Hydraulic Column Brake for Operating Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical clamping mechanisms in operating tables face challenges in precisely measuring and applying clamping force, requiring high precision and expense due to sensitivity to installation tolerances, and limiting design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-actuated clamping cylinder system is used to adjust the clamping force via fluid pressure, allowing for precise and easy adjustment without stringent installation tolerance demands, and incorporating a pressure relief valve to prevent overloading, with hydraulic lines routed freely to avoid interference with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical clamping mechanisms are used to lock the bearing surface, then the clamping function is achieved, but the manufacturing precision and installation tolerance requirements become excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical clamping mechanism with a hydraulic clamping system. Instead of using mechanical linkages and adjustment elements that require precise manufacturing tolerances, the invention employs a hydraulic cylinder to generate clamping force. The hydraulic system uses fluid pressure to control the clamping action, eliminating the need for high-precision mechanical components and installation tolerances while maintaining reliable clamping functionality.
2Force
If mechanical clamping mechanisms are used, then the clamping force can be applied, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic system to generate and control clamping force. A hydraulic cylinder with a movable piston is used to apply the required clamping force to the bearing surface. The hydraulic fluid transmits the force efficiently, allowing for high clamping forces with relatively simple mechanical structures. The system includes a hydraulic pump, reservoir, and control mechanisms, which simplify the overall design compared to complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If precise clamping force adjustment is required, then the clamping accuracy is improved, but the installation tolerance requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic pressure as the controllable parameter to adjust clamping force. By varying the pressure of the hydraulic fluid, the clamping force can be precisely adjusted without affecting installation tolerances. The hydraulic system allows for continuous adjustment of clamping force through pressure control, providing precise measurement and adjustment capabilities while maintaining tolerance independence.
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 system enables precise and easy adjustment of clamping force, reduces manufacturing costs, and increases design flexibility by being insensitive to installation tolerances and providing a high clamping effect with low operating forces, while minimizing space requirements compared to mechanical solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping force is applied by a pressure-actuated clamping cylinder. This clamping force is therefore adjusted via the pressure of the pressure fluid of the clamping cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The at least one clamping cylinder can preferably be acted upon by pressurized fluid via a foot-operated pump
Implementation Method 3
the line between the pump and the clamping cylinder is connected to a tank for the pressurized fluid via a pressure relief valve. This ensures that no matter how hard the pump is operated, the pressure of the pressurized fluid being introduced into the clamping cylinder does not exceed a maximum pressure set by the pressure relief valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An operating table is shown, comprising a table column with a column base (10) and a column head, as well as a bearing surface connectable or connected to the column head, wherein the column base (10) has a floor-side base plate (12) and a column-side foot plate (14), wherein the foot plate (14) is rotatably mounted on the base plate (12) and is secured against lifting off the base plate (12) by a vertical clearance provided by an abutment (24), and wherein at least one pressure-medium-actuated clamping cylinder (42) is provided to clamp the foot plate (14) against the abutment (24).