Medical device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical operation tables face the risk of overturning due to changes in height and inclination, and failure from excessive loads, requiring accurate measurement of center of gravity and load without significant design changes to prevent these issues.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with leg portions that include load detection means between the main body and leg portions, an extension and contraction unit, and a guide to accurately measure loads and determine the risk of overturning, using a hydraulic unit to lift or lower the table and casters, and a control device to assess the risk of failure and breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If load detection means is added to measure center of gravity and load, then safety and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load detection means is integrated into the existing extension and contraction units that are already part of the table's support structure. These units serve dual purposes: maintaining table stability during height/inclination adjustments and detecting load distribution for overturning prevention, thereby adding safety functionality without requiring completely separate detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control device utilizes the load detection data from the existing structural components to automatically determine overturning risk and issue warnings. The system self-monitors its own operational safety by processing load information already collected by the integrated sensors, eliminating the need for separate monitoring infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If load detection means is added to measure center of gravity and load, then safety and measurement precision are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension and contraction units perform both their original mechanical function of adjusting table height and inclination, and the new function of load detection. By integrating sensors into these existing components rather than adding separate detection systems, the patent achieves precise load measurement while minimizing additional manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The load detection functionality is merged with the existing support structure components. The sensors are incorporated into the extension and contraction units, combining structural support and measurement functions into single integrated assemblies, thereby reducing overall system cost compared to separate independent systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table height and inclination are freely changed, then operational versatility is improved, but the risk of overturning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors load distribution through the integrated load detection means and provides real-time feedback about overturning risk. When the center of gravity shifts to a dangerous position due to height or inclination changes, the system issues warnings to operators, enabling them to adjust the table configuration to maintain safety while preserving operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assesses overturning risk based on the current table configuration and load distribution. As the table height or inclination is adjusted, the load detection means continuously measures the changing center of gravity position, and the control device adapts its safety assessment in real-time, allowing free adjustment within safe parameters while preventing dangerous configurations
Data Source
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AI summary
Medical device capable of properly measuring a center of gravity and capable of preventing overturning of a surgical operation table is provided without performing a significant design change. Medical device S, which includes a plurality of leg portions 20 that lift up a main body 2 from a floor surface and support the main body 2, includes load detection devices 55 that are provided between the main body 2 and the respective leg portions 20, and detect loads in a vertical direction received by the leg portions 20 from the floor surface.