Operating Table RFID Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating table systems face challenges in preventing collisions between table elements and accessories due to the inability to recognize changes in accessory configurations, leading to potential collisions and contamination issues with mechanical or electrical contact-based detection methods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a radio identification element in accessories and a radio reading device connected to the operating table's storage and control device, which determines and adjusts the virtual collision-free movement space based on the identified accessory, ensuring contactless detection and adaptation to new accessories without hygiene concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If mechanical or electrical contact-based detection methods are used to identify accessories, then accessory detection capability is improved, but hygiene is compromised due to contamination risks from disinfectants and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical and electrical contact-based detection systems with a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The reading device uses electromagnetic fields to communicate with identification elements in accessories without physical contact, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radio frequency electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the reading device and accessory identification elements. This intermediary enables information transfer without direct contact, solving the hygiene problem while preserving detection functionality.
2Reliability
If a fixed virtual movement space is predefined for a specific accessory configuration, then collision prevention is improved for that configuration, but adaptability to changed accessory configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the virtual movement space dynamic by linking it to the currently detected accessory configuration through RFID identification. When accessories are added, removed, or changed, the system automatically updates the movement space boundaries, maintaining collision prevention while adapting to new configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors accessory configurations via RFID reading and provides feedback to the control device, which then adjusts the virtual movement space parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures collision prevention remains effective despite configuration changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If radio identification elements are integrated into accessories with a reading device on the operating table, then adaptability to accessory changes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification functionality from complex mechanical or electrical contact systems and implements it through simple RFID tags in accessories and a reading device integrated into the operating table. This extraction reduces overall system complexity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID reading device serves multiple functions: identifying accessory types, detecting accessory presence, and triggering appropriate control parameter adjustments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 effectively prevents collisions by dynamically adjusting the movement space based on newly coupled accessories, maintaining hygiene standards and expanding the system's functional scope by preventing impermissible combinations.
Implementation Method 1
the operating table has a radio reading device which is set up to read out the identification data element from the radio identification element of the respectively coupled accessory
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The system has a control device to enable displacement of operating table elements and an accessory (2) only within a virtual collision-free movement space. A radio identification data element (8) stores an identification data element related to the accessory. A radio reading device (7) reads the identification data element and is connected with a memory device and the control device, where the accessories of the memory- and control devices are determined again and stored in the virtual collision-free movement space as a function of the read identification data element. The radio identification element is configured as passive radio identification element such as passive transponder.