Surgical Table Rail Clamp and Brake Linkage for Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tables are difficult to adjust prior to and during surgery, which can hinder proper patient support and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus incorporating a caster with a braking element, a brake drive with a linear actuator, and a linkage that transfers motion from the linear actuator to the braking element, allowing for easy adjustment and positioning of the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a surgical table allows adjustment prior to and during surgery, then patient support and positioning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical table is divided into multiple independent adjustment segments including casters with individual braking elements, a segmented rail system with multiple clamps, and modular support components. Each segment can be adjusted independently using simple mechanisms rather than one complex centralized system, resolving the contradiction by distributing complexity across multiple simple, manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical table employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the table to transition between different states (locked and unlocked positions) easily. The braking elements on casters can be engaged or disengaged, and rail clamps can be quickly released and repositioned, enabling the table to adapt to different surgical positioning requirements without requiring permanently complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a surgical table is designed to be easily adjustable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to more adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates preliminary locking and braking mechanisms that prevent unintended movement before surgery begins. The casters have braking elements that can be engaged in advance, and the rail clamps are designed to lock securely into position, preventing accidental shifts during the surgical procedure while still allowing easy adjustment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms include visual and mechanical feedback indicators that show when clamps are properly engaged and when casters are securely braked. This feedback ensures that operators can verify the table is properly locked and stable during surgery, maintaining reliability while preserving ease of adjustment through clear status indication.
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 enables efficient and precise adjustment of the patient support apparatus, ensuring proper patient positioning and safety during surgical procedures.
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
a braking element movable from a disengaged position allowing rotation of the wheel relative to the stem to an engaged position blocking the wheel from rotation relative to the stem
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 rail clamp apparatus for clamping onto a rail of the support top is also provided.