Pinless Spine Table Catch Assembly for Secure Patient Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient support devices lack efficient mechanisms for secure and versatile attachment of patient support tops to base units, limiting mobility and adaptability during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A top-loading patient support device featuring a catch assembly with a latch mechanism and pawl assembly that securely attaches the patient support top to the base unit, allowing for easy positioning and mobility while preventing accidental detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to prevent accidental detachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a catch assembly with multiple catch holds (each having a catch body and catch arm), and a latch assembly with a latch member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving secure attachment through coordinated action of multiple simple parts rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch arms are configured to automatically engage with the connector when the patient support top is placed on the base unit. The latch member works with a spring to automatically secure the connector in the latched position without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable attachment while keeping the device simple and easy to operate.
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to prevent accidental detachment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism automatically performs the securing function through the catch arms engaging the connector and the latch member being driven to the latched position by spring force. This eliminates the need for manual locking operations, improving ease of operation while maintaining high reliability. The operator simply needs to place the support top on the base unit, and the mechanism secures itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex securing function is extracted into a dedicated latch assembly that operates independently from the main support structure. The latch member can be easily actuated to release the connector when needed, providing simple operation for both attachment and detachment while maintaining secure holding during use.
3Reliability
If multiple catch holds are used to secure the connector, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch assembly is segmented into multiple identical catch holds, each with a catch body and catch arm. This modular segmentation provides redundant security through multiple engagement points while keeping each individual catch hold simple in structure. The repetition of simple units achieves high reliability without requiring complex individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple catch holds are combined into a single integrated catch assembly that works together with one latch member. This merging allows the multiple catch arms to collectively secure the connector through a single latching action, achieving enhanced reliability while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent latching mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient support device includes a patient support top 14, a support bracket 1024 on an end support 12 configured to support the patient support top 14 , and a catch assembly 1022 that is slidably attached to the support bracket 1024 and that is operable to receive a connector 20 of the patient support top 14. The bracket including a tilt assembly for selective pivoting of the catch assembly while secured with the end support to assist selective connection with the patient support top. The catch assembly 1022 including a receptacle for receiving the connector and a latch assembly for selectively blocking removal of the connector from the receptacle the catch assembly further includes a pawl assembly 1070 for selectively engaging the support bracket 1024 at various discrete positions along the support bracket 1024.