Operating Table Safety System with Load Sensor Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operating tables face challenges in safely managing patient load and movement restrictions, leading to risks of tipping, overloading, and collisions, due to the complexity of configuring accessories and segments, which can result in injuries or equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
An operating table equipped with a load sensor arrangement that measures forces and torques, providing real-time feedback and warnings through a safety unit to prevent tipping and overload, and a system for identifying and managing secondary support surface sections to avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating table is configured with multiple interchangeable segments and accessories to increase flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases and safety risks arise from improper configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support surface is divided into multiple interchangeable segments (head section, leg section, intermediate sections) that can be independently configured. Each segment can be detached and repositioned to create different positioning configurations, enabling adaptability while managing complexity through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable segments are designed with universal interfaces that allow the same basic components to serve multiple functions in different positions and combinations. The control system provides universal monitoring and restriction management across all segment configurations, reducing the need for configuration-specific procedures.
2Reliability
If movement restrictions are imposed on the patient support surface to prevent tipping and overloading, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited adjustment freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the actual configuration of interchangeable segments and patient load, comparing it against pre-stored stability data. Movement restrictions are dynamically adjusted based on real-time feedback about the current configuration, allowing maximum freedom of movement within safe limits while automatically preventing dangerous movements.
Solution Approach 2:
Stability data and movement restrictions are pre-calculated and stored in the control system for various configurations of interchangeable segments. Before the user attempts to move the support surface, the system has already determined the appropriate restrictions based on the detected configuration, eliminating the need for manual safety calculations and enabling intuitive operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the control system monitors and enforces movement restrictions based on patient weight and configuration, then the harmful factors are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically detects the configuration of interchangeable segments through sensors and RFID tags, retrieves the appropriate stability data, and configures movement restrictions without user intervention. The system self-monitors patient load via integrated scales and automatically adjusts restrictions, eliminating the need for manual safety checks and reducing operational complexity despite enhanced monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical mechanical limits and manual safety checks are replaced with an electronic control system that uses sensors, RFID communication, and software algorithms to monitor configuration and enforce movement restrictions. This substitution allows for more sophisticated safety monitoring while providing a user experience similar to simple mechanical systems through automated decision-making.
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 ensures safe patient handling by preventing tipping and overloading, reducing the risk of injuries and equipment damage, while simplifying the configuration process by providing real-time feedback and automatic movement restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor arrangement which measures forces and torques
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining and displaying restrictions on the operation of an operating table, comprising a patient support surface (600) for fastening on an operating table column of an operating table, a display unit (607) for displaying information about restrictions on the operation of the operating table, and an evaluation unit (606) which determines restrictions on the operation of the operating table based on at least the identification and/or configuration of the patient support surface (600) and displays the restrictions on the display unit (607) before the patient is placed on the patient support surface (600).