Operating Table Accessory Mount With Auto-Reset Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking and unlocking mechanisms for accessories on operating tables are cumbersome and prone to operator error, especially when multiple mechanical interfaces are involved, leading to difficulties in securing and removing bulky or heavy accessories.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mechanism comprising a first locking element, a second locking element, a manually actuatable unlocking element, a catch element, and a release element that allows for separate and temporal unlocking, enabling ergonomic handling and automatic transition to a ready-to-lock state upon disconnection, facilitating easy locking and unlocking of coupling parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If frictional connection is used for locking, then the locking mechanism is simple to implement, but the operator may forget to actuate the locking element or not apply sufficient force, causing the accessory to inadvertently disengage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages when the coupling parts are connected, without requiring active operator intervention. The resilient pin automatically enters the bore to create the frictional connection, eliminating the risk of operator forgetfulness or insufficient actuation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient pin is pre-positioned and automatically engages the bore upon connection of the coupling parts. This preliminary automatic locking action occurs before the accessory is fully secured, ensuring the locking element is properly actuated without requiring operator attention.
2Ease of operation
If positive locking with automatic pin engagement is used, then the operator does not need to actively actuate a locking element, but the operator must manually release the positive locking to remove the accessory, which is time-consuming especially at multiple mechanical interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking functions are separated into independent operations. The resilient pin handles automatic locking, while the manually actuatable element handles unlocking. This segmentation allows the operator to perform unlocking at one mechanical interface independently, without needing to manually release other interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The manually actuatable element serves as an intermediary that triggers the unlocking sequence. When actuated, it moves the resilient pin out of the bore, initiating the unlocking process without requiring direct manual manipulation of the pin itself at each interface.
3Reliability
If the operator must manually release positive locking at each mechanical interface, then the locking state is secure, but handling bulky or heavy accessories becomes particularly difficult when multiple interfaces are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The manually actuatable element acts as an intermediary that can be operated from a convenient location. When actuated, it remotely triggers the resilient pin to disengage from the bore, allowing the operator to initiate unlocking without needing to physically access or manipulate components at each mechanical interface location.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking function is separated from the physical location of the mechanical interfaces. The manually actuatable element is positioned independently, allowing the operator to initiate the unlocking sequence from an ergonomically favorable position, separate from the bulk or weight distribution of the accessory.
4Reliability
If conventional unlocking mechanisms are used at multiple mechanical interfaces, then each interface can be locked securely, but the operator cannot reach multiple points simultaneously with both hands, making removal particularly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking function across multiple mechanical interfaces is merged into a single manually actuatable element. Actuating this single element triggers the resilient pin to disengage at the relevant interface, consolidating what would otherwise require separate manual operations at each interface into one unified action.
Solution Approach 2:
The manually actuatable element serves as a remote intermediary that controls the locking state at the mechanical interface. By positioning this actuator independently from the interface locations, the operator can initiate unlocking without needing to physically reach or access multiple interface points simultaneously.
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 device simplifies the handling of locking and unlocking operations, ensuring the accessory is always ready to be locked and reducing the risk of operator forgetfulness, allowing for ergonomic disconnection and reconnection of coupling parts, thus enhancing the ease of use and safety when multiple interfaces are involved.
Implementation Method 1
a pin which is resiliently mounted on the one coupling part automatically engages the bore arranged on the other coupling part
Implementation Method 2
a manually actuatable unlocking element movably arranged at the first coupling part, which unlocking element is biased into a locking position and can be moved against the biasing into an unlocking position
Data Source
AI summary
What is described is a device for releasable mounting an accessory (12) on an operating table (102), comprising two coupling parts (10, 100) which can be connected to each other and a mechanism for locking and unlocking. The mechanism comprises a first locking element (26) arranged on the first coupling part (10) and a second locking element (114) arranged on the second coupling part (100), an unlocking element (28) arranged on the first coupling part (10) which is biased into a locking position and can be moved into an unlocking position against the biasing, in which unlocking position it acts on one (114) of the two locking elements (26, 114) such that the two locking elements (26, 114) are disengaged from one another, a catch element (40) which is arranged on the first coupling part (10) and keeps the unlocking element (28) in its unlocking position against the biasing, and a release element (46) arranged on the first coupling part (10) which is biased into a first position and is acted upon by the second coupling part (100) when the coupling parts (10, 100) are connected to each other and is pushed into the second position against the biasing. The release element (46) acts on the catch element (40) in its first position such that the same is disengaged from the unlocking element (28).