Surgical Table Base Thermal Management for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical tables with integrated surgical robots face thermal management challenges due to increased power consumption and heat production, which can lead to unacceptable surface and internal temperatures, compromising safety and performance standards.
Innovation Solution
The surgical table base is designed with a thermal management system that includes a cover and sidewalls constructed from materials with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, and incorporates features like internal fans, passive heat transfer elements, and increased surface areas to efficiently dissipate waste heat, preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation of electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power electronics are integrated into the surgical table base, then functionality and power capability are improved, but heat generation increases causing thermal management problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the traditional sealed enclosure concept and implements it through dedicated thermal management components including heat sinks, thermal conduits, and airflow channels that actively remove heat from the power electronics while maintaining the sealed enclosure for IP65 protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal intermediaries including thermal paste, heat sinks, and thermal conduits that mediate between the heat-generating power electronics and the external environment, enabling heat transfer while maintaining the sealed enclosure structure
2Reliability
If sealed enclosures are used to prevent water ingress, then protection against water spray is improved, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the sealed enclosure (providing IP65 protection) contains the power electronics, while thermal management components (heat sinks, thermal conduits) are integrated within this sealed space, and airflow channels are nested through the enclosure structure to enable heat dissipation without compromising the seal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the base enclosure into functional zones including sealed compartments for electronics, dedicated heat dissipation pathways, and airflow channels, allowing each zone to optimize its function while maintaining overall water protection
3Adaptability or versatility
If high power electronics are housed in the base, then surgical robot integration is improved, but surface temperature of the base increases beyond safe limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating heat dissipation resources (heat sinks, thermal conduits, airflow channels) specifically at the power electronics locations within the base, while the overall base structure maintains uniform temperature distribution and stays below the 45°C surface temperature limit for patient safety
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 solution effectively manages waste heat from power electronics, maintaining safe surface and internal temperatures, ensuring reliable operation of surgical robots and compliance with safety standards, even under conditions like water spray tests.
Implementation Method 1
The cover of the base of the surgical table can be constructed of aluminum or similar material having a thermal conductivity of at least 200 W/m K. In some embodiments described herein, a side wall of the base of the surgical table can be constructed of aluminum or similar material having a thermal conductivity of at least 200 W/m K.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments described herein relate to a surgical table, specifically a base of a surgical table. The surgical table can be adapted to include and/or be coupled to a surgical robot. The base of the surgical table can form an enclosure including a cover and a bottom. Electronic components (e.g., power electronics associated with the surgical robot) can be disposed within the enclosure. In some embodiments described herein, the cover of the base of the surgical table can be constructed of aluminum or similar material having a thermal conductivity of at least 200 W/m K. In some embodiments described herein, a side wall of the base of the surgical table can be constructed of aluminum or similar material having a thermal conductivity of at least 200 W/m K. Other embodiments described herein describe various other solutions for thermal management of electronic components.