Surgical tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tables lack the ability to adjust to a wide range of heights with a low minimum operating height, accommodate large patient loads, and provide tilting and trending functionality while maintaining a compact column footprint.
Innovation Solution
A surgical table with a telescoping column mechanism featuring a two-stage synchronised leadscrew actuator, recirculating ball-type linear guides, and a movable framework that allows for adjustable height, tilting, and trending capabilities, supported by stabilizers and twist-resisting mechanisms to maintain stability and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the column is made telescoping with extendable sections to achieve a wide operating range, then the height adjustment range is improved, but the minimum operating height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The column employs a telescoping structure with nested sections where inner column sections are housed within outer column sections. When retracted, the column achieves a compact minimum height with all sections nested together. When extended, the inner sections slide outward to provide extended height adjustment range, resolving the contradiction between wide operating range and low minimum height.
2Strength
If the column and actuator mechanisms are made larger to support heavy loads and provide wide tilt/trend functionality, then the load-bearing capacity and movement range are improved, but the column footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanisms are positioned along the longitudinal axis of the column rather than radiating outward, utilizing the length dimension to accommodate motor assemblies and drive mechanisms. This linear arrangement allows heavy-duty actuators to be integrated without increasing the column's cross-sectional footprint, maintaining a compact circular profile while supporting heavy loads and providing tilt/trend functionality.
3Length of stationary object
If the column is made shorter to achieve low minimum operating height, then the minimum height is improved, but the operating range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The column transitions from a static structure to a dynamic telescoping system where the length can be varied between minimum and maximum positions. The telescoping mechanism allows the column to be compact when retracted for low minimum height, then extend dynamically during operation to provide the full operating range needed for various surgical procedures.
4Area of stationary object
If the column and mechanisms are compacted to minimize footprint, then the base dimensions are improved, but the stability and load-bearing capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into multiple segmented sections that can be individually optimized. The upper column sections can be compact to minimize footprint, while the lower base section incorporates the actuator mechanisms and provides the structural foundation for stability. This segmentation allows the base to be compact yet stable by concentrating the heavy-duty support structures at the bottom while keeping the upper portions slender.
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 a surgical table with a low minimum operating height, wide height adjustment range, and robust tilting/trending functionality, capable of supporting heavy loads while minimizing the column's footprint and ensuring ergonomic positioning for surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
recirculating ball-type linear guides
Implementation Method 2
two-stage synchronised leadscrew actuator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A surgical table comprising: a base for standing on a floor; a column of adjustable height mounted on and extending from the base; a tabletop providing a patient support surface, the tabletop being mounted on the column, wherein the column comprises a plurality of column elements which form a telescoping assembly, the plurality of column elements comprising an outer column element, an inner column element, with the outer column element externally surrounding the inner column element and defining an external surface of the column when the column elements are telescoped into a contracted configuration, and an intermediate column element between the outer column element and the inner column element, a cable management system fitted to the column, the cable management system comprising a first flexible cable guide having a first end portion fitted, directly or indirectly, to the base and a second end portion fitted, directly or indirectly, to the intermediate column element and a second flexible cable guide having has a first end portion fitted, directly or indirectly, to the intermediate column element and a second end portion fitted, directly or indirectly, to the outer column element.