Adapter device for an operating table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for attaching additional instruments and tables to operating tables are either rigidly connected, requiring individual adjustments during table adjustments, or allow only single device attachments, making them time-consuming and impractical, especially in sterile environments where rail visibility is compromised.
Innovation Solution
An adapter device with a pivoting joint and longitudinal profile that allows multiple devices to be easily adjusted and aligned with the operating table segments, featuring a lockable hinge and adjustable locking mechanisms for secure positioning, enabling flexible and quick reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional devices are rigidly connected to the side rail, then they follow table segment position changes, but individual adjustment of each device becomes time-consuming and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple additional devices onto a single common carrier that is rigidly connected to the side rail. This merging approach allows all devices on the carrier to be adjusted simultaneously as one unit when the table segment moves, eliminating the need for individual adjustment of each device and significantly reducing adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the additional devices into groups mounted on separate carriers, each carrier being independently adjustable. This segmentation allows selective adjustment of specific device groups without moving all devices, providing both efficiency and flexibility in the adjustment process.
2Ease of operation
If clamping clamps with ball joints are used for vertical/horizontal alignment, then alignment flexibility is improved, but the ability to follow table segment position changes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the carrier can be quickly repositioned and locked at different locations along the side rail. This dynamic system allows the carrier to adapt to new positions when table segments are adjusted, maintaining both flexibility and stability without requiring permanent rigid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a carrier as an intermediary element between the side rail and the additional devices. This carrier acts as a mediator that can be independently positioned and locked, providing alignment flexibility while maintaining stable attachment to the side rail, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple additional devices are attached to segmented side rails, then adaptability to different surgical situations is improved, but maintaining clear visibility and secure attachment under sterile covers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sterile adhesive covers that can be applied to the side rail to maintain sterility. These covers are designed to be transparent or translucent, allowing the attachment features to remain visible and accessible while maintaining the sterile barrier, thus resolving the visibility issue under sterile covers.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an adapter device for releasably securing holding instruments, auxiliary instruments, instrument trolleys and the like to a side rail of an operating table, with a clamp device (1) by means of whch the adapter device can be clamped on the side rail of the operating table, a longitudinal profile (4) on which holding instruments, auxiliary instruments, instrument trolleys and the like are to be secured releasably, and a hinge (24) with at least one pivot axis (2), which hinge (24) is formed between the clamp device (1) and the longitudinal profile (4), such that the longitudinal profile (4) is pivotable relative to the clamp device (1) about the pivot axis (2) of the hinge (24).