Operating Table Segment Control via Body Part Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the lying surface of an operating table is complicated when patients are positioned abnormally, as users must 'rethink' which segments to adjust, leading to increased strain and potential errors, especially when views are obstructed or the operating table is asymmetrical.
Innovation Solution
The device abstracts adjustment commands from segments to body parts, using an electronic control unit to determine which segments to adjust based on the patient's position, with an input device featuring buttons arranged relative to a human body image and memory for storing and recalling positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If segment-based adjustment commands are used, then the lying surface can be precisely controlled, but the user must rethink which segments to adjust when patient position changes, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that translates body part-based commands into segment-based control signals. When the user inputs a command for a body part, the control unit automatically determines which segments need adjustment based on the stored correspondence between body parts and segments, thereby maintaining precise segment control while simplifying user interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The control system provides multiple input interfaces: both body part-based commands and direct segment-based commands are accepted. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different user needs and positioning scenarios, enhancing ease of operation without sacrificing control precision
2Ease of operation
If pictograms are used to indicate button functions, then users can identify the correct button, but the view of the lying surface is obscured by drapes or equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that processes body part-based commands and automatically translates them into the appropriate segment control signals. This eliminates the need for users to visually identify which segment to adjust, as the system handles the mapping automatically based on the current patient position
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/visual indication method (pictograms on buttons) with an electronic/software-based solution. The control unit stores and processes the correspondence between body parts and segments, allowing dynamic adaptation to different patient positions without requiring physical reconfiguration of button labels
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating table is asymmetrical, then the table can accommodate different surgical positions, but the pictograms only accurately reflect the view from one side
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts to different patient positions (normal position, reverse position, shifted positions) by automatically adjusting the mapping between body part commands and segment control signals. This dynamic adaptation ensures consistent and intuitive control regardless of the patient's position on the asymmetrical table
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit provides universal control functionality that works across all patient positions and table configurations. By accepting body part-based commands and automatically determining the appropriate segment adjustments, the system maintains consistent ease of operation whether the patient is in normal position, reverse position, or any intermediate position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The apparatus (10) has segments (14a-14f) adjustable in relation to one another by actuators (16a-16f). An operating instrument (18) has an electronic control unit (22), which is connected to an operating face (20), a store (24) and the actuators via signal lines (28). A diagrammatic image of a human body is located in a portion of the operating face, where buttons are located on left and right of the image for an input of body-related adjustment commands. A button is located at the lower end of the operating face for selecting one of operating modes in which the apparatus is operated.