Veterinary Procedure Table Back Table Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing veterinary procedure tables face challenges in optimizing the positioning of back tables relative to procedure tables, especially when the procedure table is in a raised and/or tilted position, leading to inefficiencies in instrument retrieval and fluid management during procedures.

Innovation Solution

The veterinary procedure table system includes a procedure table with an animal support surface assembly that is adjustable in height and tilt, and a back table that is securely attached to the procedure table's vertical column, allowing it to move up and down with the table while maintaining a fixed position relative to the floor, thus ensuring optimal positioning next to the procedure table. Additionally, the system features a fluid collection and cleaning assembly that allows for easy collection and cleaning of fluids beneath the animal support surface without removing the channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the back table is made as a separate mobile table with casters, then it can be moved around the room as needed, but it takes up valuable real estate in the procedure room and cannot always be optimally positioned next to the procedure table

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility of back tableVSAvoidspace occupied by back table

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The back table is merged with the procedure table by coupling it to the vertical column. The back table shares the same support structure as the procedure table, eliminating the need for separate mobile casters while maintaining positioning flexibility through the column's adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical column serves multiple functions: it supports both the procedure table and the back table, provides height adjustment for both surfaces, and enables tilting of the procedure table while keeping the back table stable. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate mobile tables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the back table height is adjusted independently using a manual crank mechanism, then it can be positioned at different heights, but it cannot always be optimally positioned next to the procedure table when the procedure table is in a raised and/or tilted position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent height adjustment of back tableVSAvoidpositioning coordination with procedure table

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The back table's height adjustment mechanism is merged with the procedure table's lifting mechanism. Both surfaces share the same vertical column and lifting system, ensuring they move together in a coordinated manner and maintain optimal relative positioning regardless of height changes or tilting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a channel is provided beneath the V-top system to collect fluids, then fluids can be directed to a drain, but the channel cannot be cleaned without removing it and requires a large area and/or cleaning station

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid collection capabilityVSAvoidcleaning accessibility of channel

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The channel is segmented into removable sections that can be detached and cleaned separately. This segmentation allows the channel to maintain its fluid collection function while enabling easy access for cleaning without requiring removal of the entire channel or a large cleaning station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The channel is extracted from being a fixed, enclosed component and made accessible from above or the sides. The channel structure is modified to allow cleaning tools and solutions to reach the fluid collection area without removing the entire channel assembly, facilitating easy maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12285315B2Veterinary procedure table system

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 OLYMPIC VETERINARY CORP

AI summary

A veterinary procedure table system includes a procedure table having an animal support surface assembly supported by a vertical column, wherein the animal support surface assembly is movable between first and second tilted orientations, and wherein the animal support surface assembly is movable between a first animal support surface height position and a second animal support surface height position, and a back table coupled to the vertical column of the procedure table, wherein the back table is movable between a first position relative to the procedure table and a second positon relative to the procedure table, wherein the back table moves with the animal support surface assembly between the first animal support surface height position and the second animal support surface height position, and wherein the back table does not tilt with the animal support surface assembly between the first tilted orientation and the second tilted orientation.