Surgical Headrest Independent Pivoting Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headrests for operating tables are complex due to integrated gear mechanisms, requiring significant space and allowing only simultaneous and synchronous operation of holding elements, making precise adjustment to the head shape or position difficult, especially when the patient's head is not centered.

Innovation Solution

The headrest features individually articulated holding elements with displaceable sliding pieces and end stops, allowing independent pivoting and secure positioning without a coupling gear, along with adjustable fastening straps for secure helmet-like support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a gear mechanism is integrated into the headrest to couple the two holding elements, then the holding elements can be operated simultaneously and synchronously, but the structure becomes complex and requires significant space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous and synchronous operation of holding elementsVSAvoidstructure complexity due to gear mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest is divided into two independently operable holding elements (first holding element and second holding element) that can be adjusted separately without mechanical coupling. Each holding element has its own articulation point and adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for a gear train while maintaining the ability to position both elements as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a gear mechanism is integrated into the headrest to couple the two holding elements, then the holding elements can be operated simultaneously and synchronously, but the headrest requires a not inconsiderable amount of space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous and synchronous operation of holding elementsVSAvoidspace required by headrest
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling gear mechanism is completely removed from the headrest design. The two holding elements are articulated independently on the support element without any mechanical coupling between them, eliminating the space-consuming gear train while preserving the functional capability to position both holding elements for secure head support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If both holding elements are coupled by a gear mechanism, then they rotate synchronously, but precise adjustment to the head shape is difficult or impossible when the patient's head is not centered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronous rotation of holding elementsVSAvoidadjustment precision to head shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holding elements are made dynamically adjustable with independent articulation, allowing each element to be positioned separately according to the actual head position and shape. This dynamic independence enables precise adaptation to various head configurations, including off-center positions, while maintaining overall system stability through coordinated positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3449888B1Head support for a surgical table
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 SCHMITZ & SOEHNE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3449888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3449888B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3449888B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a headrest for operating tables comprising an arc-shaped support element (2) for supporting the back of a patient's head and a first and a second retaining element (4, 5) for lateral contact with the patient's head, wherein the two retaining elements (4, 5) are pivotable relative to the support element (2), and wherein at least one fastening strap (19, 20) is provided for connecting the front end regions of the two retaining elements (4, 5) and for contact with the front head region of the patient. It is provided that the first and the second retaining element (4, 5) are each pivotably mounted on the support element (2) about a first and second axis of rotation (6, 7), respectively, and the pivoting path of each retaining element (4, 5) in its pivoted position is limited by an end stop (8, 9) arranged on the outside of the support element (2).