Sliding Accessory Rail for Operating Table Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment mounting systems in medical environments often result in damage to modules during relocation and interfere with medical procedures, as they require complex and time-consuming mounting and demounting processes.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with an accessory rail that provides a horizontal sliding movement, allowing for the temporary attachment and relocation of equipment without damaging cables or disrupting medical personnel, by using a coupling system that includes a movable connection to the patient support, enabling easy reconfiguration and extended equipment range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If equipment is mounted to a rail using existing clamp systems, then the equipment can be securely attached, but the mounting and demounting process is time-consuming and may damage the modules during relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system incorporates a movable compression member that can dynamically adjust between extended and retracted positions. The compression member is spring-loaded to automatically engage with the rail when the clamp is positioned, providing secure attachment without requiring manual adjustment or complex mounting procedures. This dynamic mechanism enables quick relocation while maintaining reliable attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is relocated using existing mounting systems, then different equipment can be positioned at different locations, but the relocation process may damage the modules and impair the physician during work
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical mounting and demounting operations with a simplified clamp mechanism that uses spring-loaded compression members. The compression member automatically engages with the rail through a cam action when the clamp is positioned, eliminating the need for manual assembly/disassembly of multiple components. This reduces the risk of damage during relocation while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a clamp system is used to attach equipment to the rail, then the equipment can be firmly anchored at any position, but the clamp structure becomes complex requiring multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure. The clamp body combines the attachment portion for equipment, the compression member for rail engagement, and the spring mechanism for automatic engagement into one compact unit. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to firmly anchor equipment at any position along the rail.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to holding equipment at an operating table. In order to removably provide equipment at a patient support, a holding device (10) is provided that comprises an accessory rail (12) and at least a first portion (14) of a coupling is provided. The accessory rail is configured as an attachment interface (16) for temporal attachment of equipment (18) at a patient support (20). The accessory rail is rigidly connected to the first portion of the coupling. The first portion of the coupling is configured to provide, in interaction with a second portion (22) of the coupling, a movable connection for connecting the accessory rail to a patient support, wherein the movable connection is configured to provide a horizontal sliding movement of the accessory rail in relation to the patient support. The provision of a movable connection allows, for example, to temporarily move or even remove the accessory rail together with mounted equipment. For example, during an intervention procedure, for certain phases, the equipment is not needed or a different configuration is needed, and wider access to the patient is required. The equipment can then easily be removed and put back in place.