Coordinated Surgery Table Frame for Fixed-Site Patient Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgery tables lack the necessary versatility and precision to accommodate various patient positions required for spinal and other surgical procedures, such as prone, supine, and lateral decubitus, while also being compatible with fluoroscope imaging and durable enough for diverse surgical needs.
Innovation Solution
A surgery table with a hinged frame and positioning mechanisms that allow for adjustable orientation, including Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions, lateral tilt, and flexion/extension, using motors, worm gears, and cycloidal gears, with a controller and sensors to coordinate movements and maintain a fixed surgical site, enabling precise patient positioning compatible with C-Arm or O-Arm fluoroscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a surgery table uses independent power driven gears to adjust position, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent positioning functions (Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, lateral tilt, flexion/extension) into a single integrated table structure with coordinated motion control. Instead of using separate independent mechanisms for each function, the invention employs a unified mechanical system where movement in one degree of freedom is mechanically linked to others, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation through coordinated automatic adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If a surgery table uses hydraulic cylinders for head and foot end adjustment, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic cylinder mechanisms with a mechanically integrated system using gears, linkages, and hinged connections. The positioning precision is achieved through mechanical advantage and geometric constraints inherent in the table's structure, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic systems while maintaining accurate positioning capability for head and foot end adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a surgery table uses multiple independent frames with linear movement systems, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal table structure that can perform multiple surgical positioning functions (prone, supine, lateral decubitus positions, various tilts and flexions) through a single integrated mechanism. The table's hinged frame and coordinated motion system provide adaptability for diverse surgical procedures without requiring multiple separate frames or complex independent movement systems for each function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The table provides reliable and accurate positioning for multiple surgical procedures, maintaining a fixed surgical site during movements, ensuring compatibility with fluoroscope imaging and durability for various surgical demands.
Implementation Method 1
motor-driven worm and cycloidal gears
Implementation Method 2
motor-driven worm and cycloidal gears
Data Source
AI summary
A surgery table utilizing first and second hinged supports that form a frame supporting a patient. First and second connectors hold the first and second supports to first and second piers. Each pier is formed with a base with a linked positioning mechanism for each connector and support member. Each positioning mechanism utilizes a column and a first arm having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The first arm proximal portion is axially rotatable relative to the first column. The second arm possesses a proximal portion and a distal portion such that the second arm proximal portion is axially rotatable relative to the distal portion of the first arm. The second arm distal portion links to the frame connector. A controller determines the axial rotation of the proximal portions of the first and second arms to determine an overall configuration of the frame.