Infrared Operating Unit for Operating Table Transfer Command Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating table systems face challenges in comfortably and reliably transmitting transfer commands between a transport device and a table column, often resulting in operator discomfort, incorrect activation of nearby table columns, and complex mechanical linkages.
Innovation Solution
The use of an infrared-based operating unit with a transmitter on the transport device and a receiver on the table column allows for comfortable and reliable transmission of transfer commands, using a pedal switch or button as an ergonomic operating element, and automatic pairing to ensure accurate communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating unit is integrated directly into the table column, then correct transmission of transfer commands is ensured, but accessibility becomes poor especially during support transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The operating unit is segmented into two functional parts: a control interface (pedal) that remains accessible to the operator and an infrared transmitter that moves with the transport device. This segmentation allows the operator to maintain comfortable accessibility while ensuring reliable command transmission to the correct table column through the infrared connection.
2Reliability
If a cable connection is used to connect the operating unit to the table column, then a fixed assignment is maintained, but the cable becomes an obstacle to personnel working around the operating table
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical cable connection is replaced with an optical infrared transmission system. The operating unit contains an infrared transmitter that sends commands wirelessly to the infrared receiver on the table column. This substitution eliminates the physical cable obstacle while maintaining reliable fixed assignment through infrared signal transmission, allowing personnel to move freely around the operating table.
3Ease of operation
If a hand-held unit is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the possibility of using the incorrect hand-held unit arises
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic pairing with infrared recognition that provides feedback to confirm the correct table column is activated. When the transport device is positioned correctly, the infrared transmitter automatically pairs with the corresponding table column's receiver, ensuring that only the correct table column responds to commands. This feedback mechanism eliminates the risk of activating the wrong table column while maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If a mechanical linkage is used to couple the pedal to the switch on the table column, then transfer command transmission is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical linkage system is replaced with a simple optical infrared transmission system. The pedal switch generates an electrical signal that activates the infrared transmitter, which then wirelessly transmits the command to the table column's infrared receiver. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages while achieving reliable command transmission with minimal system complexity.
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
This solution enables efficient and ergonomic transfer command transmission, minimizing accidental activation of other table columns and maintaining a reliable paired operating state, allowing for seamless preoperative and postoperative support transfers.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared transmitter arranged on the transport device and coupled with the operating element, said infrared transmitter transmitting the transfer command as an infrared signal
Data Source
AI summary
An operating table system is disclosed. The operating table system has a first transmitting-receiving device that is mountable to a transport device, a second transmitting-receiving device that is mountable to an operating table column, and a coupling device that couples a patient support and the operating table column. The first transmitting-receiving device is configured to transmit a request command and a transfer command to the second transmitting-receiving device. The second transmitting-receiving device is configured to transmit a device address to the first transmitting-receiving device. The coupling device is actuated based on the second transmitting-receiving device receiving the request command and the transfer command and the first transmitting-receiving device receiving the device address.