Operating Table Pedestal Stabilizing Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table pedestals for operating tables suffer from rotational instability due to slight play in the telescopic cylinders, leading to wobbling of the patient supporting surface, which can cause operational issues during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a stabilizing guide that connects the pedestal head support to the pedestal base, coupled with a mechanical coupling device allowing pivotability and translational movement, such as a pendulum ball bearing or ball joint, to prevent twisting and seizing, thereby enhancing rigidity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a telescopic guide with fitting keys in longitudinal grooves is used to guide the pedestal head support, then the guide structure is simple and allows vertical movement, but rotational play remains causing wobbling of the patient supporting surface
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizing guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the pedestal head support and pedestal base. This stabilizing guide acts as a mediator to eliminate rotational play while preserving the vertical adjustment function of the main telescopic guide with fitting keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding function is divided into two independent parts: the main guide (telescopic cylinders with fitting keys) handles vertical movement, while the stabilizing guide (separate telescopic cylinders with fitting keys) handles rotational stability. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Ease of operation
If the entire secondary guide is moved in relation to the main guide within a predetermined plane, then adjusting movement is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and the guide may seize
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system is segmented into independent main guide and stabilizing guide components, each capable of movement along the vertical axis. This eliminates the need for complex coordinated movement of entire guide assemblies while maintaining adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing guide is designed with dynamic capability to move independently along the vertical axis, allowing it to accommodate adjustments without creating rigid constraints that would lead to seizing. This dynamic design replaces static complex linkages.
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 significantly reduces rotational play and stabilizes the patient supporting surface, ensuring greater rigidity and simplicity in construction, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the operating table, especially when used with surgical robot arms.
Implementation Method 1
coupled with a mechanical coupling device allowing pivotability and translational movement, such as a pendulum ball bearing or ball joint
Data Source
AI summary
A table pedestal for an operating table, comprising a pedestal base for connecting the table pedestal to the floor; a pedestal head support that is adjustable in height for supporting the head of the pedestal; a lifting drive for adjusting the height of the pedestal head support in relation to the base of the pedestal; a cylindrical main guide connecting the pedestal head support to the pedestal base, and serving to provide a vertical guide of the pedestal head support in its height adjustment. An additional stabilizing guide, which also connects the pedestal head support to the pedestal base and provides a vertical guide for the pedestal head support in its height adjustment, reduces the play in rotation of the main guide.