Overhead Supply Unit Collision Avoidance in Surgical Suites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collision prevention systems for overhead assemblies in surgical suites are inadequate in detecting and preventing collisions with objects within the movement path of supply units, which can lead to potential hazards during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A collision prevention system for overhead assemblies in surgical suites, equipped with sensors to detect objects, a controller to monitor and communicate with an alert device, and a braking system to prevent collisions by adjusting the movement path of the supply unit, providing visual and auditory alerts to guide the user to avoid obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors and controllers are added to detect and prevent collisions, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects objects in the movement path before the supply unit actually collides with them, and the controller pre-calculates alternate paths to avoid the detected objects. This preliminary detection and path planning prevents collisions before they occur, improving safety without requiring complex real-time collision response mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the movement path using sensors and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts the supply unit's trajectory in real-time. The alert device provides visual feedback to users about detected objects and suggested alternate paths, creating a closed-loop control system that improves collision prevention while maintaining manageable complexity through iterative adjustment rather than complex predictive modeling.
2Reliability
If the supply unit movement is restricted to prevent collisions, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the supply unit's movement path based on real-time sensor detection of objects in the environment. Rather than using fixed restrictions, the controller continuously modifies the trajectory to avoid detected objects while still allowing the supply unit to reach its destination, maintaining both safety and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The alert device serves as an intermediary between the sensor detection system and the user, providing visual guidance about detected objects and suggesting alternate paths. This intermediary layer translates complex sensor data into simple directional guidance for users, maintaining ease of operation while enabling sophisticated collision avoidance capabilities.
3Reliability
If alternate paths are calculated and provided, then collision prevention is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates only the necessary portion of alternate paths needed to avoid detected objects, rather than computing all possible paths. The system provides just enough path adjustment information through the alert device to guide users safely around obstacles, minimizing computation time while maintaining adequate collision prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of objects in potential movement paths before the supply unit begins moving. By detecting obstacles in advance and pre-calculating alternate paths before movement commences, the system minimizes time loss during actual operation while maintaining thorough collision prevention capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A collision prevention system (10) for a surgical suite (46) includes a supply unit (22) adjustable along a movement path (38) from an initial position to a subsequent position within the surgical suite (46). A sensor (18) is operably coupled to the supply unit (22). The sensor (18) is configured to sense an object (30) proximate to the supply unit (22). A controller (26) is communicatively coupled with the sensor (18). The controller (26) monitors the object (30) sensed by the sensor (18). An alert device (34) is communicatively coupled with the controller (26). The alert device (34) provides a notification (114) when the object (30) is sensed within the movement path (38) and provides a prevention indicator (126) corresponding to an alternate path (130).