Ceiling-Mounted Docking Assembly for Overhead Cable Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical suites face challenges with the management of cables and electrical connections during surgical procedures, as they require frequent repositioning of equipment and cables, leading to distractions and trip hazards due to cables on the floor.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-mounted docking device with a movable arm assembly and interchangeable connectors that can be positioned to keep cables suspended above the floor, allowing for easy reconfiguration and maintenance of connections without disrupting the surgical process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If processing equipment is placed on a movable cart with limited cable length, then the equipment can be repositioned near the surgeon, but the cables create trip hazards and require frequent manual management by support staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions cable management from the horizontal plane (floor-level cables) to the vertical dimension by routing cables through ceiling-mounted structures and arm assemblies. This dimensional shift eliminates floor-level trip hazards while maintaining equipment mobility and electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ceiling-mounted docking devices and arm assemblies as intermediary structures between the power source and movable equipment. These intermediaries provide suspended cable routing that moves with the equipment, eliminating the need for support staff to manually manage cables on the floor.
2Reliability
If cables are extended to reach wall outlets when equipment is repositioned, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but cables on the floor create distractions and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates cable routing from the horizontal floor level to the vertical ceiling space, using overhead arm assemblies to suspend cables above the surgical field. This maintains reliable electrical connectivity while completely eliminating floor-level cable hazards and distractions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling-mounted arm assemblies are designed to move with the equipment, providing self-adjusting cable management that maintains connectivity without requiring manual intervention from support staff to reposition or manage cables during surgical procedures.
3Reliability
If support personnel manually manage cable movement during equipment repositioning, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but surgical workflow is disrupted by the need for cable management
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling-mounted docking device with movable arm assemblies provides self-adjusting cable management that automatically maintains electrical connectivity as equipment is repositioned. This eliminates the need for support personnel to intervene in cable management, allowing uninterrupted surgical workflow and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces automated ceiling-mounted arm assemblies as intermediaries between the power source and movable equipment. These intermediaries handle cable management autonomously, preventing disruption to surgical workflow while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity throughout equipment repositioning.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If wall outlets are used for equipment power connection, then electrical power is available, but equipment must be re-plugged when moving between locations
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling-mounted docking devices provide universal power and data connectivity that moves with the equipment throughout the surgical suite. This multi-functional ceiling infrastructure replaces fixed wall outlets, enabling equipment to be repositioned anywhere within coverage areas without re-plugging, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining continuous power availability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a docking device for connecting to equipment. The docking device includes a first housing section having a plurality of leg sections extending from a surface thereof. A second housing section is attachable to the leg sections of the first housing section. The first housing section and the second housing section define an internal cavity of the docking device. The internal cavity is dimensioned to receive an electrical cable. The leg sections and the second housing section define an opening therebetween. The opening communicates with the internal cavity of the docking device. A panel is dimensioned to be received into the opening defined by the leg sections and the second housing section. The panel has a connector extending therethrough.