Some functional parts of operating table and operating table

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operating table systems face challenges with sealing to prevent water and particles from entering critical components, and the emergency mode control is unstable due to software reliance, while the column guide system experiences stick-slip phenomena and high manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a sealing system using flexible bellows and gaskets to prevent ingress of unwanted substances, and a hardware-based control module for stable emergency mode operation, along with a screw-and-nut transmission and guide slider system for precise height adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a sliding guide system is used for the column guide, then the structure is simple, but it causes stick-slip phenomenon and high wear leading to gaps and lock-in-place issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguide system structureVSAvoidcolumn movement smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional sliding mechanical guide system with a rolling guide system. The rolling guide comprises a guide rail and a roller that rolls along the guide rail, substituting sliding friction with rolling friction. This eliminates the stick-slip phenomenon and reduces wear between the top column and bottom column, ensuring smooth and reliable column movement throughout the entire height range.

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

2Ease of operation

If a lifting pipe with groove is used to prevent rotary movement, then the top column can be driven vertically, but the manufacturing cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical movement controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex lifting pipe with groove structure with a screw-and-nut transmission system. The screw rod is driven by a motor to rotate, and the nut converts this rotational motion into vertical linear motion of the top column. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining precise control over vertical movement and eliminating the need for expensive groove-shaped lifting pipes.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If software-based control is used for normal operation, then the control is flexible, but the emergency mode control is unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidemergency mode stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into two independent parts: a software-based control module for normal operation that provides flexibility, and a dedicated hardware control module for emergency mode that ensures stability. The hardware module includes physical switches and relays that directly control the motor during emergencies, bypassing the software layer. This segmentation allows each control mode to use the most appropriate control method for its specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a rolling guide system is used, then wear is reduced and friction is low, but it is normally suitable for horizontal position only

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidposition applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adapts the rolling guide system for vertical application by changing the orientation parameter of the guide rail and roller assembly. The guide rail is positioned vertically along the bottom column, and the roller is configured to roll along this vertical guide rail, enabling the top column to move up and down smoothly. This parameter change allows the rolling guide system to maintain its wear-resistant and low-friction advantages while being applicable to vertical positions in the operating table.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 sealing system effectively prevents contamination, and the hardware control module ensures reliable emergency mode operation, while the guide slider system enhances stability and reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing wear and friction.

Implementation Method 1

a screw-and-nut transmission (330, 350) for moving the top column (320) in the vertical direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The guide sliders (515) are fitted on the guide rails (514) in a positive-locking manner... the guide slider system enhances stability and reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing wear and friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Implementation Method 3

proper sealing devices are required to prevent the undesired objects such as water or particles from intruding the equipment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3320887B1Some functional parts of operating table and operating table
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 TRUMPE MEDIZIN SYSTEME GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3320887B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3320887B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3320887B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an operating table, the operating table comprising a table top, a table top support (113) and a column with a column head (101), wherein the sealing device is bellows (102) assembled below the column head (101), or an adhesive (125) in a hole (116) and/or window (124) on the holder (111) of the cable, or a sealing gasket (135) between the receiver (131) and the column head (101), or a shield (143) sealingly attached to the column head (101) below the gear (142). The present disclosure further relates to control equipment, a lifting device, an intelligent charger, a column guide system for an operating table, as well as an operating table including the same.