Robotic Operation Table with Retractable Arm for Hybrid OR Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operation tables in hybrid operating rooms require manual movement, which can lead to safety issues due to human error, such as forgetting to apply the brake, and cause interference with peripheral medical equipment, leading to entanglement and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A robotic operation table equipped with a robot arm having multiple degrees of freedom, allowing for precise movement and positioning of the table without manual intervention, ensuring safety and minimizing interference with medical equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual movement of the operation table is used, then the table can be moved to different positions, but safety issues occur due to human error such as forgetting to apply the brake
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automatic braking control. The control unit automatically activates the brake mechanism when the robot arm completes table movement, eliminating the need for manual brake application and preventing human error-related safety issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring the table position and movement status. The control unit receives feedback from sensors about table position and automatically adjusts the brake application timing, ensuring safety without requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If manual movement of the operation table is used, then the table can be repositioned, but interference with peripheral medical equipment occurs leading to entanglement and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robot arm system. The robot arm, controlled by a control unit, mechanically transfers the table between positions with precision, eliminating the vibrations and entanglement issues associated with manual movement and cable management.
3Reliability
If a robot arm is used to move the table, then safety is improved by eliminating human error, but the robot arm may interfere with peripheral devices when protruding from storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to change its configuration between a protruding state (for table movement) and a retracted state (for storage). This dynamic adaptation reduces interference with peripheral devices when not in use while maintaining safety during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot arm utilizes vertical space by extending upward from the storage space rather than only horizontal space. This dimensional change allows the arm to achieve the necessary movement range without increasing horizontal footprint, reducing interference with peripheral medical devices.
4Area of stationary object
If the robot arm is stored in the storage space under the table, then workspace is cleared, but the arm cannot perform movement functions
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm transitions dynamically between stored and operational configurations. During surgical procedures, the arm retracts into the storage space under the table to clear the workspace. When table repositioning is needed, the arm extends to perform movement functions, thus achieving both workspace clearance and movement capability at different times.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more embodiments of an operation table may include a table on which a patient is to be placed; a base fixed on a floor; and a robot arm comprising joints, a first end supported by the base, and a second end supporting the table, wherein the robot arm takes a first posture in which the robot arm is stored in a storage space that is a space under the table when the table is positioned at a first position, and the robot arm moves the table to a second position which is away from the first position by taking a second posture in which at least part of the robot arm horizontally protrudes from the storage space.