Surgical Table Traverse Mechanism for Compact Multi-Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical tables lack a compact mechanism to adjust to various configurations, limiting their versatility due to shifting anthropometric data and the need for more flexible positioning to accommodate different patient procedures and stability requirements.
Innovation Solution
A surgical table with a tabletop traverse drive mechanism, comprising a driver, pinion gears, and a rack, allowing for movement in selected longitudinal or transverse directions, controlled by a controller that pauses at predetermined positions, enabling precise positioning and increased versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a surgical table mechanism is made more compact, then the device complexity is reduced, but the versatility in achieving various tabletop configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into two separate drive elements (first and second drive elements) that can independently engage with the traverse device. This segmentation allows each element to handle specific portions of the traversal range, enabling a compact overall mechanism design while achieving extended versatility through selective engagement of different drive elements for different tabletop configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism employs dynamic engagement and disengagement of drive elements with the traverse device. The driver can selectively engage the first drive element for movements in one direction and the second drive element for movements in another direction, allowing the compact mechanism to adaptively provide various tabletop configurations based on operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tabletop traverse mechanism is made more versatile to accommodate shifting anthropometric data, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single driver is designed to universally control both the first and second drive elements, allowing one driver to perform multiple functions. This multi-functionality enables the mechanism to achieve versatile tabletop configurations (accommodating shifting anthropometric data) without proportionally increasing the number of drivers, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The traverse device acts as an intermediary between the two drive elements and the tabletop. Both drive elements engage with this single traverse device (such as a rack), which mediates their combined effect to produce the desired tabletop movement. This intermediary approach allows versatile configurations to be achieved through a coordinated system rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
3Ease of operation
If a single driver controls both drive elements, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing precision required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is designed so that the single driver automatically manages the engagement and disengagement of the first and second drive elements with the traverse device. The driver's rotation naturally causes the drive elements to engage and disengage at appropriate points in the traversal cycle, reducing the need for complex external control systems and minimizing the manufacturing precision requirements for complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical design incorporates inherent feedback through the engagement geometry of the drive elements with the traverse device. As the driver rotates, the engagement of drive elements with the traverse device provides natural feedback on position, ensuring accurate tabletop positioning without requiring additional sensors or complex control systems, thereby balancing ease of operation with manageable manufacturing precision requirements.
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 mechanism allows for a broader range of tabletop configurations, enhancing the table's versatility and ease of use by medical staff, accommodating shifting anthropometric data and improving procedural flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the tabletop traverse drive mechanism comprises a driver, first and second drive elements that are drivable by the driver, and a traverse device that is drivable by each of the first and second drive elements
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical table includes a mechanism for causing movement of a tabletop of the table relative to a column of the table in a selected longitudinal or transverse direction of the tabletop, the mechanism including first and second drive elements movably mounted on one of the column and the tabletop and a traverse device mounted on the other of the column and the tabletop, wherein the tabletop is movable relative to the column between a predetermined traverse position, at which both of the first and second drive elements are engaged with the traverse device, and a first traverse position, at which the first drive element is engaged with the traverse device and the second drive element is disengaged from the traverse device. Also described is a system for helping a user dispose a tabletop of a table a predetermined position relative to a column of the table.