Operating Table Column With Dual Linear Actuators for Rigid Tilt Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operating table columns have complex mechanical constructions that compromise rigidity and freedom from play, particularly due to the interference between tilt and swing functions, and require extensive construction space and additional mechanical connections.

Innovation Solution

An operating table column design featuring two independent linear actuators that allow for vertical motion, connected to the column head through a length adjustment assembly, enabling adjustable tilt, swing, and height without additional mechanical connections, simplifying the construction and eliminating the need for complex coverings like bellows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical constructions with multiple actuators and connections are used, then the operating table column can achieve tilt and swing adjustments, but the construction becomes complex and requires extensive space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment rangeVSAvoidmechanical construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating table column is divided into independent functional modules: a basic body, a column head, and two independently controllable linear actuators. Each actuator handles specific adjustment tasks (tilt and swing) separately, eliminating the need for complex interconnected mechanical systems while maintaining full adjustability functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two linear actuators serve multiple functions simultaneously - they control both tilt and swing adjustments of the column head, and can also adjust the height of the operating table. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each adjustment type, simplifying the overall construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If rotatable tilt cylinders are used for tilt adjustment, then tilt function is achieved, but rigidity and freedom from play are adversely influenced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilt adjustment capabilityVSAvoidrigidity and freedom from play

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional rotatable tilt cylinder mechanism is replaced with a linear actuator that produces purely linear motion. This substitution eliminates the rotational joints and complex mechanical linkages that cause play and reduce rigidity, while still achieving the required tilt adjustment capability through controlled linear displacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If kinematic coupling between swing and tilt functions is implemented, then space is reduced, but interference between functions occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction spaceVSAvoidfunction independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The swing and tilt functions are segmented into independent control systems with separate linear actuators. Each actuator operates independently without kinematic coupling to the other, eliminating functional interference while maintaining compact construction through optimized spatial arrangement of the independent components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If additional mechanical connections are added for torque transmission, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidnumber of mechanical connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The function of torque transmission is extracted and consolidated into the two linear actuators themselves, which are directly capable of transmitting the necessary forces and torques for tilt and swing adjustments. This eliminates the need for additional separate mechanical connection elements, maintaining structural stability while reducing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10383779B2Operating table column for an operating table

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 MAQUET GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to an operating table column (10) for an operating table (100), said operating table column comprising a basic body (12) and a column head (14) to which a patient support (103) may be connected. Further, the operating table column (10) comprises a first linear actuator (20) and a second linear actuator (22) which are independently adjustable for changing the position of the column head (14) relative to the basic body (12). The first linear actuator (20) and the second linear actuator (22) each are oriented and arranged so as to perform an actuating motion in vertical direction when activated. The first linear actuator (20) is mechanically connected to the column head (14) via a first connecting area (30), and the second linear actuator (22) is mechanically connected to the column head (14) via a second connecting area (32). The column head (14) comprises a length adjustment assembly (36, 50) through which the distance between the first connecting area (30) and the second connecting area (32) is changeable during an actuating motion of the first linear actuator (20) and/or the second linear actuator (22).