Adjustable Operating Column Cable Routing via Articulated Push Rod
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable table columns for operating tables face challenges in reliably routing power and data cables, as they cannot compensate for both height adjustments and pivoting movements of the connection unit, leading to cable tangling and increased space requirements due to the need for larger energy chains.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable table column design featuring a cable routing device with an articulated push rod that adjusts cable position according to the connection unit's movements, combined with a linear guide and energy chain for efficient length compensation, ensuring cables are securely routed without stress and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an energy chain is used to accommodate cables for height adjustment, then cable routing is improved, but it cannot compensate for tilting and inclining movements of the connection unit
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing system is divided into two independent segments: an energy chain (first cable routing device) for height adjustment compensation, and a second cable routing device with articulation for tilting and inclining movements. This segmentation allows each segment to specialize in compensating for specific movements without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection element is introduced as an intermediary between the energy chain and the second cable routing device. This intermediary includes articulation means that enable the second cable routing device to pivot relative to the column shaft stem, thereby accommodating tilting and inclining movements while the energy chain handles vertical movements.
2Reliability
If the entire length of the guide chain is arranged on the height-adjustable column part, then cable routing is achieved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing system is divided into two parts: the energy chain arranged on the column shaft for height adjustment, and a second cable routing device arranged on the connection unit for tilting and inclining. This segmentation distributes the space requirements across different locations and reduces the burden on any single area.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cable routing device is arranged laterally on the connection unit, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than consuming vertical space on the column shaft. This dimensional shift reduces the space requirement on the height-adjustable column part while still providing necessary cable routing functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable bundles are used for power and data supply, then functional requirements are met, but cables easily get tangled
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cable bundles for power and data supply are segmented into separate cable guides within both the energy chain and the second cable routing device. This segmentation prevents different cable bundles from intertwining and tangling while maintaining all necessary functional connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element acts as an intermediary that includes separate cable guides for different cable bundles. These guides maintain spatial separation between power and data cables throughout the articulation movements, preventing tangling while ensuring all functional requirements are met.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures reliable, precise, and space-efficient routing of cables and hoses, accommodating height adjustments and pivoting movements, thereby preventing cable tangling and reducing the overall space needed for cable management.
Implementation Method 1
an articulated push rod that can transmit push and pull forces, wherein the upper end of the push rod is mechanically connected to the connection unit and its lower end is mechanically connected to the column shaft stem
Implementation Method 2
energy chains and thus circumvents this problem... the flexible guide chain with the sheathed cables is deformed between a compressed S-shaped section and an elongated section
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable table column (1) for an operating table, comprising a column base (2) for placing the table column (1) on a floor, a height-adjustable column shaft (3) with a stationary column shaft base (24), and a column shaft stem (40) that can be moved up and down relative to the column shaft base, a connection unit (10) for connecting a patient support surface to the table column (1), wherein the connection unit (10) is pivotable in relation to the column shaft stem (40), and a cable routing device (4) for carrying at least one power and/or data cable (5) along the column shaft stem (40) during its up and down movement, wherein the cable routing device (4) comprises an articulated push rod (11) which can transmit pushing and pulling forces. The upper end (17) of the push rod (11) is mechanically connected to the connection unit (10), and its lower end (18) is mechanically connected to the column shaft stem (40), such that the at least one power and/or data cable (5) adjusts its position accordingly when moving the connection unit (10).