Surgical Table Connector Hook Lock Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical tables require improved mechanisms for connecting and locking tabletop sections, as well as easier manipulation during transport and connection/disconnection, to enhance versatility and patient support configurations.
Innovation Solution
A tabletop section with a connector featuring a hook and lock pin mechanism that allows adjustable locking and easy handling, including handle portions and a switch for moving the lock pin to change the blocking degree, facilitating secure connection and disconnection, and enabling efficient transport and configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock pin mechanism is used to secure tabletop sections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin is nested within the connector assembly, allowing it to move between locked and unlocked positions within the same structural envelope. This nesting approach provides reliable locking without adding external complexity to the connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows the lock pin to automatically engage with the receiving opening when sections are connected, providing self-locking functionality. This reduces the need for additional manual locking mechanisms while maintaining connection reliability.
2Strength
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions, allowing dynamic transition between secure connection and easy disconnection. This dynamic element enables strong locking when engaged while maintaining ease of operation through simple pin movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional elements: the lock pin for securing, the opening for engagement, and the receiving structure. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently - the lock pin provides strength while its separate positioning maintains ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tabletop sections are made detachable for versatility, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design with standardized hook and lock pin mechanism can be used across different tabletop section configurations. This universal connector type allows various sections to be detached and reattached in different arrangements, providing versatility while maintaining consistent ease of operation through repeated use of the same mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Tabletop section for a surgical table, the tabletop section including a first connector for connecting the tabletop section to a second tabletop section, the first connector having a hook disposed around a space and defining an opening into the space, and a lock pin for locking the connector to the second tabletop section, the lock pin being movable relative to the hook to change a degree to which the lock pin blocks the opening. The tabletop section has a center of mass between first and second handle portions thereof.