Single-Handle Surgical Table Brake Linkage for Precise Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical tables and other patient support apparatuses are often difficult to adjust prior to and during surgery, which can hinder proper patient positioning and stability.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus featuring a caster with a brake drive and linkage system that allows for easy adjustment and locking of the table, enabling precise positioning and movement of patients during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a surgical table uses a traditional brake system with multiple handles or complex mechanisms, then the braking and positioning function is reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple brake controls into a single integrated handle mechanism. The unlock handle simultaneously controls the release of both casters through a shared linkage system, eliminating the need for separate brake handles or complex independent control mechanisms for each caster.
Solution Approach 2:
The single unlock handle serves multiple functions: it releases both casters from their braked positions, allows the table to be moved, and can be re-engaged to secure the table in position. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall brake system while maintaining comprehensive control over table mobility.
2Ease of operation
If a surgical table uses a single-handle unlock system, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of braking function may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is segmented into independent caster-brake units, each with its own braking mechanism and linkage connection. This segmentation ensures that if one caster's brake fails to engage properly, the other caster remains secured, maintaining overall system reliability while allowing simple single-handle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system provides mechanical feedback to the operator through the handle position and resistance felt during operation. When casters are properly engaged or disengaged, the handle encounters characteristic resistance changes that confirm the braking state, ensuring reliable operation without requiring complex electronic sensors or additional controls.
3Measurement precision
If a surgical table requires precise positioning during surgery, then the positioning precision improves, but the time required for adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The casters are pre-configured with spring-loaded braking mechanisms that automatically engage when the table is stationary and release uniformly when the unlock handle is operated. This preliminary preparation of the braking system eliminates the need for manual adjustment of individual brake components during positioning, enabling quick and precise table placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system transitions dynamically between locked and unlocked states through the linkage mechanism. The spring-loaded design allows for rapid state changes, and the linkage ensures synchronized movement of both casters, enabling the table to be quickly repositioned and precisely secured without time-consuming manual adjustments.
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 system facilitates smooth and controlled adjustments of the patient support apparatus, ensuring stable and precise positioning of patients, thereby enhancing surgical efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The brake drive may include a mount and a linear actuator coupled to the mount. The linear actuator may move from a retracted position to an extended position relative to the mount.
Implementation Method 2
The linkage may include a spring coupled to the shaft and the mount. The spring may be configured to move the shaft when the shaft is released from the linear actuator by the release assembly.
Implementation Method 3
The pivot connector may be coupled to the shaft for movement about a connector axis. The pivot connector may be coupled to the braking element of the caster to convert linear motion from the linear actuator into rotating motion applied to the braking element.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical patient support includes a foundation frame, a support top, and a brake system. The foundation frame includes a first column and a second column. The support top is coupled to the first column and the second column for rotation about a top axis extending along the length of the support top. A single-handle unlock for the support top is also provided.