Medical Table Load Sensing for Downward Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical tables face challenges in detecting collisions between movable table segments or the patient bearing device with objects, leading to potential damage or injury, as current systems do not account for load changes below a specified threshold or sudden weight increases.
Innovation Solution
A system with a load sensor arrangement and detection unit that monitors load changes during movements of the patient bearing device, detecting collisions by identifying a drop in load below a specified threshold and potentially adjusting thresholds based on movement angles and load centers to prevent false detections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the patient bearing device is made movable to enable flexible positioning, then the adaptability and versatility of the operating table is improved, but the risk of collision with objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of collision risks by monitoring load changes before actual contact occurs. The detection unit continuously analyzes load sensor data during movement to identify potential collisions with objects in the environment, allowing preventive action to be taken before harm can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a closed-loop feedback mechanism where load sensors continuously monitor the patient bearing device, the detection unit analyzes the load data in real-time, and the control unit responds by stopping movement when collisions are detected. This continuous feedback loop enables dynamic adaptation to prevent collisions while maintaining positioning flexibility.
2Reliability
If collision detection sensitivity is increased to detect all potential collisions, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the number of false alerts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters based on the operational context. The detection unit analyzes multiple parameters including load magnitude, rate of change, and movement state to distinguish between genuine collisions and normal operational variations. This parameter-based differentiation reduces false alerts while maintaining high detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different detection thresholds and sensitivity levels to different operational scenarios. By analyzing the local characteristics of load changes in conjunction with movement data, the system can accurately differentiate between collision events and normal operational variations, reducing false positives while maintaining reliable collision detection.
3Productivity
If the patient bearing device moves quickly to improve productivity, then the efficiency is improved, but the force and pressure during collision increase causing more damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects collision risks during movement and stops the patient bearing device before actual contact occurs. By performing detection and intervention in advance, the system prevents the full collision force from acting on objects or the patient, thereby reducing damage while maintaining the ability to move quickly when safe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows rapid movement to proceed uninterrupted when no collisions are detected, but immediately stops movement upon detecting a collision risk. This selective approach enables high productivity during safe operations while preventing harmful forces during potential collisions.
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
Effectively prevents collisions by quickly stopping the movement of the patient bearing device, reducing damage to equipment and minimizing risk of injury, while minimizing false collision alerts through adaptive threshold adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor arrangement (102) with at least one load sensor (401, 402, 403, 404) which issues sensor values
Data Source
AI summary
A system (200) for detecting a collision of a patient bearing device (18) with an object, a ground or a part of the operating table, wherein the system (200) comprises: a patient bearing device (18) which can be used as a part of an operating table; a load sensor arrangement with at least one load sensor which issues sensor values; a load determination unit which determines a load with the sensor values, wherein the load comprises a load acting on the load sensor arrangement or a load acting on the patient bearing device (18); and a detection unit which detects a possible collision of the patient bearing device (18) with an object, a ground or a part of the operating table if the load determined by the load determination unit falls below a specified first threshold while the patient bearing device (18) or at least one segment of the patient bearing device (18) moves downwards.