Operating Table Load Sensor Assembly for Tipping Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating tables lack effective mechanisms to prevent tipping and overloading, leading to potential injuries and equipment damage due to inadequate load management and collision detection, which can result in patient falls, structural damage, and restricted mobility.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a load sensor assembly with multiple load sensors between non-moving parts of the operating table to measure and transmit loads, coupled with a safety unit that generates warnings and restricts movements to prevent tipping and overloading, using load determination and safety signal generation to ensure patient safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple load sensors are integrated into the operating table structure, then load monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple load sensors are integrated into a single load sensor assembly that is incorporated into the operating table structure. The assembly combines multiple sensing elements (first, second, third, and fourth load sensors) into one unified component that monitors loads at different locations simultaneously, improving reliability while managing complexity through systematic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The load sensor assembly serves multiple functions: it monitors patient weight, detects center of gravity position, identifies tipping risks, and prevents overloading. By making the load monitoring system multi-functional, the patent improves overall system reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single assembly performs multiple safety-critical tasks.
2Measurement precision
If load sensor assembly is integrated between non-moving parts, then measurement stability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating table is divided into non-moving structural parts (such as the column and base) where the load sensor assembly is integrated. By segmenting the table into fixed and movable portions, the patent achieves stable load measurements from the fixed components while maintaining the operational flexibility of the movable patient support surface and other adjustable elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The load sensor assembly acts as an intermediary element between the non-moving structural parts of the operating table. It is integrated into the structure in such a way that it measures loads transmitted through the rigid framework without interfering with the adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining measurement stability while preserving ease of operation through proper mechanical design.
3Reliability
If safety unit generates warnings and restricts movements, then patient safety is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety unit implements preliminary anti-action by generating warnings and restricting movements before dangerous situations occur. The load sensor assembly continuously monitors loads, and when threshold values are approached or exceeded, the system proactively alerts operators and limits further adjustments, preventing tipping or overloading before they can compromise patient safety, thereby avoiding catastrophic failures that would halt productivity entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety unit provides continuous feedback to operators about the current load status and safety margins. By monitoring load signals from the sensor assembly and communicating status information, the system enables operators to make informed decisions about patient positioning and table adjustments, maintaining productivity through guided operation while ensuring safety through real-time monitoring and warning mechanisms.
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 solution effectively prevents tipping and overloading by providing real-time load monitoring and safety alerts, reducing the risk of accidents and equipment damage while ensuring stable operation of the operating table.
Implementation Method 1
The load sensor assembly is designed to measure at least one variable, i.e., precisely one or more variables, from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly can be determined. The load sensors can be, for example, force sensors, in particular load cells, which each measure a force acting on the respective sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
Operating table (100) comprising a load sensor assembly (102) having multiple load sensors for measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor assembly (102) can be determined, wherein the load sensor assembly (102) is arranged between at least two parts of the operating table (100), and wherein the at least two parts are substantially non movable in relation to one another. The load sensors may be arranged in a shared common plane. Output from the sensors can be used to prevent tipping or overloading of the operating table or portions of the operating table.