Operating Table Column Stability System for Uneven Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile operating table columns face challenges in maintaining a secure and stable position on uneven surfaces, particularly during surgical procedures, due to the risk of tilting or shifting which can endanger patients.

Innovation Solution

A mobile operating table column with a stability system featuring four retractable and extendable upright support elements, each associated with a support surface, allowing the system to assume a parked state or a fixed stationary state, ensuring secure positioning on any surface, including uneven ones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If three upright support elements are used to form a support triangle, then the operating table column is stable on uneven floors, but the table column can still shift or move when the center of gravity shifts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability on uneven floorsVSAvoidrisk of shifting or movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a symmetric three-point support triangle to an asymmetric four-point support configuration. By adding a fourth upright support element positioned at a different location relative to the center of gravity, the system creates an more stable support polygon that better resists shifts in load distribution and center of gravity during surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If hydraulic locking elements are used to prevent tilting, then the support triangle is stabilized, but a malfunction of the hydraulics can cause all cylinders to retract and the table to tip or roll away

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of tiltingVSAvoidrisk of injury from hydraulic malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a fail-safe design where the fourth upright support element and the base buffers are positioned to provide passive mechanical support. In the event of hydraulic system failure, these elements ensure the table cannot tip or roll away completely, providing a mechanical safety net that cushions against the harmful effects of hydraulic malfunction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The base buffers act as an intermediary safety mechanism between the hydraulic locking elements and the floor. These buffers provide a mechanical backup that prevents direct contact between the table and floor in case of hydraulic failure, thereby mediating the transition from a potentially dangerous state to a safe state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If base buffers are added at corners to prevent tipping, then the table column will not tip over, but the table column can still shift or move when the center of gravity shifts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of tippingVSAvoiddisplacement risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the support function into multiple independent elements: four upright support elements positioned at different locations and base buffers at corners. This segmentation allows each element to perform a specific function - the upright elements prevent shifting through their strategic positioning, while the base buffers prevent tipping through corner placement, creating a comprehensive stability system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 stability system effectively prevents the operating table column from tilting or shifting, even with shifts in the center of gravity, ensuring a reliable and safe upright position during surgical procedures, and continues to maintain stability in the event of hydraulic malfunction.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator (5) for retracting and extending each of the four upright support elements (4a-d)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the upright support elements (4a-d) are extended, such that they contact the floor and thereby ensure that the base (2) rests securely on the floor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact support: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12201565B2Mobile operating table column having an integrated stability system

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 MAQUET GMBH

AI summary

A mobile operating table column comprising a base and a stability system for ensuring that the base rests securely on an uneven surface, wherein the stability system comprises: four retractable and extendable upright support elements arranged at four different corners of the base, as well as support surfaces and an actuator for retracting and extending each of the four upright support elements. Each upright support element is associated with a support surface and can be retracted and extended relative to the latter.Moreover, the stability system may assume at least two different operating states:i) a parked state, in which the base rests on the floor with at least three of the support surfaces and the upright support elements are retracted; andii) a fixed stationary state, in which the base rests on the surface with at least three of the support surfaces and the support elements are extended such that they are in contact with the surface and thereby ensure that the base rests securely on the floor.