Operating Table Support Surface Travel via Hydraulic Gear Rack Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for moving a patient support surface relative to a stationary column head unit in operating tables are either cumbersome due to manual operation, expensive and space-intensive when using two hydraulic cylinders, or require a long structural length for a single hydraulic cylinder.
Innovation Solution
A device employing a hydraulic cylinder with a gear assembly that engages with gear racks on both the column head unit and the support surface unit, allowing the support surface to be moved over a longer distance than the cylinder's stroke through the combined rolling paths of the gear assembly, enabling a compact and cost-effective configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hydraulic cylinder is used to move the support surface unit, then the structural length is reduced, but the cylinder must be longer than its stroke allowing which results in a relatively long structural length that is not available in the column head
Solution Approach 1:
A gear assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hydraulic cylinder and the support surface unit. The gear assembly converts the linear motion of the hydraulic cylinder into rotational motion, which then engages with gear racks to produce the linear movement of the support surface unit over a longer distance than the cylinder stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a direct mechanical linkage system with a gear-based mechanical transmission system. Instead of using a long-stroke hydraulic cylinder with direct mechanical connection, the system uses a gear assembly with gear racks to transmit and amplify the motion, achieving longer travel distance through mechanical advantage.
2Length of moving object
If two hydraulic cylinders are used to move the support surface unit, then the required total stroke is achieved, but the installation space widthwise increases and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two hydraulic cylinders into a single hydraulic cylinder combined with a gear assembly. The gear assembly effectively multiplies the stroke of the single cylinder, achieving the same total movement distance that would require two cylinders, but in a more compact widthwise configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a direct linear motion system to a system that incorporates rotational motion through the gear assembly. By introducing the rotational dimension through gear engagement, the system achieves extended linear travel without proportionally increasing the linear dimensions of the actuator.
3Length of moving object
If two hydraulic cylinders are used to move the support surface unit, then the required total stroke is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a single hydraulic cylinder with a gear assembly to replace two hydraulic cylinders. This merging reduces the number of expensive hydraulic components needed while achieving the same functional outcome through the addition of a mechanical transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, long-stroke hydraulic cylinders with a combination of a standard-stroke hydraulic cylinder and a mechanical gear assembly. The gear assembly acts as a cost-effective mechanism to extend the effective stroke without requiring custom-manufactured long-stroke hydraulic components.
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
This configuration allows for a significantly longer adjustment path with a smaller, more compact hydraulic cylinder, providing enhanced operational convenience and reducing the need for expensive or complex installations.
Implementation Method 1
A gear assembly may be provided on the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder, for example at the end of the piston rod that faces away from the cylinder tube, said gear assembly engaging with the first gear rack in such a way that the gear assembly rolls on both the first gear rack and the second gear rack when the hydraulic cylinder is actuated.
Implementation Method 2
the gear assembly rolls on both the first gear rack and the second gear rack when the hydraulic cylinder is actuated
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic cylinder for moving the support surface unit relative to the column head unit
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an operating table column head assembly, a patient support surface assembly that is movable relative to the operating table column head assembly, and an actuating cylinder configured to move the patient support surface assembly relative to the operating table column head assembly, the actuating cylinder including a piston rod. A first gear rack is attached to the operating table column head assembly and a second gear rack is attached to the patient support surface assembly. A gear assembly is disposed on the piston rod of the actuating cylinder. The gear assembly engages with the first gear rack and the second gear rack. The first gear rack and the second gear rack move in substantially opposite directions relative to the gear assembly, when the actuating cylinder is actuated.