Surgical Table Traverse Mechanism for Wider Tabletop Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical tables face challenges in providing a compact and versatile mechanism to adjust the tabletop configurations due to shifting anthropometric data, necessitating a more efficient mechanism for positioning the tabletop relative to the column in various directions to accommodate diverse patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A tabletop traverse drive mechanism comprising a driver, first and second drive elements, and a traverse device, allowing movement of the tabletop relative to the column in selected longitudinal or transverse directions, with a controller to manage the positions and pause times, enhancing the table's versatility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single drive element mechanism is used, then the mechanism is simpler, but the tabletop cannot achieve broader positioning range and versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into multiple drive elements (first and second drive elements) that can independently engage with the traverse device. This segmentation allows the tabletop to achieve broader positioning range by engaging different drive elements for different positions, while each individual drive element remains relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The traverse device is designed to be universally engaged by multiple drive elements, allowing a single traverse device to serve multiple positioning functions. This multi-functionality approach increases versatility without proportionally increasing overall mechanism complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive elements are added to increase versatility, then the tabletop can be positioned in more configurations, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drive elements are merged into a single integrated traverse device structure. The first and second drive elements work together with the traverse device as a unified system, allowing complex positioning capabilities to be achieved through coordinated action rather than separate independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism is designed to be dynamically configurable, where the controller can selectively engage different drive elements based on the desired tabletop position. This dynamic engagement allows the system to adapt its complexity to the specific task at hand, using only the necessary drive elements for each positioning requirement.
3Volume of moving object
If the tabletop traverse mechanism is made more compact, then the table is more space-efficient, but the mechanism may have increased wear and reduced smoothness of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The drive elements and traverse device are arranged in a nested or space-efficient configuration where components are closely integrated. The first and second drive elements are positioned to engage the traverse device in a compact arrangement, reducing the overall volume of the traverse mechanism while maintaining adequate clearance for smooth operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The traverse device acts as an intermediary between the drive elements and the tabletop, providing a smooth engagement interface. This intermediary structure distributes the mechanical interaction across multiple contact points, reducing localized wear while maintaining compact dimensions.
4Measurement precision
If the drive mechanism is designed for precise positioning, then the tabletop can be accurately positioned, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the engagement state of drive elements with the traverse device and adjusts positioning accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows precise positioning to be achieved through control logic rather than overly complex mechanical positioning mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive elements are pre-configured in specific positions along the traverse device, allowing the controller to select from predetermined accurate positions. This preliminary arrangement of drive elements provides precise positioning capability without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
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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.