Operating Table Caster Linkage for Wobble-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating tables with movable bases face stability issues due to wobbling, especially on uneven floors, and current solutions are complex and expensive, failing to ensure wobble-free positioning.
Innovation Solution
The operating table features a base with four pivotable casters connected via a linkage and drive, allowing independent adjustment to compensate for floor unevenness, ensuring all casters contact the floor equally, preventing wobble through a simple mechanical design and optional electric motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hydraulic parking cylinders are used to compensate for floor unevenness, then the operating table stability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic parking cylinders with a simple mechanical caster system. Each caster can be independently pivoted between a moving position (where the caster contacts the floor) and a standing position (where the base contacts the floor). This mechanical solution eliminates the need for complex hydraulic systems while achieving the same stability compensation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the stability compensation function into four independent caster units, each capable of being adjusted separately. This segmentation allows each caster to independently adapt to local floor unevenness, providing a simple yet effective solution without requiring a complex integrated system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hydraulic parking cylinders are used to compensate for floor unevenness, then the operating table stability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive caster components instead of expensive hydraulic cylinders. The casters are basic mechanical elements that can be manufactured at low cost, making the overall system more economically viable while still achieving the desired stability compensation function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If four support points are used to ensure stability, then the operating table can stand firmly on level floors, but the table wobbles on uneven floors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the support system. Each caster can be independently pivoted between moving and standing positions, allowing the support points to dynamically adapt to floor unevenness. This dynamic mechanism enables the table to maintain stability on both level and uneven floors by adjusting the contact status of individual casters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact force parameter at each support point by pivoting individual casters. By adjusting the vertical position and contact status of each caster independently, the system can compensate for floor unevenness and maintain optimal contact force distribution across all four support points, eliminating wobble while preserving stability.
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 provides a wobble-free positioning of the operating table on uneven surfaces by adjusting casters to ensure equal contact force across all support points, enhancing stability and ease of use while reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
each caster is pivotable via a pivot lever provided at the base from a moving position into a standing position
Implementation Method 2
the associated pivot levers are connected to one another by a linkage and a common drive
Implementation Method 3
The drive can have an electric motor, in particular a single electric motor
Implementation Method 4
it can be rolled over the floor when all four casters are in their moving positions
Data Source
AI summary
An operating table has a movable base which is provided with four casters, wherein the casters are each pivotable via a pivot lever. The pivot levers are connected to one another by a common drive and a linkage.