Surgical Table with Magnetic Fixing and X-ray Transparency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical treatment and surgical operation tables are inconvenient for emergent surgical operations due to the need to transfer patients, as they lack the necessary mobility and X-ray transparency, leading to time loss and excessive workload.

Innovation Solution

A medical treatment and surgical operation table that is freely movable in all horizontal directions and inclinable, equipped with a magnetic fixing/releasing mechanism for horizontal movement and a tooth clutch mechanism for lateral movement, allowing for smooth transitions between medical treatment and surgical operation functions while maintaining X-ray transparency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a general surgical operation table with metal frame is used, then the table provides structural strength and stability, but the metal frame obstructs X-ray transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidX-ray obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition of the table frame from metal to carbon fiber reinforced plastic, fundamentally altering the material parameters to achieve both high strength and X-ray transparency. This material substitution resolves the contradiction by providing structural integrity while allowing X-ray transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The table frame is constructed using composite materials (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) that combine the strength properties of metals with the X-ray transparency of non-metallic materials. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of mechanical strength and radiological transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a medical treatment table is used for X-ray imaging, then the table allows X-ray transmission, but the table cannot be inclined or moved vertically for surgical operations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray transmissionVSAvoidposition adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-functional table that combines both medical treatment capabilities (X-ray transparency) and surgical operation capabilities (inclination and vertical movement). The table integrates multiple functions into a single device, eliminating the need for separate treatment and surgical tables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The table incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including vertical movement capability and inclination functionality, transforming a static treatment table into a dynamic platform that can adapt to different surgical positions while maintaining X-ray transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the table is designed to be freely movable for surgical operations, then the table provides position flexibility, but the table lacks stable fixing mechanism during operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition flexibilityVSAvoidfixing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism transitions from a static design to a dynamic one, allowing the table to switch between movable and fixed states. The solenoid-actuated clamping mechanism enables the table to be freely movable during positioning and securely fixed during surgical operations, providing both flexibility and stability as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Force

If the fixing mechanism uses complex mechanical components, then the fixing force is strong, but the switching between fixing and releasing operations becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing forceVSAvoidfixing operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical fixing systems with an electromechanical system using solenoids. This substitution maintains strong fixing force through electromagnetic actuation while dramatically simplifying the operation to simple button presses, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient handling during emergent surgical operations by providing easy switching between fixing and releasing operations, ensuring safety and convenience for operators, and allowing the table to function effectively as both a medical treatment and surgical operation table.

Implementation Method 1

a first fixing/releasing means, which inhibits movement, when the table is in a horizontal position, is provided and comprises a permanent magnet and a coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a second fixing/releasing means, which inhibits lateral movement, as long as the table is tilted, is provided and comprises a tooth clutch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2792304B1Medical examination-cum-surgery table
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 MIZUHO IKA KOGYO KK
  • EP2792304B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2792304B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2792304B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A medical treatment and surgical operation table capable of functioning as a medical treatment table and a surgical operation table is provided. The medical treatment and surgical operation table 2 is provided with a table 40 which is formed of a material through which an X-ray transmits and on which a patient lays, an operation unit 10 that supports a lower side of one end portion of the table 40 and operates the table 40 so as to elevate, incline and move in all direction in a horizontal plane, and a base 5 that supports the operation unit 10. The medical treatment and surgical operation table is further provided with fixing/releasing means 65 that fixes movement of the table 40 or moves the fixed table by magnetic force.