Ceiling Rail Carrying System for Operating Theatre Ergonomics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern operating rooms face challenges in ergonomics due to the increasing number of devices and systems, which leads to cluttered spaces and interference with laminar air flow, making it difficult to manage and move medical equipment efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-based support system with curved rails and a lifting device allows for the vertical movement of medical devices, such as display systems, without the need for conventional support arms, maintaining laminar air flow and enhancing ergonomics by reducing clutter and improving device mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional support arms are used to hold medical devices, then devices can be positioned and supported, but the support arms interfere with laminar air flow and create clutter in the operating space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions device support from the horizontal plane (conventional support arms extending from walls or ceilings into the room) to the vertical dimension by integrating rails directly into the ceiling structure. This dimensional shift allows devices to be supported above the laminar flow field rather than within it, eliminating air flow interference while maintaining stable device positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a ceiling-integrated rail system that copies the support function previously performed by separate support arms. Instead of adding support arms to hold devices, the ceiling itself is configured with integrated rails that provide the same support function, thereby eliminating the need for additional support structures that would interfere with air flow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are added to increase functionality, then more diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities are available, but the operating space becomes cluttered and harder to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling-integrated rail system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for devices, enables mobility along curved paths, maintains laminar air flow, and allows flexible positioning. This universal system replaces multiple separate support structures and simplifies device management by providing a unified mounting and movement infrastructure for all medical devices in the operating room.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic positioning capabilities through motorized trolleys that can move along the curved rails. Devices are not fixed in static positions but can be dynamically adjusted and repositioned along the rail paths, allowing the operating space to adapt to different procedural needs while maintaining organization and ease of access.
3Stability of the object's composition
If devices are fixed in stationary positions, then stable support is provided, but ergonomic optimization and mobility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines static rail infrastructure with dynamic trolley positioning. The rails provide stable, fixed guidance paths, while the motorized trolleys enable controlled movement along these paths. This allows devices to be stabilized at optimal ergonomic positions during procedures while maintaining the capability to be repositioned when needed, achieving both stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized trolleys provide self-service positioning capabilities, allowing devices to be automatically moved to optimal positions without requiring manual handling by medical staff. The system can be controlled to automatically adjust device positions based on procedural needs, reducing physical strain on personnel while maintaining precise positioning stability.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~10
AI summary
The system has rails (31, 32) fastened to a ceiling (12) of a medical treatment room and defining curved paths. A shearing mechanism (667) moves a medical device (69) between an upper rest position (679) and a lower operating position (671). The shearing mechanism is moved along the paths defined by the rails. The medical device is formed as a part of a projection surface and a projector in which information is visibly represented to a medical personnel i.e. doctor, in the lower operating position. The projector projects representation of the information on the projection surface. The projection surface is formed as organic LED display and an LCD.