the total load, and the overload protection signal indicates whether the operating table and / or at least one component of the operating table is at risk of being overloaded.

[0051] The overload protection signal is a safety signal from the safety unit.

[0052] The overload protection unit prevents damage, such as bending or even breaking, to components of the operating table due to excessive load on the operating table, which also prevents the patient from being put at risk.

[0053] The at least one component of the operating table for which the risk of overload is determined may be, for example, a secondary support surface section of the patient table, or another accessory of the operating table, or another component of the operating table, for example, a roller or a column of the operating table.

[0054] For example, if there is a risk of overload, an acoustic and / or visual warning can be given to the user and / or measures can be taken to prevent overloading of the operating table, for example, the movement of the operating table can be impeded or the speed of the operating table can be reduced.

[0055] In one configuration, the overload protection unit can compare the defined load with at least one specified overload threshold. If the defined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, the overload protection unit generates an overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload. The at least one overload threshold can be specific to the operating table and / or at least one component. Thus, a separate overload threshold can be used for each component of the operating table. This allows for determining the risk of overload for components with different stability.

[0056] In one embodiment, a surgical 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 modular in design and can have a primary support surface section that can be expanded by coupling in various secondary support surface sections. To this end, the primary and secondary support surface sections can have mechanical connecting elements that allow the primary and secondary support surface sections to be removably connected. For example, the secondary support surface section can be a leg section or a head section. Furthermore, the secondary support surface section can also be an extension section or an intermediate section, for example, inserted between the primary support surface section and the head section.

[0057] In one embodiment, a surgical table can have a patient support surface having a primary support surface section and at least one secondary support surface section. The at least one secondary support surface section can 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 embodiment allows for determining an overload risk for one or more secondary support surface sections. Furthermore, individual overload risks can be assigned to some secondary support surface sections, and appropriate action can be taken if an overload is imminent.

[0058] The secondary support surface sections may have individual load limits. A configuration of multiple interconnected secondary support surface sections may have load limits that differ from the load limits of the individual secondary support surface sections. In particular, the load limit of an interconnected secondary support surface section configuration may be smaller than the load limit of an individual secondary support surface section. In one embodiment, this fact is taken into account. To this end, overload thresholds may be specified for the configurations 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 the specified load with the overload threshold specified for the configuration of secondary support surface sections and generate an overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload if the specified load exceeds the overload threshold.

[0059] In addition to the possible overload risk for individual support surface sections and configurations of secondary support surface sections, the overload risk for specific sections or regions of the patient table can also be determined. A region can extend, for example, along the outer boundaries of the secondary support surface sections. In this case, a region is composed of a specific number of secondary support surface sections. However, it is also conceivable that the boundaries of a region do not extend along the outer boundaries of the secondary support surface sections. In this case, some of the secondary support surface sections may belong to one region, while the remaining portions of the secondary support surface sections belong to an adjacent region. Thus, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the patient support surface can be virtually or conceptually divided into multiple regions, and an overload threshold can be assigned to each region. The overload protection unit determines the region in which the center of gravity of a specified load is located and compares the specified load with the overload threshold assigned to this region. If the specified load exceeds at least one overload threshold assigned to this region, the overload protection unit generates an overload protection signal to indicate an overload risk.

[0060] Furthermore, a graph or curve extending along at least a portion of the patient support surface can be specified. Respective overload thresholds are specified by the graph or curve at each point on at least a portion of the patient support surface. The graph or curve may be, for example, a straight line. In particular, the straight line may descend toward the distal end of the patient support surface, resulting in the overload threshold decreasing toward the end of the patient support surface. The overload protection unit can determine at which point on the patient support surface the center of gravity of a specified load is located. The formulation "at which point the center of gravity of a specified load is located" does not necessarily mean that the center of gravity of the specified load is located within the patient support surface. The center of gravity may also be outside the patient support surface. In this case, the corresponding point on the patient support surface can be determined, for example, by vertically projecting the center of gravity onto the patient support surface. The overload protection unit compares the specified load with the overload threshold specified for the determined point and generates an overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload if the specified load exceeds the overload threshold specified for that point.

[0061] In one embodiment, the operating table can have at least one drive device. The overload protection unit can use the measured load and / or the center of gravity of the measured load to determine the load acting on the at least one drive device and compare the determined load with at least one specified overload threshold. If the specified load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, the overload protection unit can generate an overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload, thereby preventing overload of the drive device.

[0062] The drive may 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 may also be equipped with multiple drives. For each drive, an individual overload threshold can be specified, which is specific to the individual drive. This allows an individual overload risk to be specified for the drive.

[0063] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for operating a surgical table, wherein a load sensor assembly of the surgical table includes a plurality of load sensors for measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly can be determined, and the load sensor assembly is disposed between at least two portions of the surgical table, the at least two portions being essentially immovable relative to one another.

[0064] The method according to the second aspect may have all the embodiments described in the present disclosure in relation to the operating table according to the first aspect.

[0065] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical table includes a load sensor assembly having a plurality of load sensors, a load determination unit, and an anti-tip unit.

[0066] A load sensor assembly having a plurality of load sensors is used to measure at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly can be determined. A load determination unit is coupled to the load sensor unit and uses the measured at least one variable to determine a total load and / or a center of gravity of the total load. The total load results from the load acting on the load sensor assembly and loads caused by components associated with the operating table below the load sensor assembly. Based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load, the tip prevention unit generates a tip safety signal indicating whether the operating table is at risk of tipping.

[0067] The operating table and its components according to the third aspect may have all the embodiments described in the present disclosure in relation to the operating table and its components according to the first aspect.

[0068] If the anti-tip unit generates an anti-tip signal indicating a risk of the operating table tipping over, in one embodiment the operating table may generate an acoustic and / or visual warning signal, and / or a textual warning signal, and / or may slow down or stop the movement of the operating table, and / or may interfere with at least one function of the operating table.

[0069] In one embodiment, the tip-over prevention 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 can compare the residual tipping torque to a specified residual tipping torque threshold, and if the residual tipping torque is below the residual tipping torque threshold, a tip-over safety signal is generated to indicate a risk of tipping.

[0070] In one embodiment, the anti-tip unit can determine the residual tipping torque at the at least one tipping point by the anti-tip unit multiplying the total load by the distance of the at least one tipping point from the center of gravity of the total load.

[0071] In one embodiment, the anti-tip unit can determine the residual tipping torque for each of a plurality of tipping points, in particular for all possible tipping points, and can compare each of the residual tipping torques with a specified residual tipping torque threshold. If at least one of the residual tipping torques falls below the residual tipping torque threshold, the anti-tip unit can generate a tipping safety signal indicating a risk of tipping.

[0072] In one embodiment, at least one virtual line can be specified, extending through at least one tipping point and enclosing a specified angle, the so-called stability angle, with a specified normal vector. The tip-over prevention unit can generate a tip-over safety signal to indicate a risk of tipping if the center of gravity of the total load extends through the at least one virtual line.

[0073] In one embodiment, multiple virtual lines can be specified, each extending through the tipping point and enclosing a specified angle, the so-called stability angle, with a specified normal vector. The multiple virtual lines may define a space. The tip-over prevention unit generates a tip-over safety signal to indicate a risk of tipping if the center of gravity of the total load deviates from the space defined by the multiple virtual lines.

[0074] In one embodiment, the predetermined stability angle that an imaginary line passing through the tipping point encloses with a specified normal vector may depend on the nature of the tipping point.

[0075] In one embodiment, if the tipping point is provided by a roller, the stability angle may be larger. If there is no roller at the tipping point, the stability angle may be smaller.

[0076] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for operating a surgical table. The surgical table's load sensor assembly includes a plurality of load sensors, and measures at least one variable capable of determining a load acting on the load sensor assembly. 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 assembly and loads caused by components associated with the surgical table and located below the load sensor assembly is determined. Furthermore, a tip-over safety signal is generated based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load, indicating whether the surgical table is at risk of tipping over.

[0077] The method according to the fourth 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 third aspect.

[0078] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical table includes a load sensor assembly having a plurality of load sensors, a load determination unit, and an anti-tip unit.

[0079] A load sensor assembly having a plurality of load sensors is used to measure at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly can be determined. A load determination unit is coupled to the load sensor unit and uses the at least one measured variable to determine the measured load, payload, or total load as defined above, and / or at least one specified load, which is the center of gravity of the specified load. Based on the specified load and / or the center of gravity of the specified load, an overload protection unit generates an overload protection signal indicating whether the operating table and / or at least one component of the operating table is at risk of being overloaded.

[0080] 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.

[0081] When the overload protection unit generates an overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload to the operating table and / or at least one component of the operating table, in one embodiment an acoustic and / or visual and / or textual warning signal may be generated, and / or the movement of the operating table may be slowed or stopped, and / or at least one function of the operating table may be interrupted.

[0082] In one embodiment, the overload protection unit is capable of comparing the defined load with at least one predetermined overload threshold and generating an overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, wherein the at least one overload threshold may be specific to the operating table and / or the at least one component.

[0083] In one embodiment, the operating table can have 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.

[0084] In one embodiment, the patient support surface may have a plurality of secondary support surface sections, and an overload threshold may be specified for the configuration 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 the specified load with the overload threshold specified for the configuration of secondary support surface sections, and generate an overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload if the specified load exceeds the overload threshold.

[0085] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the patient support surface can be virtually divided into multiple regions, and an overload threshold can be assigned to each region. The overload protection unit can identify the region in which the center of gravity of a specified load is located and compare the specified load with the overload threshold assigned to that region. If the specified load exceeds at least one overload threshold assigned to that region, the overload protection unit can generate an overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload.

[0086] In one embodiment, a respective overload threshold can be assigned to each point on at least a portion of the patient support surface. The overload protection unit can identify the point on the patient support surface where the center of gravity of a defined load is located and compare the defined load with the overload threshold assigned to this point. If the defined load exceeds at least one overload threshold assigned to this area, the overload protection unit can generate an overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload.

[0087] In one embodiment, the operating table can have at least one drive. The overload protection unit can use the measured load and / or the center of gravity of the measured load to determine a load acting on the at least one drive and compare the determined load with at least one specified 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.

[0088] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for operating a surgical table. The load sensor assembly 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 assembly. The measured at least one variable is used to determine at least one specified load, which may be a measured load, a payload, or a total load, as defined above, and / or a center of gravity of the specified load. Based on the specified load and / or the center of gravity of the specified load, an overload protection signal is generated that indicates whether the surgical table and / or at least one component of the surgical table is at risk of being overloaded.

[0089] 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.

[0090] The present disclosure also includes circuitry and / or electronic instructions for controlling the operating table.

[0091] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in further detail below with reference to the drawings. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) An operating table (100, 200), a load sensor assembly (102) having a plurality of load sensors (1 a, 1 b, 2 a, 2 b) for measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) can be determined; the load sensor assembly (102) is disposed between at least two portions of the operating table (100, 200); The at least two parts of the operating table (100, 200) are essentially immovable relative to each other. (Item 2) 2. The operating table (100, 200) of claim 1, wherein the load sensor assembly (102) is incorporated into the operating table (100, 200) so that the entire load is transmitted through the load sensor assembly (102). (Item 3) 3. The operating table (100, 200) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the at least two parts are mutually movable only within the range of physical deformation of the load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), and this relative movement is within 3 millimeters. (Item 4) some of the load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a first axis (210) and mirror-symmetrically with respect to a second axis (212); the first and second axes (210, 212) are aligned perpendicular to each other; 10. The operating table (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the mirror-symmetrically arranged load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) are aligned in the same direction. (Item 5) some of the load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a first axis (210) and mirror-symmetrically with respect to a second axis (212); the first and second axes (210, 212) are aligned perpendicular to each other; At least some of the load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) are arranged in a grid on a common plane, the grid arrangement having at least two load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) on each side; the common surface is between the at least two portions of the operating table (100, 200); The operating table (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the grid-like arrangement of the load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) and the at least two parts of the operating table (100, 200) are all fixed substantially immovably to each other. (Item 6) 10. The operating table (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the plurality of load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) are arranged in a single common plane between the at least two portions of the operating table (100, 200). (Item 7) a load sensor assembly (102) coupled to the load sensor assembly (102) and using the measured at least one variable to determine at least one of the following loads and / or one of the following centers of gravity; a measurement load, which is the load acting on the load sensor assembly (102), and / or the center of gravity of the measurement load; the payload acting on the operating table (100, 200) and / or the center of gravity of the payload, which is a load caused by people and components not associated with the operating table (100, 200) and external forces; The load sensor assembly (102) is connected to the operating table (100, 200) and is connected to the load sensor assembly (102) via the load sensor assembly (102). 10. The operating table (100, 200) of any one of the preceding items, further comprising a load determination unit (104) for determining a total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load. (Item 8) 8. The operating table (100, 200) of item 7, further comprising a safety unit (106) coupled to the load determination unit (104) and generating a safety signal (126) indicating whether the operating table (100, 200) is in a safety critical state based on at least one of the loads determined by the load determination unit (104) and / or at least one of the centers of gravity determined by the load determination unit (104). (Item 9) Item 9. The operating table (100, 200) according to item 8, wherein when the safety unit (106) generates the safety signal (126) to indicate a critical safety state of the operating table (100, 200), an acoustic and / or visual and / or textual warning signal is generated, and / or the movement of the operating table (100, 200) is slowed or stopped, and / or at least one function of the operating table (100, 200) is hindered. (Item 10) 10. The operating table (100, 200, 300) of item 8 or 9, wherein the safety unit (106) comprises an anti-tip unit (114) that generates a tip-over safety signal (128) indicating whether the operating table (100, 200, 300) is at risk of tipping over based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load. (Item 11) Item 11. The operating table (100, 200, 300) of item 10, wherein the anti-tip unit (114) determines a residual tipping torque for at least one tipping point (310) based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load, compares the residual tipping torque with a predetermined residual tipping torque threshold, and generates the tipping safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping when the residual tipping torque falls below the residual tipping torque threshold. (Item 12) Item 12. The operating table (100, 200, 300) according to item 10 or 11, wherein at least one virtual line (320, 322) is specified, extending through at least one tipping point (310) and enclosing a stability angle specified by a specified normal vector (324), and wherein the anti-tip unit (114) generates the tipping safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping if the center of gravity of the total load extends through the at least one virtual line (320, 322). (Item 13) 13. The operating table (100, 200, 400) of any one of items 8 to 12, wherein the safety unit (106) includes an overload protection unit (116) that generates an overload protection signal (130) indicating whether there is a risk of overload on the operating table (100, 200, 400) and / or at least one component of the operating table (100, 200, 400) based on a specified load that is the measured load, the payload, or the total load, and / or the center of gravity of the specified load. (Item 14) Item 14. The operating table (100, 200, 400) according to item 13, wherein the overload protection unit (116) compares the defined load with at least one predetermined overload threshold and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, the at least one overload threshold being specific to the operating table (100, 200, 400) and / or the at least one component. (Item 15) Item 15. The operating table (100, 200, 400) of item 13 or 14, wherein the operating table has a patient support surface (18) having a primary support surface portion (408) and at least one secondary support surface portion (402, 404, 406) removably connected to the primary support surface portion (408), and the at least one component is the at least one secondary support surface portion (402, 404, 406). (Item 16) the patient support surface (18) having a plurality of secondary support surface portions (402, 404, 406); an overload threshold is specified for the configuration (410) in which the secondary support surface portions (402, 404, 406) are connected to each other and to the primary support surface portion (408); Item 16. The operating table (100, 200, 400) according to item 15, wherein the overload protection unit (116) compares the defined load with the overload threshold specified for the configuration (410) of the secondary support surface portions (402, 404, 406) and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the overload threshold. (Item 17) At least a portion of the patient support surface (18) is virtually divided into a plurality of regions, and an overload threshold is assigned to each region; Item 17. The operating table (100, 200, 400) according to item 15 or 16, wherein the overload protection unit (116) ascertains the range in which the center of gravity of the specified load is located, compares the specified load with the overload threshold specified for that range, and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate that there is a risk of overload if the specified load exceeds the overload threshold specified for that range. (Item 18) a respective overload threshold is assigned to each point on at least a portion of the patient support surface; 18. The operating table (100, 200, 400) according to any one of items 15 to 17, wherein the overload protection unit (116) identifies the point on the patient support surface (18) where the center of gravity of the specified load is located, compares the specified load with the overload threshold specified for that point, and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the specified load exceeds the overload threshold specified for that point. (Item 19) the operating table (100, 200, 400) has at least one drive; 19. The operating table (100, 200, 400) according to any one of items 13 to 18, wherein the overload protection unit (116) determines the load acting on the at least one drive device based on the measured load and / or the center of gravity of the measured load, compares the determined load with at least one specified overload threshold, and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the determined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold. (Item 20) A method for operating a surgical table (100, 200), comprising: a load sensor assembly (102) of said surgical table (100, 200) having a plurality of load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on said load sensor assembly (102) can be determined; the load sensor assembly (102) is disposed between at least two portions of the operating table (100, 200); The method wherein said at least two portions are essentially immovable relative to one another. (Item 21) An operating table (100, 300), a load sensor assembly (102) having a plurality of load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) for measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) can be determined; a load determination unit (104) coupled to the load sensor unit (102) and configured to use the measured at least one variable to determine a total load and / or a center of gravity of the total load resulting from the load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) and loads caused by components associated with the operating table (100, 300) and located below the load sensor assembly (102); and The operating table (100, 300) comprises a tip-over prevention unit (114) that generates a tip-over safety signal (128) that indicates whether the operating table (100, 300) is at risk of tipping over based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load. (Item 22) Item 22. The operating table (100, 300) according to item 21, wherein when the fall prevention unit (114) generates the fall safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping of the operating table (100, 300), an acoustic and / or visual and / or textual warning signal is generated, and / or the movement of the operating table (100, 300) is slowed or stopped, and / or at least one function of the operating table (100, 300) is hindered. (Item 23) 23. The operating table (100, 300) of claim 21 or 22, wherein the anti-tip unit (114) determines a residual tipping torque for at least one tipping point (310) based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load, compares the residual tipping torque with a predetermined residual tipping torque threshold, and generates the tipping safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping when the residual tipping torque falls below the residual tipping torque threshold. (Item 24) Item 24. The operating table (100, 300) of item 23, wherein the anti-tip unit (114) determines the residual tipping torque at the at least one tipping point (310) by multiplying the total load by the distance from the center of gravity of the total load to the at least one tipping point (310). (Item 25) 25. The operating table (100, 300) according to any one of items 21 to 24, wherein the anti-tip unit (114) determines a respective residual tipping torque for a plurality of tipping points (310), in particular for all possible tipping points (310), compares each of the residual tipping torques with the predetermined residual tipping torque threshold, and generates the tipping safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping if at least one of the residual tipping torques falls below the residual tipping torque threshold. (Item 26) 26. The operating table (100, 300) according to any one of items 21 to 25, wherein at least one virtual line (320, 322) is specified, extending through at least one tipping point (310) and enclosing a stability angle specified by a specified normal vector (324), and wherein the anti-tip unit (114) generates the tipping safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping if the center of gravity of the total load extends through the at least one virtual line (320, 322). (Item 27) Item 27. The operating table (100, 300) according to item 26, wherein a plurality of virtual lines (320, 322) are specified, each extending through a tipping point (310) and each enclosing a stability angle specified by the specified normal vector (324), the plurality of virtual lines (320, 322) defining a space, and the fall prevention unit (114) generates the fall safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping when the center of gravity of the total load leaves the space defined by the plurality of virtual lines (320, 322). (Item 28) 28. An operating table (100, 300) according to item 26 or 27, wherein the predetermined stability angle enclosed by an imaginary line (320, 322) passing through the tipping point (310) with the predetermined normal vector (324) depends on the nature of the tipping point (310). (Item 29) 29. The operating table (100, 300) according to item 28, wherein the stability angle is greater when the tipping point (310) is provided by a roller (312) and is smaller otherwise. (Item 30) A method for operating a surgical table (100, 300), comprising: a load sensor assembly (102) of said surgical table (100, 300) having a plurality of load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on said load sensor assembly (102) can be determined; using the at least one measured variable to determine a total load and / or a center of gravity of the total load resulting from the load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) and loads caused by components associated with the operating table (100, 300) and located below the load sensor assembly (102); generating a tip-over safety signal (128) indicating whether the operating table (100, 300) is at risk of tipping over based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load. (Item 31) An operating table (100, 400), a load sensor assembly (102) having a plurality of load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) for measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) can be determined; a load determination unit (104) coupled to the load sensor unit (102), the load determination unit (104) using the measured at least one variable to determine at least one defined load, which may be a measured load, a payload, or a total load, and / or to determine the center of gravity of the defined load; and an overload protection unit (116) configured to generate an overload protection signal (130) indicative of whether there is a risk of overloading the operating table (100, 400) and / or at least one component of the operating table (100, 400) based on the defined load and / or the center of gravity of the defined load; the measurement load is the load acting on the load sensor assembly (102); the payload is the load caused by people and components not associated with the operating table (100, 400) and external forces acting on the operating table (100, 400); The total load is the load resulting from the measured load and loads caused by components associated with the operating table (100, 400) and located below the load sensor assembly (102), the operating table (100, 400). (Item 32) Item 32. The operating table (100, 400) according to item 31, wherein when the overload protection unit (116) generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload to the operating table (100, 400) and / or to at least one component of the operating table (100, 400), an acoustic and / or visual and / or textual warning signal is generated, and / or the movement of the operating table (100, 400) is slowed or stopped, and / or at least one function of the operating table (100, 400) is hindered. (Item 33) Item 33. The operating table (100, 400) according to item 31 or 32, wherein the overload protection unit (116) compares the defined load with at least one predetermined overload threshold and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, the at least one overload threshold being specific to the operating table (100, 400) and / or the at least one component. (Item 34) 34. The operating table (100, 400) of any one of items 31 to 33, wherein the operating table (100, 400) has a patient support surface (18) having a primary support surface portion (408) and at least one secondary support surface portion (402, 404, 406) removably connected to the primary support surface portion (408), and the at least one component is the at least one secondary support surface portion (402, 404, 406). (Item 35) the patient support surface (18) has a plurality of secondary support surface portions (402, 404, 406), and an overload threshold is specified for the configuration (410) in which the secondary support surface portions (402, 404, 406) are connected to each other and to the primary support surface portion (408); Item 35. The operating table (100, 400) according to item 34, wherein the overload protection unit (116) compares the defined load with the overload threshold specified for the configuration (410) of the secondary support surface portions (402, 404, 406) and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the overload threshold. (Item 36) At least a portion of the patient support surface (18) is virtually divided into a plurality of regions, and an overload threshold is assigned to each region; Item 36. The operating table (100, 400) according to item 34 or 35, wherein the overload protection unit (116) ascertains the range in which the center of gravity of the specified load is located, compares the specified load with the overload threshold specified for that range, and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate that there is a risk of overload if the specified load exceeds the overload threshold specified for that range. (Item 37) a respective overload threshold is assigned to each point on at least a portion of the patient support surface; 37. The operating table (100, 400) according to any one of items 34 to 36, wherein the overload protection unit (116) identifies the point at which the center of gravity of the specified load is located, compares the specified load with the overload threshold specified for that point, and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate that there is a risk of overload if the specified load exceeds the overload threshold specified for that point. (Item 38) The operating table (100, 400) has at least one drive unit; 38. The operating table (100, 400) according to any one of items 31 to 37, wherein the overload protection unit (116) determines a load acting on the at least one drive device based on the measured load and / or the center of gravity of the measured load, compares the determined load with at least one specified overload threshold, and generates the overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload if the determined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold. (Item 39) A method for operating a surgical table (100, 400), comprising: a load sensor assembly (102) of said surgical table (100, 400) having a plurality of load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on said load sensor assembly (102) can be determined; the measured at least one variable is used to determine at least one prescribed load, which may be a measured load, a payload, or a total load, and / or a center of gravity of the prescribed load; an overload protection signal (130) is generated based on the defined load and / or the center of gravity of the defined load, indicating whether there is a risk of overloading the operating table (100, 400) and / or at least one component of the operating table (100, 400); the measurement load is the load acting on the load sensor assembly (102); the payload is the load caused by people and components not associated with the operating table (100, 400) and external forces acting on the operating table (100, 400); The method of claim 1, wherein the total load is the load resulting from the measured load and loads caused by components associated with the operating table (100, 400) and located below the load sensor assembly (102). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0092] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic side view of an operating table with a patient positioned on the patient support surface of the operating table. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic representation of a system architecture of a surgical table according to the present disclosure, having a load sensor assembly, a load determination unit, and a safety unit. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic representation of a surgical table according to the present disclosure showing measured load, payload, and total load. [Figure 4]1A to 1C show schematic representations of different embodiments of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having a load sensor assembly disposed between two parts that are not movable relative to each other. [Figure 5] 1A to 1D show schematic representations of different embodiments of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having parallel, mirror-symmetrically arranged force sensors. [Figure 6] A and B show a schematic representation showing the forces acting on the force sensor. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B show schematic representations illustrating the reduction of lateral forces due to symmetrical placement of force sensors. [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic representation to illustrate determination of the gravity vector for an inclined patient support surface; [Figure 9] 1 shows a schematic representation of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having a load sensor assembly, a load determination unit, and an anti-tip unit. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B show schematic representations showing a surgical table according to the present disclosure in locked and unlocked positions with tipping points. [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 inside or outside the footprint of the tipping point. [Figure 12] 1 shows a schematic representation of a surgical table according to the present disclosure with imaginary 5-degree or 10-degree lines. [Figure 13] 1 shows a schematic representation of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having a load sensor assembly, a load determination unit, and an anti-tip unit. [Figure 14] 1 shows a schematic representation of a surgical table according to the present disclosure having a configuration made of extension sections. [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 representation of a surgical table according to the present disclosure in extreme Trendelenburg position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0093] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily to scale and are intended only to illustrate respective features in a schematic manner.

[0094] It should be noted that the features and components described below, whether or not they are described in connection with a single embodiment, can each be combined with one another, and the combination of features in each embodiment is used only to describe the basic structure and mode of operation of the device recited in the claims.

[0095] Where appropriate, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings to refer to the same or similar elements.

[0096] 1 schematically illustrates 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 comprises a stand 14 for placing the operating table 10 thereon, a vertically disposed operating table post 16 that constitutes the stand 14, and a patient support surface 18 attached to the upper end of the operating table post 16. The patient support surface 18 can be permanently connected to the operating table post 16 or can be removably secured to the operating table post 16.

[0097] The patient support surface 18 has a modular design and is used to support the patient 12. The patient support surface 18 comprises a primary support surface section 20 connected to the operating table column 16 and can be expanded as desired by coupling to various secondary support surface sections. In Figure 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.

[0098] Depending on the type of surgical procedure being performed, the patient support surface 18 of the operating table 10 can be adjusted to an appropriate height, tilted, or inclined.

[0099] 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 located in a housing 28 to protect the components from contamination.

[0100] 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 to be treated rest. Section 32 is a long section associated with the head section 26 of the patient support surface 18.

[0101] Additionally, the stand 14 may have wheels or rollers that can be used to move the operating table 10 across the floor, or the stand 14 may be fixedly secured to the floor.

[0102] For better illustration, a Cartesian coordinate system XYZ is plotted in Figure 1. The X and Y axes are horizontal, and the Z axis is vertical. The X axis extends along the adjacently positioned secondary support surface sections 22, 24, 26.

[0103] 2 shows a schematic system architecture of a surgical table 100 according to the present disclosure. The surgical table 100 includes a load sensor assembly 102, a load determination unit 104, a safety unit 106, a monitoring and calibration unit 108, a data memory 110, and other components 112 of the surgical table 100. Additionally, the safety unit 106 includes an anti-tip unit 114 and an overload protection unit 116.

[0104] The load sensor assembly 102 includes multiple load sensors designed to measure at least one variable from which the load acting on the load sensor assembly 102 can be determined. In this 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 assembly 102 as a digital signal 120. Additionally, the load sensor assembly 102 includes the electronic components necessary for the operation of the force sensors.

[0105] The load determination unit 104 receives a signal 120 having the measured force value and uses it to determine the desired load and / or the center of gravity of the load. In particular, the load determination unit 104 can determine the measured load, the payload, and / or the total load and the associated center of gravity of the load.

[0106] 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 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, information regarding the mass and center of gravity of the individual components of the operating table 100 and accessories can be obtained from these data. The data memory 110 is expandable via a connection module of the operating table 100.

[0107] The load determination unit 104 generates as an output signal a signal 124 containing information about the determined load and the center of gravity of the load, which is sent 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 accessories recognized by the operating table 100.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Depending on the severity of the detected situation, the algorithm will react accordingly. For example, the operating table 100 may issue a warning or simply stop operation. The warning can be given in the form of text, via an acoustic or visual signal by the operating table 100, or via a remote control. Measures can range from slowing down movement to stopping movement or preventing some functions, and can continue until the operating table 100 reaches a safe state again.

[0110] It may be provided that the user can override the safety feature at any time and continue moving the operating table 100 at their own risk.

[0111] The tip-over prevention unit 114 and the overload protection unit 116 are subunits of the safety unit 106. Based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load, the tip-over prevention unit 114 generates a tip-over safety signal 128 indicating whether the operating table 100 is at risk of tipping. Based on the payload and / or the center of gravity of the payload, the overload protection unit 116 generates an overload protection signal 130 indicating whether the operating table 100 and / or at least one component of the operating table 100 is at risk of being overloaded. Alternatively, the overload protection unit 116 can use the measured load or the total load and / or the center of gravity of one of these loads to generate the overload protection signal 130. Both the tip-over safety signal 128 and the overload protection signal 130 are safety signals of the safety unit 106.

[0112] If the stand 14 does not have wheels or rollers and is instead firmly connected to the floor, the anti-tip unit 114 may be deactivated or not installed in the safety unit 106.

[0113] To ensure that the system detects critical situations, the system also comprises a monitoring and calibration unit 108. This software module checks the validity of the measurements and recognizes if the system is operating incorrectly 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.

[0114] The components 112 of the operating table 100 continuously generate position data, data for the adjustment of individual components, and information about accessories recognized by the operating table 100. This data is made available to the system using signals 136.

[0115] Figure 3 shows schematically various loads that the load determination unit 104 can determine based on data obtained from the load sensor unit 102. In Figure 3, the measured load, payload, and total load are identified by reference numerals 140, 142, and 144, respectively.

[0116] The measured load is the load acting on the load sensor assembly 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 value of the load measured by the load sensor assembly 102.

[0117] The payload corresponds to the load caused by components, people, and external forces acting on the operating table 100 that are not associated with the operating table 100. The payload does not take into account the effects of components associated with the operating table 100. Only the remaining components of the operating table 100, i.e., components not associated with the operating table 100, contribute to the payload. For example, these may be accessories not recognized by the operating table 100. Additionally, a patient on the operating table 100 also contributes to the payload. All forces acting externally on the operating table 100, for example, forces applied to the operating table 100 by people and / or objects outside the operating table 100, also contribute to the payload. The payload is essentially the measured load excluding the effects of known objects, such as table top components, recognized accessories, etc.

[0118] The total load is the load resulting from the measured load and the load caused by components associated with the operating table 100 and located below the load sensor assembly 102. Thus, the total load takes into account loads from components located below the load sensor assembly 102 that do not contribute to the measured load because they are not measurable by the load sensor assembly 102. Thus, the total load is the load resulting from 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.

[0119] 4A-4C schematically illustrate an operating table 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Operating table 200 is generally similar to operating table 100 shown schematically in FIG. Elements of operating table 200 that are the same as or similar to elements of operating table 100 are given the same reference numerals.

[0120] 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.

[0121] In the operating table 200, a load sensor assembly 102 having a plurality of load sensors is disposed between at least two portions of the operating table 200. The at least two portions are essentially immovable relative to one another. When the operating table 200, and in particular the patient support surface 18, is moved or adjusted during surgery, for example, when the patient support surface 18 is tilted and / or extended, the at least two portions essentially do not move relative to one another. That is, they remain in essentially the same position relative to one another. This applies both to the distance of the at least two portions from one another and to the angle or angles that the at least two portions enclose one another.

[0122] The load sensor assembly 102 is preferably integrated into the operating table 200 such that the entire load above the load sensor flows or is transferred through the load sensor assembly 102 .

[0123] The load sensor assembly 102 can be positioned at different locations on the operating table 200. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the load sensor assembly 102 is positioned between the stand 14 and the table column 16, while the load sensor assembly 102 in Figure 4B is integrated into the table column 16. In Figure 4C, the load sensor assembly 102 is positioned adjacent to the interface between the patient support surface 18 and the table column 16.

[0124] FIG. 5A shows a surgical table 200 having a load sensor assembly 102 disposed between the patient support surface 18 and the surgical table column 16. The load sensor assembly 102 includes four structurally identical force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b arranged parallel and in mirror image relation to one another. Two different variations for arranging the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b are shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, which each show a top view of the load sensor assembly 102 along line AA shown in FIG. 5A.

[0125] To align the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2c, mutually orthogonal first and second axes 210, 212 are designated. The first axis 210 extends parallel to a major axis of the patient support surface 18, while the second axis 212 extends perpendicular to this major axis but parallel to the patient support surface 18.

[0126] Each of force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2c has a major axis aligned parallel to first axis 210 in FIG. 5B. The major axes of force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b are aligned parallel to second axis 212 in FIG. 5C. Furthermore, force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b are arranged in pairs with mirror symmetry relative to axes 210 and 212. Pairs (1a, 1b), (1a, 2a), (1b, 2b), and (2a, 2b), respectively, form a mirror-symmetric pair of force sensors. In some embodiments, force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b are arranged in a 2x2 grid as shown. In some embodiments, the grid arrangement has at least two force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, and 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.

[0127] The force sensors may also be positioned within the sensor assembly 102 in ways different from those shown in Figures 5B and 5C. Some exemplary alternative placements of the force sensors in the sensor assembly 102 are shown in Figure 5D.

[0128] Using the example sensor assembly 102 shown in Figures 5B or 5C, the measured load can be calculated by adding all of the forces measured by sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b. The approximate center of gravity can be calculated using the torque balance equation shown below 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.

number

[0129] In equations (1) to (3), F 荷重 is the gravitational force generated by the patient. Force F 1a , F 1b , F 2a , and F 2b are the forces measured by sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b. Parameters a and b are the distances between the sensors in the x and y directions. X cg and Y cg are the x and y coordinates of the center of gravity of the load caused by the patient, respectively.

[0130] The payload and total load and their respective center of gravity values ​​can be calculated by adding or subtracting the values ​​of each component of the operating table 200 and their center of gravity values ​​stored in the data memory 110.

[0131] The arrangement of sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b presented in Figures 5B and 5C makes the system robust to lateral forces. The symmetrical arrangement cancels out lateral forces as shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0132] The cancellation of lateral forces also allows the described system to reliably measure forces and the center of gravity when the patient support surface 18 is in an inclined position. 荷重 can be split into two components. One component is lateral to the force sensor and is cancelled out by the effects described above. The second component, F 測定 extends perpendicular to the force sensor and is reliably measured. If the tilt angle α of the patient support surface 18 is known, the actual load on the sensor and its center of gravity can be calculated.

[0133] Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of an operating table 300 in accordance with the present disclosure, which is generally similar to the operating table 100 shown schematically in Figure 2. Elements of the operating table 300 that are the same as or similar to elements of the operating table 100 are given the same reference numerals.

[0134] 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.

[0135] The operating table 300 includes a load sensor assembly 102 having a plurality of load sensors, a load determination unit 104, and an anti-tip unit 114. The load determination unit 104 uses the forces measured by the force sensors to determine the total load and the center of gravity of the total load on the operating table 300. Based on the total load and / or the center of gravity of the total load, the anti-tip unit 114 generates a tip-over safety signal 128 that indicates whether the operating table 300 is at risk of tipping over at a tip-over point 310.

[0136] 10A and 10B show the operating table 300 from the side and front, respectively. In Fig. 10A, the operating table 300 is in a lowered or locked position, i.e., the stand 14 is on the floor, so the operating table 300 cannot be moved. In this position, the operating table 300 can tilt around the lower edge of the stand 14, which faces the floor.

[0137] 10B, the operating table 300 is in an unlocked position, i.e., the operating table 300 stands on rollers 312 and can be moved on the floor. In this position, a possible tipping point is provided by the rollers 312.

[0138] In principle, operating table 300 is stable as long as the center of gravity COG of the total load is within the footprint of tipping point 310, i.e., directly above the area bounded by tipping point 310. By way of illustration, 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 tipping point 310, operating table 300 will tip over.

[0139] In one embodiment, the anti-tip unit 114 calculates the residual tipping torque M at the tipping point 310 by multiplying the total load by the distance x between the tipping point 310 and the center of gravity COG of the total load. r11A and 11B, the force vector F is shown as the total load, and the distance x1 between the force vector F and the tipping point 310 is also shown. Therefore, the residual tipping torque M r M r =F* x1 is applied. Residual overturning torque M r A positive value of means that the operating table 300 is stable with respect to this tipping point 310 (see FIG. 11A). As the distance x1 decreases, the residual tipping torque M r The residual tipping torque M r If is negative, this means that the center of gravity COG and the force vector F are not directly above the area defined by the tipping point 310, and the operating table 300 will tip over (see FIG. 11B). r The larger the value of , the more stable the operating table 300. A threshold for the residual tipping torque is specified, for example, 225 Nm. This means that the residual tipping torque is equal to or greater than 225 Nm. If the residual tipping torque threshold is not reached, the operating table 300 can audibly or visually warn the user. Other possible causes include impeded movement or a slowdown of the operating table 300.

[0140] Furthermore, the anti-tip unit 114 can determine the respective residual tipping torques for all possible tipping points and compare these residual tipping torques with a residual tipping torque threshold. If only one of the tipping torques falls below the residual tipping torque threshold, the anti-tip unit 114 can determine that the risk of tipping is increasing and can take appropriate measures.

[0141] Further embodiments for determining tipping risk are based on the stability requirements of Standard 60601-1. Standard 60601-1 stipulates that the operating table 300 must remain stable at a 5-degree incline under all conditions of intended use, and at a 10-degree incline only when in the designated transport position. This requirement can be translated into an imaginary 5-degree line 320 at each tipping point and a 10-degree line 322 at each tipping point with rollers 312, as shown in FIG. 12 . The 5-degree and 10-degree angles may be referred to as stability angles. Thus, in some embodiments, there is a first stability angle when the operating table rests directly on the floor, and a second, larger stability angle when the operating table is in the transport position on rollers or wheels.

[0142] The stability angle (e.g., 5 degrees or 10 degrees) is determined by a specified normal vector 324. The normal vector 324 may be defined, for example, by the base plate of the stand 14 or the patient support surface 18 in a vertical position, i.e., not in an extended position. The normal vector 324 is aligned perpendicular to the base plate of the stand 14 or perpendicular to the patient support surface 18 in a vertical position. Instead of a 5-degree or 10-degree stability angle for the normal vector 324, other suitable stability angles for the imaginary lines 320, 322 may also be selected.

[0143] If the center of gravity (COG) of the total load violates, i.e., crosses, one of the imaginary five-degree lines 320, the operating table 300 can audibly or visually warn the user. Another possibility is a partial or complete shutdown of function or a slowdown of the operating table 300. If any of the imaginary ten-degree lines 322 cross the center of gravity (COG), the powered transport function of the operating table 300 may be impaired.

[0144] The three-dimensional space is defined in each case by an imaginary 5-degree line 320 and an imaginary 10-degree line 322. Typically, the "walls" of the three-dimensional space slope inward away from the base of the operating table 300, so that the center of gravity COG is more strongly constrained laterally at higher centers of gravity COG than at lower centers of gravity COG located 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 the risk of tipping if the center of gravity COG of the total load leaves one of the defined spaces.

[0145] Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of an operating table 400 in accordance with the present disclosure, which is generally similar to the operating table 100 shown schematically in Figure 2. Elements of the operating table 400 that are the same as or similar to elements of the operating table 100 are given the same reference numerals.

[0146] 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.

[0147] The operating table 400 includes a load sensor assembly 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 payload and / or the center of gravity of the payload using the forces measured by the force sensors. The overload protection unit 116 uses the payload and / or the center of gravity of the payload to determine an overload protection signal 130. 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 being overloaded.

[0148] The overload protection unit 116 can detect if an accessory or configuration of accessories is not suitable for the load acting on the operating table 400. The overload protection unit 116 also helps to comply with travel limits that apply to specific weight classes.

[0149] Accessories are typically approved for a patient's weight. A detection procedure is performed to identify the accessories, and the operating table 400 is then notified of which accessories are attached. The overload protection unit 116 can then verify that the measured weight does not exceed the weight limit of the accessories. If the weight limit of the operating table 400 or an accessory is exceeded, the operating table 400 can audibly or visually alert the user. Other possible effects include impeded movement or a slowdown of the operating table 400.

[0150] The operating table 400 shown in Figure 13 includes accessories: a head section 402, a leg section 404, and two extension sections 406, which in the configuration shown are connected to a main support surface section 408. The maximum load capacity of each accessory is shown in Figure 13. The head section 402 has a maximum carrying capacity of 250 kg, the leg section 404 has a maximum carrying capacity of 135 kg, each of the extension sections 406 has a maximum carrying capacity of 454 kg, and the entire operating table 400 has a maximum carrying capacity of 545 kg. The overload protection unit 116 can determine if one of the components is overloaded.

[0151] Accessories may also be overloaded if the configuration in which they are interconnected is not suitable for the applied load. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 , three extension sections 406 may be cascaded in series. 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 a load of 155 kg. Thus, in some embodiments, the allowable weight of a table configuration is determined by considering multiple extension sections 406 connected to the operating table; adding more extension sections 406 reduces the allowable weight of the entire table configuration compared to a configuration with fewer extension sections 406.

[0152] By knowing the payload and the configuration of the operating table 400, the overload protection unit 116 can determine if the weight capacity of the configuration 410 has been exceeded. If the weight capacity is exceeded, the operating table 400 can audibly or visually alert the user. Other possible causes include impeded movement or a slowdown of the operating table 400.

[0153] An overload situation may also be caused by improper positioning of the patient. For example, Figure 15A shows a patient seated on head section 402 with the patient's entire center of gravity above head section 402. While accessory 402 is suitable for use by a patient weighing 380 kg, accessory 402 is intended only as a head restraint, i.e., it is not permitted to sit on it.

[0154] The overload protection unit 116 can ascertain the location of the load and its center of gravity. The overload protection unit 116 can recognize if the patient is in an improper position and if an accessory or a configuration of accessories or the entire operating table 400 is overloaded.

[0155] Additionally, the overload protection unit 116 can determine the risk of overload for a particular section or region of the patient support surface 18. In FIG. 15A, the patient support surface 18 is subdivided into different regions with maximum load capacity of, for example, 155 kg, 250 kg, or 55 kg. The overload protection unit 116 determines the region in which the center of gravity of the payload is located and compares the payload with the overload threshold, i.e., maximum load capacity, specified for that region. If the payload exceeds the maximum load capacity specified for that region, the overload protection unit 116 can generate an overload protection signal 130 indicating the risk of overload.

[0156] FIG. 15B shows a modified version of the operating table 400 shown in FIG. 15A. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15B, the front of the patient support surface 18 that makes up the head section 402 is not divided into different regions each having a fixed overload threshold. Instead, a straight line 420 is specified that extends along the front of the patient support surface 18. The line 420 specifies a respective overload threshold for each point on the front of the patient support surface 18. In the direction of the head end of the patient support surface 18, the overload threshold decreases. The line 420 is defined by the F / M 閾値 where F is the force at the center of gravity of the payload, COG, and M 閾値 is a constant.

[0157] During operation, the overload protection unit 116 locates the point on the patient support surface 18 where the center of gravity of the payload is located and compares the payload to a specified overload threshold for this determined point. If the payload exceeds the maximum load capacity specified for this area, the overload protection unit 116 can generate an overload protection signal 130 to indicate a risk of overload.

[0158] Another overload situation occurs when the drive of the operating table 400 is overloaded and the operating table 400 cannot return to its original position. This can occur, for example, if travel limits are not observed. As an example, FIG. 16 shows an extreme longitudinal displacement and Trendelenburg position in combination with a heavy patient. This can be a position where the operating table 400 cannot return to its starting position because the longitudinal displacement drive and Trendelenburg drive are overloaded. In particular, the Trendelenburg drive is forced by a force F 測定 Furthermore, the drive for the longitudinal displacement cannot apply the torque generated by the longitudinal force F 縦方向 cannot be generated.

[0159] The overload protection unit 116 can determine the load of each drive based on the measured load and / or the center of gravity of the measured load. Each drive has a load limit that must not be exceeded. If the limit is exceeded, a warning is displayed to the user. Other possible consequences include impeding the operation of an overloaded drive or slowing down the speed of the operating table 400.

Claims

1. An operating table (100, 200), a load sensor assembly (102) having a plurality of load sensors (1 a, 1 b, 2 a, 2 b) for measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) can be determined, the load sensor assembly (102) being disposed between at least two portions of the operating table (100, 200), the at least two portions being essentially immovable relative to one another; a load determining unit (104) coupled to the load sensor assembly (102), the load determining unit (104) using the measured at least one variable to: a measurement load, which is the load acting on the load sensor assembly (102), and / or the center of gravity of the measurement load; and a total load and / or a center of gravity of the total load resulting from the measured load and loads caused by components associated with the operating table (100, 200) and located below the load sensor assembly (102); a load determining unit (104) for determining a safety unit (106) coupled to the load determination unit (104) and configured to generate a safety signal (126) indicating whether the operating table (100, 200) is in a safety critical state based on at least one of the loads determined by the load determination unit (104) and / or at least one of the centers of gravity determined by the load determination unit (104); Equipped with The safety unit (106) includes an anti-tip unit (114) that generates a tip-over safety signal (128) indicating whether the operating table (100, 200, 300) is at risk of tipping over based on the center of gravity of the total load.

2. 2. The operating table (100, 200) of claim 1, wherein the load sensor assembly (102) is integrated into the operating table (100, 200) such that the entire load is transferred through the load sensor assembly (102).

3. 3. The operating table (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two parts are mutually movable only within the range of physical deformation of the load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), and this relative movement is within 3 millimeters.

4. some of the load sensors (1 a, 1 b, 2 a, 2 b) are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a first axis (210) and mirror-symmetrically with respect to a second axis (212); the first and second axes (210, 212) are aligned perpendicular to each other; The operating table (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mirror-symmetrically arranged load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) are aligned in the same direction.

5. some of the load sensors (1 a, 1 b, 2 a, 2 b) are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a first axis (210) and mirror-symmetrically with respect to a second axis (212); the first and second axes (210, 212) are aligned perpendicular to each other; At least some of the load sensors (1 a, 1 b, 2 a, 2 b) are arranged in a grid on a common plane, the grid arrangement having at least two load sensors (1 a, 1 b, 2 a, 2 b) on each side; the common surface is between the at least two portions of the operating table (100, 200); The operating table (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) of the grid arrangement and the at least two portions of the operating table (100, 200) are all fixed substantially immovably to each other.

6. The operating table (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) are arranged in a single common plane between the at least two portions of the operating table (100, 200).

7. The load determination unit (104) further uses the measured at least one variable to: The operating table (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the load is caused by people and components not associated with the operating table (100, 200) and external forces, and determines the payload acting on the operating table (100, 200) and / or the center of gravity of the payload.

8. The operating table (100, 200, 400) of claim 7, wherein the safety unit (106) includes an overload protection unit (116) that generates an overload protection signal (130) indicating whether there is a risk of overload on the operating table (100, 200, 400) and / or at least one component of the operating table (100, 200, 400) based on the measured load or the specified load, which is the payload, and / or the center of gravity of the specified load.

9. The operating table (100, 200) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the safety unit (106) generates the safety signal (126) to indicate a critical safety state of the operating table (100, 200), an acoustic and / or visual warning signal and / or a warning signal in text form is generated, and / or the movement of the operating table (100, 200) is slowed or stopped, and / or at least one function of the operating table (100, 200) is hindered.

10. 10. The operating table (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, wherein the anti-tip unit (114) determines a residual tipping torque for at least one tipping point (310) based on the total load and the center of gravity of the total load, compares the residual tipping torque with a predetermined residual tipping torque threshold, and generates the tip safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping when the residual tipping torque falls below the residual tipping torque threshold.

11. 11. The operating table (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, wherein at least one virtual line (320, 322) is specified, extending through at least one tipping point (310) and enclosing a specified stability angle with a specified normal vector (324), and wherein the anti-tip unit (114) generates the tip-safe signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping if the center of gravity of the total load extends through the at least one virtual line (320, 322).

12. 9. The operating table (100, 200, 400) of claim 8, wherein the overload protection unit (116) compares the defined load with at least one predetermined overload threshold and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, the at least one overload threshold being specific to the operating table (100, 200, 400) and / or the at least one component.

13. An operating table (100, 200, 400) as described in claim 8 or 12, wherein the specified load is the payload, and the operating table has a patient support surface (18) having a primary support surface section (408) and at least one secondary support surface section (402, 404, 406) removably connected to the primary support surface section (408), and the at least one component is the at least one secondary support surface section (402, 404, 406).

14. the patient support surface (18) having a plurality of secondary support surface sections (402, 404, 406); an overload threshold is specified for a configuration (410) in which the secondary support surface sections (402, 404, 406) are connected to each other and to the primary support surface section (408); 14. The operating table (100, 200, 400) of claim 13, wherein the overload protection unit (116) compares the defined load with the overload threshold specified for the configuration (410) of the secondary support surface sections (402, 404, 406) and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the overload threshold.

15. At least a portion of the patient support surface (18) is virtually divided into a plurality of regions, and an overload threshold is assigned to each region; 15. The operating table (100, 200, 400) of claim 13 or 14, wherein the overload protection unit (116) identifies the area in which the center of gravity of the specified load is located, compares the specified load with the overload threshold specified for that area, and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the specified load exceeds the overload threshold specified for that area.

16. a respective overload threshold is assigned to each point on at least a portion of the patient support surface; 16. The operating table (100, 200, 400) of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the overload protection unit (116) identifies the point on the patient support surface (18) where the center of gravity of the defined load is located, compares the defined load with the overload threshold specified for that point, and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the defined load exceeds the overload threshold specified for that point.

17. The operating table (100, 200, 400) has at least one drive unit; 17. The operating table (100, 200, 400) of claim 8 or any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the overload protection unit (116) determines a load acting on the at least one drive device based on the measured load and / or the center of gravity of the measured load, compares the determined load with at least one specified overload threshold, and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the determined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold.

18. A method for operating a surgical table (100, 200), comprising: a load sensor assembly (102) of the surgical table (100, 200) having a plurality of load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) can be determined; the load sensor assembly (102) is positioned between at least two portions of the operating table (100, 200); the at least two parts are essentially immovable relative to one another; a load determining unit (104) of the operating table (100, 200) coupled to the load sensor assembly (102) and using the measured at least one variable to determine: a measurement load, which is the load acting on the load sensor assembly (102), and / or the center of gravity of the measurement load; and a total load and / or a center of gravity of the total load resulting from the measured load and loads caused by components associated with the operating table (100, 200) and located below the load sensor assembly (102); Determine the a safety unit (106) of the operating table (100, 200) coupled to the load determination unit (104) and generating a safety signal (126) indicating whether the operating table (100, 200) is in a safety critical state based on at least one of the loads determined by the load determination unit (104) and / or at least one of the centers of gravity determined by the load determination unit (104); The method further comprises: an anti-tip unit (114) of the safety unit (106) generating a tip-over safety signal (128) indicating whether the operating table (100, 200, 300) is at risk of tipping over based on the center of gravity of the total load.

19. An operating table (100, 300), a load sensor assembly (102) having a plurality of load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) for measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) can be determined; a load determination unit (104) coupled to the load sensor assembly (102) and configured to use the measured at least one variable to determine a total load and / or a center of gravity of the total load resulting from the load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) and loads caused by components associated with the operating table (100, 300) and located below the load sensor assembly (102); and The operating table (100, 300) comprises an anti-tip unit (114) that generates a tip-over safety signal (128) that indicates whether the operating table (100, 300) is at risk of tipping over based on the center of gravity of the total load.

20. 20. The operating table (100, 300) of claim 19, wherein when the anti-tip unit (114) generates the fall safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping of the operating table (100, 300), an acoustic and / or visual warning signal and / or a warning signal in text form is generated, and / or the movement of the operating table (100, 300) is slowed or stopped, and / or at least one function of the operating table (100, 300) is hindered.

21. 21. The operating table (100, 300) of claim 19 or 20, wherein the anti-tip unit (114) determines a residual tipping torque for at least one tipping point (310) based on the total load and the center of gravity of the total load, compares the residual tipping torque with a predetermined residual tipping torque threshold, and generates the tip safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping when the residual tipping torque falls below the residual tipping torque threshold.

22. 22. The operating table (100, 300) of claim 21, wherein the anti-tip unit (114) determines the residual tipping torque at the at least one tipping point (310) by multiplying the total load by the distance from the center of gravity of the total load to the at least one tipping point (310).

23. 23. The operating table (100, 300) of claim 21 or 22, wherein the anti-tip unit (114) determines respective residual tipping torques for a plurality of tipping points (310), in particular for all possible tipping points (310), compares each of the residual tipping torques with the predetermined residual tipping torque threshold, and generates the tipping safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping if at least one of the residual tipping torques falls below the residual tipping torque threshold.

24. 24. The operating table (100, 300) of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein at least one virtual line (320, 322) is specified, extending through at least one tipping point (310) and enclosing a specified stability angle with a specified normal vector (324), and wherein the anti-tip unit (114) generates the tip-safe signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping if the center of gravity of the total load extends through the at least one virtual line (320, 322).

25. 25. The operating table of claim 24, wherein a plurality of virtual lines are specified, each extending through a tipping point and each enclosing a stability angle specified by the specified normal vector, the plurality of virtual lines defining a space, and the anti-tip unit generating the fall safety signal to indicate a risk of tipping if the center of gravity of the total load leaves the space defined by the plurality of virtual lines.

26. An operating table (100, 300) as described in claim 24 or 25, wherein the predetermined stability angle enclosed by an imaginary line (320, 322) passing through the tipping point (310) with the predetermined normal vector (324) depends on the nature of the tipping point (310).

27. 27. The operating table (100, 300) of claim 26, wherein the stability angle is greater when the tipping point (310) is provided by a roller (312) and less otherwise.

28. 20. The operating table (100, 300) of claim 19, wherein at least one virtual line (320, 322) is designated and encloses a designated stability angle with a designated normal vector (324), and wherein the anti-tip unit (114) generates the fall safety signal (128) to indicate a risk of tipping if the center of gravity of the total load extends through the at least one virtual line (320, 322).

29. A method for operating a surgical table (100, 300), comprising: a load sensor assembly (102) of the surgical table (100, 300) having a plurality of load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) can be determined; using the at least one measured variable to determine a total load and / or a center of gravity of the total load resulting from the load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) and loads caused by components associated with the operating table (100, 300) and located below the load sensor assembly (102); generating a tip-over safety signal (128) indicating whether the operating table (100, 300) is at risk of tipping over based on the center of gravity of the total load.

30. An operating table (100, 400), a load sensor assembly (102) having a plurality of load sensors (1 a, 1 b, 2 a, 2 b) for measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) can be determined; a load determining unit (104) coupled to the load sensor assembly (102) and configured to use the at least one measured variable to determine a first defined load, which is a measured or payload, and a second defined load, which is a total load, and / or to determine a center of gravity of the first defined load and the second defined load; an overload protection unit (116) that generates an overload protection signal (130) that indicates whether there is a risk of overloading the operating table (100, 400) and / or at least one component of the operating table (100, 400) based on the first defined load and / or the center of gravity of the first defined load; and a tip-over prevention unit (114) that generates a tip-over safety signal (128) indicating whether the operating table (100, 200, 300) is at risk of tipping over based on the center of gravity of the second defined load; Equipped with the measurement load is the load acting on the load sensor assembly (102); The payload is a load caused by people and components not associated with the operating table (100, 400) and external forces acting on the operating table (100, 400); The total load is the load resulting from the measured load and loads caused by components associated with the operating table and located below the load sensor assembly.

31. 31. The operating table (100, 400) of claim 30, wherein when the overload protection unit (116) generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload to the operating table (100, 400) and / or the at least one component of the operating table (100, 400), an acoustic and / or visual warning signal and / or a warning signal in text form is generated, and / or movement of the operating table (100, 400) is slowed or stopped, and / or at least one function of the operating table (100, 400) is hindered.

32. 32. The operating table (100, 400) of claim 30 or 31, wherein the overload protection unit (116) compares the first defined load with at least one predetermined overload threshold and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the first defined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, the at least one overload threshold being specific to the operating table (100, 400) and / or the at least one component.

33. An operating table (100, 400) as described in any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the first specified load is the payload, and the operating table (100, 400) has a patient support surface (18) having a primary support surface section (408) and at least one secondary support surface section (402, 404, 406) removably connected to the primary support surface section (408), and the at least one component is the at least one secondary support surface section (402, 404, 406).

34. the patient support surface (18) having a plurality of secondary support surface sections (402, 404, 406); an overload threshold is specified for a configuration (410) in which the secondary support surface sections (402, 404, 406) are connected to each other and to the primary support surface section (408); 34. The operating table (100, 400) of claim 33, wherein the overload protection unit (116) compares the first defined load with the overload threshold specified for the configuration (410) of the secondary support surface sections (402, 404, 406) and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the first defined load exceeds the overload threshold.

35. At least a portion of the patient support surface (18) is virtually divided into a plurality of regions, and an overload threshold is assigned to each region; 35. The operating table (100, 400) of claim 33 or 34, wherein the overload protection unit (116) identifies the area in which the center of gravity of the first defined load is located, compares the first defined load with the overload threshold specified for that area, and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the first defined load exceeds the overload threshold specified for that area.

36. a respective overload threshold is assigned to each point on at least a portion of the patient support surface; 36. The operating table (100, 400) of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the overload protection unit (116) ascertains the point at which the center of gravity of the first defined load is located, compares the first defined load with the overload threshold specified for that area, and generates the overload protection signal (130) to indicate a risk of overload if the first defined load exceeds the overload threshold specified for that area.

37. The operating table (100, 400) has at least one drive unit; 37. The operating table (100, 400) of any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the overload protection unit (116) determines a load acting on the at least one drive device based on the measured load and / or the center of gravity of the measured load, compares the determined load with at least one specified overload threshold, and generates the overload protection signal to indicate a risk of overload if the determined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold.

38. A method for operating a surgical table (100, 400), comprising: a load sensor assembly (102) of the surgical table (100, 400) having a plurality of load sensors (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) can be determined; the at least one measured variable is used to determine a first defined load, which is a measured or payload, and a second defined load, which is a total load, and / or to determine a center of gravity of the first defined load and the second defined load; an overload protection signal (130) is generated based on the first defined load and / or the center of gravity of the first defined load, indicating whether there is a risk of overloading the operating table (100, 400) and / or at least one component of the operating table (100, 400); a tip-over safety signal (128) is generated based on the center of gravity of the second defined load, indicating whether the operating table (100, 400) is at risk of tipping over; the measurement load is the load acting on the load sensor assembly (102); The payload is the load caused by people and components not associated with the operating table (100, 400) and external forces acting on the operating table (100, 400). The method of claim 1, wherein the total load is the load resulting from the measured load and loads caused by components associated with the operating table (100, 400) and located below the load sensor assembly (102).

39. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein if the overload protection signal (130) is generated to indicate a risk of overloading the operating table (100, 400) and / or the at least one component of the operating table (100, 400), an acoustic and / or visual and / or textual warning signal is generated, and / or movement of the operating table (100, 400) is slowed or stopped, and / or at least one function of the operating table (100, 400) is hindered.

40. 40. The method according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the first defined load is compared with at least one predetermined overload threshold, and if the first defined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, the overload protection signal (130) is generated to indicate a risk of overload, the at least one overload threshold being specific to the operating table (100, 400) and / or the at least one component.

41. A method according to any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the first specified load is the payload, the operating table (100, 400) has a patient support surface (18) having a primary support surface section (408) and at least one secondary support surface section (402, 404, 406) removably connected to the primary support surface section (408), and the at least one component is the at least one secondary support surface section (402, 404, 406).

42. the patient support surface (18) having a plurality of secondary support surface sections (402, 404, 406); an overload threshold is assigned to a configuration (410) in which the secondary support surface sections (402, 404, 406) are connected to each other and to the primary support surface section (408); 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the first defined load is compared to the overload threshold specified for the configuration (410) of the secondary support surface section (402, 404, 406), and if the first defined load exceeds the overload threshold, the overload protection signal (130) is generated to indicate a risk of overload.

43. At least a portion of the patient support surface (18) is virtually divided into a plurality of regions, and an overload threshold is specified for each region; 43. The method according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the area in which the center of gravity of the first defined load is located is identified, the first defined load is compared with the overload threshold assigned to that area, and if the first defined load exceeds the overload threshold assigned to that area, the overload protection signal (130) is generated to indicate a risk of overload.

44. A respective overload threshold is assigned to each point on at least a portion of the patient support surface (18); 44. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the point at which the center of gravity of the first defined load is located is identified, the first defined load is compared with the overload threshold specified for that area, and if the first defined load exceeds the overload threshold specified for that area, the overload protection signal (130) is generated to indicate a risk of overload.

45. the operating table (100, 400) has at least one drive; 45. The method according to any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein the load acting on the at least one drive device is determined based on the measured load and / or the center of gravity of the measured load, the determined load is compared with at least one specified overload threshold, and if the determined load exceeds the at least one overload threshold, the overload protection signal is generated to indicate a risk of overload.

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