Telescoping Column for Medical Table Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional positioning systems have limited movement capabilities and load capacities, and often require a significant amount of space under the table, restricting access and movement of imaging devices during medical procedures or other applications.

Innovation Solution

A positioning system featuring a table supported by a column with pivotably coupled links that can move in a linear stacked arrangement, allowing for greater flexibility and load capacity, combined with a guide that directs the links into a stacked configuration and a rotation system for enhanced movement and access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If scissor mechanisms are used to lift the table, then vertical movement is achieved, but rotational and lateral movement is limited and space under the table is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical movement capabilityVSAvoidrotational and lateral movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The column is segmented into multiple telescoping segments that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the column to achieve vertical movement while maintaining a compact footprint, and the segmented structure enables rotational and lateral movement capabilities that would be restricted in a rigid scissor mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system transitions from a static scissor mechanism to a dynamic telescoping column with multiple movable segments. The column can dynamically adjust its length and configuration to provide vertical movement while also enabling rotational and lateral movement, adapting to different positioning requirements without requiring additional space under the table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If scissor mechanisms are located along sides of the table, then lifting capability is provided, but access to the table and movement of imaging device around the table is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidaccess to table

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting mechanism is extracted from the traditional side-mounted scissor configuration and repositioned to a centralized location beneath the table. This extraction and repositioning eliminates the obstruction caused by side-mounted mechanisms, providing full access to the table from all sides while maintaining the lifting capability through the centralized telescoping column.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A centralized pedestal structure serves as an intermediary between the lifting mechanism and the table. This mediator consolidates the lifting function in one location, allowing imaging devices and other equipment to move freely around the table without interference from distributed scissor mechanisms along the sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If multi-stage lifts or poles are used to move the table, then vertical positioning is achieved, but movement capabilities and load capacities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical positioning capabilityVSAvoidmovement capabilities and load capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping column employs a nested doll principle where multiple segments are housed within each other. Each segment can extend and retract independently, allowing the column to achieve significant vertical travel while maintaining a compact retracted profile. This nesting arrangement provides both the vertical positioning capability and the load capacity required, while enabling additional movement capabilities that multi-stage lifts cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Force

If conventional positioning systems are used, then basic lifting is provided, but the amount of space under the table is significant, restricting access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebasic lifting functionVSAvoidspace under table

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system transitions from a two-dimensional scissor mechanism expansion to a three-dimensional telescoping column. The column extends vertically in the primary dimension while maintaining a minimal footprint in the horizontal plane. This dimensional change allows the lifting function to be achieved without occupying significant space under the table, improving access from all sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7841030B2Positioning systems and methods

Publication Date: 2010.11.30 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A positioning system configured to move a patient or support into position or in a guided manner. The system includes a table that is configured to hold the patient or object and a column that is coupled to the table. The column is configured to support and move the table and includes a plurality of links pivotably coupled to each other in series. Adjacent links are configured to pivot in only one direction from a linear stacked arrangement. The system also includes a guide that is configured to receive and direct the links of the column into the linear stacked arrangement when the links are moved by a lifting force along the guide.