Surgical Table Touchscreen Mount With Friction-Joint Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for mounting touchscreen devices in surgical settings are either cumbersome, prone to accidental movement, or fail to provide optimal positioning for surgeons, potentially interfering with surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A table mount for surgical tables that clamps securely, features adjustable arms with friction joints for stable positioning, and a docking station with multiple axes of rotation to maintain the touchscreen device's position even when the table is tilted, allowing for flexible placement and use during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touchscreen device is mounted on a roll stand, then the device is mobile and accessible, but the roll stand crowds the operating room and the device may accidentally bump into the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The table mount integrates multiple functional components into a nested structure where the clamp attaches to the surgical table rail, the first arm connects to the clamp, the second arm connects to the first arm, and the docking assembly connects to the second arm. This nesting eliminates the need for separate roll stands while maintaining device accessibility and positioning capabilities.
2Reliability
If the touchscreen device is placed in a loose sterile bag or autoclaved case, then the device is protected, but it cannot be positioned in the correct location or convenient position for the surgeon
Solution Approach 1:
The table mount employs multiple friction joints (first friction joint between clamp and first arm, second friction joint between first arm and second arm, third friction joint between second arm and docking assembly) that allow the device to be dynamically positioned at various angles and orientations while maintaining stability once positioned, providing both protection and positioning flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If the table mount allows easy movement during surgery, then the device is repositionable, but the surgeon's touch inputs may move the table mount itself
Solution Approach 1:
The friction joints are designed with specific friction force parameters that allow intentional movement when sufficient force is applied (for repositioning) while preventing unintended movement during normal surgical use. The friction force can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the joint components, changing the parameter to match operational requirements.
4Ease of operation
If the touchscreen device is positioned above the patient, then it is within the surgeon's line of sight, but it may obstruct the surgical field
Solution Approach 1:
The table mount utilizes three-dimensional positioning with the first arm extending vertically from the surgical table, the second arm providing horizontal extension, and the docking assembly offering vertical adjustment. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the device to be positioned in the surgeon's peripheral vision while clearing the direct surgical field below.
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, adjustable, and secure platform for touchscreen devices, ensuring they remain accessible and within the surgeon's line of sight without obstructing the surgical field, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
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
Implementation Method 2
The table mount disclosed herein can releasably and quickly clamp to the surgical table
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, a first arm rotatably connected to the clamp and configured to extend vertically from the surgical table, a second arm rotatably connected to the first arm, and a touchscreen device docking assembly rotatably connected to the second arm and configured to hold a touchscreen device.