One-Handed Operating Table Head Plate with Synchronous Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-part head plates for operating tables are ergonomically disadvantageous and prone to unintentional unlocking during operations, requiring complex and structurally flawed mechanisms for adjusting and securing the head position, which limits single-user operation and increases the risk of patient head uncontrolled movements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part displaceable head plate with a centralized actuating device that synchronously unlocks and locks both joint arrangements, allowing for safe and convenient adjustment of head plate segments using one hand, featuring a coupling device that converts rotational movement into translational movement for unlocking and a blocking device to prevent inadvertent actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple individually operated blocking mechanisms are used on both sides of the head plate, then the stability and rigidity of the head plate is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in synchronizing multiple control units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple blocking mechanisms into a single integrated control unit that can simultaneously control both sides of the head plate. This merging approach maintains the stability benefits of having blocking mechanisms on both sides while eliminating the operational complexity of coordinating multiple independent controls, allowing the user to adjust and secure the head plate with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can block and unlock both joint arrangements (first and second) through a single actuation. This multi-functionality allows one control element to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive stability control.
2Reliability
If manually operated blocking mechanisms are implemented on both sides of the head plate, then the reliability of joint locking is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple control units requiring synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple blocking mechanisms into a single integrated control unit that simultaneously controls both joint arrangements. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple independent control units while maintaining the reliability benefits of having blocking capabilities on both sides of the head plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates the blocking and unlocking actions for both joint arrangements simultaneously. This single intermediary control mechanism simplifies the overall system architecture while ensuring reliable locking of both joints through synchronized actuation.
3Ease of operation
If a single control element is used to fix or release all joints simultaneously, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for complex coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is segmented into distinct functional components - a first control element for blocking/unblocking the first joint arrangement and a second control element for the second joint arrangement, both integrated within a single control unit. This segmentation allows independent control of each joint while maintaining the benefit of a unified control interface, reducing the complexity of the coupling mechanisms needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with dynamic capabilities to adapt its operation mode - it can simultaneously control both joints or selectively control individual joints as needed. This dynamic flexibility reduces the complexity of the mechanical coupling mechanisms by allowing electronic or mechanical switching between different control configurations.
4Ease of manufacture
If gas springs are attached on one side of the head plate, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the rigidity of the head plate under load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines gas springs on both sides of the head plate into a unified support system. This merging approach maintains the ease of manufacture by using identical components on both sides while significantly improving rigidity under load through distributed support across the entire head plate structure.
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
Enables safe, user-friendly, and ergonomic adjustment of head plate segments, allowing single-user operation with secure fixation and prevention of uncontrolled movements, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of jamming or accidental unlocking.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring element (15) arranged between the first head plate segment (3) and the second head plate segment (4) and acting in a first direction and a second spring element (15) arranged between the coupling arrangement (2) and the first head plate segment (3) and acting in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-part displaceable head plate (1) for an operating table (30), comprising: a coupling arrangement (2), a positioning segment (3) for positioning the head plate (1), a head support segment (4) for supporting the head of the patient, and an unlocking device (24) for unlocking two joint arrangements (5), (6).The positioning segment (3) and the head support segment (4) are each pivotably connected to the coupling arrangement (2) and to the positioning segment (3), via a first (5) and a second (6) joint arrangement respectively.