Surgical Table Touchscreen Mount With Controlled-Friction Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for mounting touchscreen devices during surgery are either cumbersome, prone to accidental movement, or fail to provide a stable and convenient viewing position for surgeons.
Innovation Solution
A table mount designed to clamp securely to a surgical table, featuring movable joints with controlled friction to maintain the touchscreen device's position, and a docking station that allows for easy adjustment and secure holding of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touchscreen device is mounted on a roll stand, then the device is easily movable, but the roll stand crowds the operating room and the device may accidentally bump into the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surgical table as an intermediary mounting surface instead of using a roll stand. The touchscreen device is mounted to the surgical table via a clamp and arm assembly, which serves as a mediator between the device and the surgical field. This eliminates the need for a separate roll stand while providing stable positioning that prevents accidental contact with the patient.
2Reliability
If the touchscreen device is placed in a loose sterile bag or autoclaved case, then the device is protected, but the device cannot be positioned in the correct location or at a convenient angle for the surgeon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mounting system with multiple articulating arms and joints that allow the touchscreen device to be positioned at various locations and angles. The first arm rotates about a first axis, the second arm rotates about a second axis, and the docking assembly rotates about a third axis, providing six degrees of freedom for optimal positioning while maintaining secure attachment.
3Ease of operation
If the table mount allows easy movement during surgery, then the device is accessible, but the mount may move when the surgeon touches the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different friction characteristics to different joints of the mounting system. The first friction joint between the first arm and clamp has a higher friction force to prevent movement during surgery, while the second friction joint between the second arm and first arm has a lower friction force to allow easier adjustment. This localized differentiation of friction properties enables both stability during use and accessibility during setup.
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 table mount provides a stable and adjustable platform for touchscreen devices, allowing surgeons to comfortably use software while maintaining focus on the surgical procedure, without risking accidental movement or interference with the surgical field.
Implementation Method 1
These movable joints have a controlled friction force to hold the touchscreen devices in whatever position it's placed even when the surgical table is tilted by up to about 17.5 degrees
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to table mount for mounting a touchscreen device to a surgical table. The table mount includes a clamp configured to releasably secure the table mount to the table, an arm assembly, and a touchscreen device docking assembly connected to the arm assembly.