Radiolucent Cantilevered Surgical Table Support for X-Ray Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metallic frameworks in traditional surgical tables interfere with x-ray imaging during surgery, limiting imaging access and creating compatibility issues across different surgical platforms due to varied accessory dimensions and standards.
Innovation Solution
A radiolucent cantilevered support system for surgical tables, featuring beams made of carbon-fiber composite material, which extends outwardly from the main deck to provide unobstructed imaging access and secure patient support accessories, allowing 360-degree imaging while transferring load directly to the deck, thus minimizing interference with imaging equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metallic framework is used in surgical tables, then structural strength and stability are improved, but x-ray imaging access is blocked due to metallic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by constructing the surgical table framework using radiolucent materials such as carbon fiber composites instead of traditional metals. This allows the framework to maintain structural strength while being transparent to x-rays, enabling imaging access during surgery without metallic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the framework from metallic to radiolucent materials. This parameter change transforms the framework's interaction with x-rays from blocking to transparent, while maintaining mechanical integrity through appropriate material selection and structural design.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional metallic accessory rails are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but x-ray imaging is interfered with due to metallic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional metallic accessory rails with radiolucent composite materials. These composite rails maintain the structural functionality and ease of manufacturing associated with metal rails while eliminating x-ray interference, allowing imaging during procedures involving accessories.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cantilevered support structure is used to extend patient support, then patient positioning flexibility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the patient support system into modular components including the main table, extendable cantilevered sections, and separate accessory mounting platforms. This segmentation allows flexible positioning of different sections while keeping each component relatively simple in design, reducing overall structural complexity compared to a fully integrated custom design.
Data Source
AI summary
A support 56, 256, 356 for use with a surgical table 40, 140, 240, 340, 400 includes a first radiolucent beam 58, 258, 464 having a longitudinal axis and a second radiolucent beam 59, 259, 466 having a longitudinal axis. The first beam 58, 258, 464 and second beam 59, 259, 466 are each coupled to the deck 52, 252, 352 and extend outwardly therefrom in a cantilevered configuration.