Medical Table Accessory Detection by Load, Center of Gravity, and RFID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately detect and identify accessories and objects attached to or removed from medical tables, and do not account for changes in load and center of gravity, leading to potential tipping or overloading risks and inefficient supply management.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a load sensor array, load determination unit, and detection unit to determine the weight and center of gravity of objects or accessories on a patient positioning device, using proximity tags and a central database for tracking and managing accessories across multiple tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are detachably attached to operating tables for various purposes, then the operating table can be reconfigured for different patients and procedures, but the size, shape, dimensions, weight, and strength of the operating table vary, creating risk of tipping or overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and identification of accessories before the operating table is used. Load sensors detect the presence, weight, and position of accessories, while RFID readers identify them through tags. This advance information allows the control unit to calculate the center of gravity and assess stability risks before patient positioning begins, enabling preventive measures to be taken.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the operating table configuration through load sensors that detect changes in weight distribution. When accessories are added or removed, the sensors provide feedback to the control unit, which recalculation the center of gravity and updates the stability assessment. This real-time feedback loop ensures ongoing safety monitoring throughout the procedure.
2Measurement precision
If RFID technology is used at interfaces between platform and removable attachments, then identification and communication is facilitated, but only attachments connected directly next to an RFID reader can be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses RFID tags as intermediaries attached to accessories and RFID readers positioned on the operating table. These readers act as mediators that can detect tags at a distance, eliminating the need for direct contact between the reader and the attachment interface. This intermediary approach enables detection of accessories at various locations including side rails and remote positions on the platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from contact-based detection (requiring direct interface connection) to field-based detection using RFID technology. The electromagnetic field generated by the RFID readers extends the detection capability beyond immediate physical contact points, allowing accessories throughout the three-dimensional space of the operating table to be identified and monitored.
3Device complexity
If manual tracking and management of supplies is performed using barcodes, then it is simple to implement, but it is difficult to locate lost supplies and track accessory positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual barcode scanning with automated RFID detection. Instead of requiring staff to physically locate and scan barcodes on accessories, RFID readers automatically detect tags on accessories throughout the operating room. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electromagnetic field-based automation eliminates the need for manual tracking while providing comprehensive, real-time information about accessory locations and status.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system enables accessories to effectively self-report their presence and location. When an accessory with an RFID tag enters the detection range of a reader, the tag automatically transmits its identification information without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability continuously updates the system database with current accessory positions, eliminating the need for manual inventory management.
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 precise detection and identification of accessories, prevents tipping and overloading, facilitates efficient supply management, and improves operational planning by providing real-time configuration information.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor array (102) with at least one load sensor (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) which outputs sensor values; a load determination unit (104) which determines a load and/or a center of gravity of the load based on the sensor values
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting an object or accessory placed on or attached to a patient positioning device or moved on or removed therefrom, the system comprising: a surgical patient positioning device which can be used as part of an operating table; a load sensor array with at least one load sensor that outputs sensor values; a load determination unit that determines a load and/or a center of gravity of the load based on the sensor values, the load comprising a load acting on the load sensor array or a load acting on the patient positioning device; and a detection unit that receives the load and/or the center of gravity determined by the load determination unit and which, when an object or accessory is placed on or attached to the patient positioning device or moved on or removed therefrom and the load and/or the center of gravity determined by the load determination unit change as a result, determines the weight and/or the center of gravity of the object or accessory therefrom.