Surgical Table Sweep Assembly for Cable-Clearing Caster Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical tables with caster wheels can damage or tangle with cables and cords on the ground, hindering movement and posing risks in a surgical environment.

Innovation Solution

An obstacle clearing device with a sweep housing and bristles that slide within a track system, preventing cables and impediments from obstructing the movement of surgical tables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If caster wheels are added to surgical tables for movement, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to cable damage and tangling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement of surgical tableVSAvoidcable damage and tangling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cable guard assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the caster wheel and the cable. The guard includes a body positioned near the wheel and a flexible deflecting member that actively redirects the cable away from the wheel's path, preventing contact while allowing the wheel to move freely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable guard extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the cable run, creating a three-dimensional protective structure. The deflecting member can move in multiple directions to accommodate cable positioning while maintaining protection, adding spatial dimensions to the solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cables are placed on the ground for equipment operation, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to obstruction and tangling risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable routing flexibilityVSAvoidunimpeded movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable guard incorporates a movable deflecting member that can dynamically adjust its position. The deflecting member is biased by a spring or elastomeric element to return to a protective position, but can be displaced when needed, providing adaptive protection that responds to operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guard design allows for adjustment of the deflecting member's position and orientation. The flexible nature of the deflecting member enables it to accommodate different cable positions and wheel movement patterns, changing its protective parameters dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3592612B1Device for unimpeded movement of surgical table

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 CLEAR PATH LLC

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AI summary

A device for removing obstructions impeding movement of a piece of equipment is disclosed. The device includes a sweep housing securely holding at least part of a rectangular sweep. A bristle portion of the sweep extends downward and away from the sweep housing, and includes a plurality of bristles. The sweep housing is made up of an inside bracket, which mounts to the surgical table by an adhesive strip or other means, and an outside bracket which comprises a thumbscrew or other locking mechanisms for securing the sweep housing and sweep in a fixed position with respect to each other. When an operator mounts the device, obstructions are pushed away from castors on the base of the surgical table by the one or more bristles.