Operation table column for an operation table

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operating table columns have complex mechanical designs that occupy space, compromise rigidity and freedom from play, and mutually influence tilting and inclination functions, making it difficult to achieve large adjustment ranges for the height, inclination, and tilting of patient support surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An operating table column design featuring two linear actuators that adjust the column head's height and tilt independently, with a simplified structure that omits unnecessary mechanical connections, allowing for wide adjustment ranges and high stability without the need for a bellows cover, and includes a pivoting unit for precise adjustment of the patient support surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanical design with multiple actuators is used to achieve large adjustment ranges for inclination and tilting, then the adjustment range is improved, but the device complexity increases and rigidity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment rangeVSAvoidmechanical design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating table column is divided into functionally independent segments: a base body, a column head, and two independently controlled linear actuators. Each actuator handles a specific function (inclination or tilting), eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and kinematic couplings between functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary mechanical connections and intermediate transmission elements from the system. By directly connecting the linear actuators to the column head without complex mechanical linkages, the design achieves large adjustment ranges while maintaining simplicity and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional mechanical connections are used to transmit power for tilting and inclination, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the rigidity and freedom from play are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidrigidity and freedom from play
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with direct linear actuator connections. The linear actuators directly position the column head without intermediate mechanical linkages, eliminating play and maintaining rigidity while preserving structural integrity through straightforward load paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If kinematic coupling between edging and inclination functions is implemented, then space-saving is achieved, but mutual influence between these functions occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidfunctional independence
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control functions by assigning separate linear actuators to inclination and tilting operations. This functional segmentation eliminates mutual influence between operations while maintaining a compact design, as each actuator independently controls its designated function without mechanical interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Length of moving object

If a compact design is used to achieve very low heights of the patient support surface, then space-saving is improved, but the adjustment range and stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolumn heightVSAvoidadjustment range
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable linear actuators that can extend and retract to provide the full range of height adjustments. The compact column design accommodates these actuators in a retracted state, while full extension provides the necessary adjustment range, achieving both compactness and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2962673B1Operation table column for an operation table
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 MAQUET GMBH
  • EP2962673B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2962673B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2962673B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an operating table column (10) for an operating table (100), which has a base body (12) and a column head (14) to which a patient support surface (103) can be attached. The operating table column (10) also has a first linear actuator (20) and a second linear actuator (22) which can be adjusted independently of one another to change the position of the column head (14) relative to the base body (12). The first linear actuator (20) and the second linear actuator (22) are each aligned and arranged in such a way that, when activated, they each carry out an actuating movement running in the vertical direction. The first linear actuator (20) is mechanically connected to the column head (14) via a first connection area (30) and the second linear actuator (22) to the column head (14) via a second connection area (32). The column head (14) comprises a length compensation arrangement (36, 50) via which the distance between the first connection area (30) and the second connection area (32) is adjusted when the first linear actuator (20) and/or the second linear actuator (22) is adjusted. is changeable.