Tilt display screen assembly, diagnostic analyzer having a tilt display screen assembly, and method

Abstract

A tilting display screen assembly for a diagnostic analyzer. The tilting display screen assembly includes a tilting support interconnectable to a portable device having a display screen, a multi-angle adjuster having multiple adjustment features, and a tilt screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tilting support. The tilt screen mechanism includes a shaft, one or more moveable paddles coupled to the shaft, and an adjustment member depending from the shaft configured to engage the adjustment features of the multi-angle adjuster to adjust the tilt angle of the tilting support and the display screen of the portable device. A diagnostic analyzer with a tilting display screen assembly and a method for adjusting the tilt angle of a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer are described as well as other aspects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 267,205, filed on January 27, 2022. The entire content of the patent application referenced above is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to an assembly for providing tilt to a display screen, a diagnostic analyzer having a tiltable display screen assembly, and a method thereof.

Background Art

[0003] In some medical diagnoses, such as point-of-care medical diagnoses, a sample containing a biological substance or its components is inserted into an internal storage part of a diagnostic instrument or device (hereinafter, "diagnostic analyzer"). Examples of such diagnostic analyzers include, but are not limited to, immunoassay instruments, hematology analyzers, blood gas analyzers, and chemical analyzers that analyze a sample with respect to its chemical composition and / or identify its analytes. The sample may be a raw sample of a biological substance such as whole blood, serum or plasma, pleural fluid, urine, interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, or a raw sample containing such a biological substance, or a biological sample that may have been previously processed to extract proteins, analytes, or constituents for identification, characterization, and / or measurement purposes.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a need for an improvement in functionality that enables such diagnostic analyzers and methods to improve their operation and utilization.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In one embodiment, a tiltable display screen assembly is provided. The tiltable display screen assembly includes a tiltable support configured to be interconnectable with a portable device including a display screen, a multi-angle adjuster having multiple adjustment functions, and a tilt screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tiltable support, the tilt screen mechanism including: an axis, one or more movable paddles connected to the axis, and an adjustment member extending from the axis and having an end configured to engage with two or more of the multiple adjustment functions of the multi-angle adjuster for adjusting the tilt angle of the tiltable support.

[0006] In another embodiment, a diagnostic analyzer is provided. The diagnostic analyzer includes a base, a portable device rotatably connected to the base and including a display screen, and a tiltable display screen assembly interconnected between the base and the portable device. The tiltable display screen assembly includes a tiltable support section interconnected to the portable device and including a support bracket attached to a mounting member configured to be attached to the portable device, a multi-angle adjuster connected to the base and having multiple adjustment functions, and a tilt screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tiltable support section. The tilt screen mechanism includes an axis, one or more movable paddles connected to the axis, and an adjustment member extending from the axis and having ends configured to engage with two or more of the multiple adjustment functions of the multi-angle adjuster to adjust the tilt of the display screen relative to the base.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method is provided for positioning the display screen of a diagnostic analyzer. The method comprises providing a base for a diagnostic analyzer, providing a portable device including a display screen, and interconnecting a tiltable display screen assembly between the base and the portable device, the tiltable display screen assembly comprising a tiltable support portion including a support bracket attached to a mounting member to be attached to the portable device, a multi-angle adjuster connected to the base and having a plurality of adjustment functions, and a tilt screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tiltable support portion, the tilt screen mechanism comprising: an axis, one or more movable paddles connected to the axis, and an adjustment member extending from the axis and having an end configured to engage with at least some of the plurality of adjustment functions; and pressing down one or more movable paddles to tilt the tiltable support portion relative to the base and adjust the tilt angle (TA) of the display screen, thereby disengaging the end of the adjustment member from one of the plurality of adjustment functions.

[0008] Further aspects, functions, and advantages of this disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description and illustrations of several exemplary embodiments, including the best mode intended for carrying out this disclosure. Other different embodiments of this disclosure may also be possible, some of which details can be modified in various ways, all without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope of the claims.

[0009] The drawings described below are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to actual size. Therefore, the drawings and their descriptions are considered illustrative and not limiting. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1A]This is an isometric view of a first exemplary embodiment of a tiltable display screen assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] This is another isometric view of a first exemplary embodiment of a tiltable display screen assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] This is a partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a diagnostic analyzer having a tiltable display screen assembly, the tilt screen mechanism shown in the linked configuration according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] This is a partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of a diagnostic analyzer having a tiltable display screen assembly, the tilt screen mechanism being shown in an unconnected configuration according to the present disclosure, with the adjustment member disengaged from the adjustment function of a multi-angle adjuster so that the tilt angle can be adjusted according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1E] This is an isometric view of a tiltable display screen assembly equipped with mounting members according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1F] This is a front isometric view of a portable device having a display screen configured to be mounted on a tiltable display screen assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1G] This is a rear isometric view of a portable device with a mounting function configured to connect to a tiltable display screen assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1H] This is a partial side cross-sectional view of a portable device attached to a mounting member, further illustrating a latch and catch mechanism configured to achieve the connection of the portable device to the mounting member according to this disclosure. [Figure 1I] This is a partial isometric view of the lower part of the mounting member and the connecting support bracket according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] This is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a diagnostic analyzer having a tiltable display screen assembly as shown in a raised configuration, as disclosed herein. [Figure 2B]This is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a diagnostic analyzer having a tiltable display screen assembly, shown in a lowered configuration to allow avoidance of cabinets and / or cabinet doors, as disclosed herein. [Figure 3] This figure shows a method for positioning the display screen of a diagnostic analyzer according to this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] This disclosure relates to tiltable display screen assemblies and methods for enabling the tilting of a display screen, such as a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer. This disclosure further relates to a diagnostic analyzer including a tiltable display screen assembly. According to a first embodiment of this disclosure, a tiltable display screen assembly is provided which is configured to be interconnected with a portable device so as to be easily attachable to and detachable from the portable device, and further to tilt its display screen to provide a modified or improved viewing angle and / or to lower the height of the display screen so that the display screen can slide under a storage cabinet or otherwise avoid interference with the operation of components such as cabinet doors.

[0012] More specifically, a tiltable display screen assembly, which can be used as a functional component of a diagnostic analyzer such as a simple rapid diagnostic analyzer, allows for easy adjustment of the tilt angle of its display screen. In particular, healthcare professionals can easily change the tilt angle of a portable device and the tiltable display screen assembly to which the device's display screen is interconnected.

[0013] As used herein, the expression “connected to” means attached (e.g., fixedly or removably) by any suitable mounting mechanism (e.g., screws, snap fasteners, press fasteners, or other mechanical mounting devices), integrated, molded as part of, extending from, or formed as a sub-member thereof. As used herein, “configured to be interconnected” means that the elements referred to are either directly attachable to another article or interconnected by attachment to an intermediate member attached to the article.

[0014] In other embodiments, a method for enabling the tilt of the display screen of a diagnostic analyzer is provided. Accordingly, the inventors have invented novel devices and methods for enabling easy tilt angle adjustment of the display screen of a diagnostic analyzer in order to avoid possible interference with other articles such as storage cabinets or cabinet doors and / or to remove a portable device (e.g., a tablet) containing the display screen from there, so as to achieve a simple and rapid scan of patient or other information.

[0015] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a tiltable display screen assembly. The tiltable display screen assembly includes a tiltable support (made from one or more parts) configured to be interconnectable with a portable device including a display screen, a multi-angle adjuster having multiple adjustment functions, and a tilt screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tiltable support. The tilt screen mechanism may further include an axis, one or more movable paddles connected to the axis, and an adjustment member having ends connected to the axis (e.g., connected to the axis and extending radially therefrom) and configured to engage with two or more of the multiple adjustment functions of the multi-angle adjuster, for adjusting the tilt angle of the tiltable support.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a diagnostic analyzer is provided. The diagnostic analyzer, which can be a blood gas analyzer or other biological fluid diagnostic analyzer, includes a base and a portable device rotatably coupled to the base. The portable device includes a display screen. The diagnostic analyzer further includes a tiltable display screen assembly interconnected between the base and the portable device. The tiltable display screen assembly includes a tiltable support portion including a support bracket attached to an attachment member configured to be attached to the portable device, a multi-angle adjuster coupled to the base and having a plurality of adjustment functions, and a tilt screen mechanism pivotable with respect to the tiltable support portion. The tilt screen mechanism can include a shaft, one or more movable paddles coupled to the shaft, and an adjustment member having an end portion hanging from the shaft and configured to engage two or more of the plurality of adjustment functions of the multi-angle adjuster to adjust the tilt of the display screen with respect to the base.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of positioning a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer is provided. The method includes providing a base of the diagnostic analyzer, providing a portable device including a display screen, and interconnecting a tiltable display screen assembly including a tiltable support portion between the base and the portable device. The tiltable support portion includes a support bracket attached to an attachment member attached to the portable device, a multi-angle adjuster coupled to the base and having a plurality of adjustment functions, and a tilt screen mechanism pivotable with respect to the tiltable support portion. The tilt screen mechanism includes a shaft, one or more movable paddles coupled to the shaft, and an adjustment member having an end portion hanging from the shaft and configured to engage at least a portion of the plurality of adjustment functions. The method further includes tilting the tiltable support portion with respect to the base and depressing one or more paddles to disengage the end portion of the adjustment member from one of the plurality of adjustment functions to adjust the tilt angle (TA) of the display screen.

[0018] Some exemplary embodiments of apparatuses and methods configured to enable adjustment of the tilt angle of a display screen of a diagnostic analyzer and / or removal of a portable device including the display screen from the diagnostic analyzer are illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 1-3A, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 1A-1E and FIGS. 1H-1I show a first exemplary embodiment of a tiltable display screen assembly 100, which can be an integral member of a diagnostic analyzer 80 (FIGS. 1C-1D) and is operable to enable adjustment of the tilt angle (TA) of a portable device 85 (FIGS. 1F-1G), which in some embodiments can be a removable member of the diagnostic analyzer 80. For example, the portable device 85 can be removed from the tiltable display screen assembly 100 to achieve any number of simple and rapid functions, such as scanning with a barcode reader integrated with the portable device 85 or obtaining patient information, dosing information, and / or other diagnostic or medical condition information using the portable device 85. The remaining details of the diagnostic analyzer 80 other than the tilt function are not described herein and are as conventional.

[0020] The tiltable display screen assembly 100 can be used with any type of diagnostic analyzer 80 in which it is desired to introduce and examine a biological sample inside the diagnostic analyzer 80. For example, the tiltable display screen assembly 100 is very useful with simple rapid diagnostic analyzers such as blood gas analyzers. In particular, the tiltable display screen assembly 100 can be used to allow the rotation of the display screen 86 so that the overall height of the diagnostic analyzer 80 can be reduced. By being lowered in this way, the diagnostic analyzer 80 can be lowered so that it fits under obstacles such as storage cabinets or so that it avoids interference with the operation of the cabinet door of a storage cabinet. Because the diagnostic analyzer 80 can be moved under a storage cabinet, the counter space can be freed up for use for other purposes.

[0021] As best shown in Figures 2A and 2B, a diagnostic analyzer 80 is shown having a base 125 which can constitute a housing structure containing some or all of the diagnostic components of the diagnostic analyzer 80. Figures 2A and 2B also show a portable device 85 mounted on a tiltable support 102. For example, Figure 2A shows a portable device 85 with a display screen 86 shown in an upright but slightly tilted position with an inclination angle TA1 of about 10° from the vertical. This inclination angle TA1 makes the display screen 86 easily viewable by a healthcare professional. However, the overall height H1 of the diagnostic analyzer 80 may, in some cases, be too high to slide under a storage cabinet 87 located on a countertop surface 88 on which the diagnostic analyzer 80 rests. In some cases, the height H1 may also prevent the cabinet door 89 of the storage cabinet 87 from opening fully, thereby preventing access to various supplies.

[0022] The tiltable display screen assembly 100, to which the portable devices 85 are interconnected, allows the interconnected portable devices 85, including the tiltable support 102 and thus the display screen 86, to be tilted to a lower height H2, as shown in Figure 2B. In one example, this allows the cabinet door 89 to be opened to clear the top of the portable devices 85 without moving the base 125 of the diagnostic analyzer 80. In another example, the tiltable display screen assembly 100 allows the interconnected portable devices 85, including the tiltable support 102 and thus the display screen 86, to be tilted to a lower height H2, thereby allowing the diagnostic analyzer 80 to slide under the storage cabinet 87, as shown in Figure 2B, to clear more countertop space.

[0023] More specifically, the tiltable display screen assembly 100 includes a tiltable support 102, a multi-angle adjuster 104, and a tilt screen mechanism 106. The tiltable support 102 is configured to be interconnectable to a portable device 85 including a display screen 86. In some embodiments, the tiltable support 102 (Figures 1E and 1I) may include a mounting member 114 configured to be attached to the portable device 85 including the display screen 86. In some embodiments, the tiltable support 102 may be a single part or, as in the first embodiment, made from two interconnected parts.

[0024] For example, the tiltable support section 102 is made from the support bracket 103 shown in Figures 1A and 1B and the mounting member 114 shown in Figures 1E and 1I. The portable device 85 can be any computing article or device equipped with a processor and a display screen 86, such as a computer tablet or mobile phone, which is held and handled by a healthcare professional. The display screen 86 can be LCD, LED, OLED, and / or AMOLED, and can have a display resolution of, for example, 800 x 600 dpi or higher. The display screen 86 is fixed to the body of the portable device 85. Other suitable screen types and other screen resolutions can be used.

[0025] The support bracket 103 includes a molded body made from, for example, injection-molded plastic, as best shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1I. The body may include side walls 103W, which are vertically oriented and spaced apart. The body may further include spring mounting tabs 103T, which will be described further herein. The support bracket 103 may include one or more connecting bosses 103B or holes to receive fasteners (Figure 1I) for attaching the support bracket 103 to the back surface of the mounting member 114. The mounting member 114 is configured to be detachably attached to a portable device 85, which includes a display screen 86.

[0026] The mounting member 114 may include a device support surface 114S configured to contact the back surface 85S of the portable device 85, as shown in Figures 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1G. The mounting member 114 may include side retaining functions 116L, 116R (shown in Figures 1E and 1I), such as a wall or other suitable positioning or restraining function, which can engage with and / or restrain the lateral (horizontal direction as shown) movement of the portable device 85 on the mounting member 114. In some embodiments, a small gap may be allowed between the side of the portable device 85 and the side retaining functions 116L, 116R to allow only limited lateral movement. In some embodiments, the mounting member 114 may include a lower support portion 118 which may include one or more support hooks. In the illustrated embodiments, several of the support hooks 118L, 118R are spaced apart as shown in Figures 1E and 1I. One or more support hooks 118L, 118R are configured to receive, contact, and support the lower part of the portable device 85. In some embodiments, the lower support portion 118 may engage with an adapter 92, such as a hook, attached to or integrated with the back surface of the portable device 85, as shown in Figure 1G. Other suitable structural arrangements of the lower support portion 118 are used to support the portable device 85.

[0027] In some embodiments, the mounting member 114 may include a latching portion 117. The latching portion 117 may be a spring-loaded projection configured to be received by a catch function 90 formed as a recess on the back surface 85S of the portable device 85, for example, as shown in Figures 1E, 1G, and 1H. In particular, the latching portion 117 may be received and captured by the catch function 90 of the portable device 85, such as within an illustrated undercut pocket formed on the back surface 85S of the portable device 85.

[0028] Once the portable device 85 is attached to the mounting member 114, it can be removed from the mounting member 114 by pulling it up in the direction of arrow 120 (Figures 1E and 1H). After using the portable device 85, such as to obtain (scan) patient barcode information and / or other appropriate information, the portable device 85 can be reattached to the mounting member 114 by inserting the adapter 92 at the bottom of the portable device 85 into the lower support 118 (e.g., one or more support hooks 118L, 118R) and rotating the top of the portable device 85 toward the latch 117. When the latching portion 117 comes into contact with the edge 90E (Figure 1H) of the catch function 90, the latching portion 117 rotates downward (for example, counterclockwise as indicated by arrow 91), causing the lock tab 117L to rotate around the rotation axis 117R as shown in Figure 1H, pass the edge 90E of the catch function 90, and rotate back into the catch function 90 (for example, an undercut pocket) in a clockwise direction (opposite direction of arrow 91).

[0029] Therefore, Figure 1H shows that the latch 117 rotates clockwise (opposite to arrow 91) around the pivot axis 117R under the restoring force of the latch spring 119 and engages with the catch function 90 (undercut pocket). Other suitable latches and catch mechanisms, as well as other types of springs, can be used to secure the portable device 85 to the mounting member 114.

[0030] Referring again to Figures 1A to 1D, the tiltable display screen assembly 100 includes a multi-angle adjuster 104 having multiple adjustment functions 105. The multi-angle adjuster 104 is connected to the base 125 of the diagnostic analyzer 80, and the multiple adjustment functions 105 may include two or more multiple adjustment functions 105. The multiple adjustment functions 105 may be steps, ribs, or other suitable engaging functions configured to engage with the end 128 to allow adjustment of the tilt angle (TA) of the tiltable support 102. Connection to the base 125 may be by any suitable fastening means, such as using mechanical fastening (e.g., one or more screws), capturing between parts of the base 125, using a snap-fit ​​function to snap into the base 125, integrating the multi-angle adjuster 104 with the base 125, bonding to the base 125 by using adhesive, or otherwise bonding to the base. Multiple adjustment functions 105, including two or more steps, can provide two or more tilt angle (TA) adjustment increments. However, in some embodiments, there may be five or more tilt angle adjustment increments, such as by implementing five or more steps. In the embodiment depicted, seven steps are shown, enabling seven inconspicuous tilt angle (TA) adjustments of the display screen 86 relative to the base 125. A number of inconspicuous tilt angle (TA) adjustments greater than two may be used.

[0031] The tiltable display screen assembly 100 further includes a tilt screen mechanism 106 that is operably pivotable relative to the tiltable support 102, such as relative to the support bracket 103, when the tiltable support 102 includes a two-part structure including a support bracket 103 and a mounting member 114. However, in some embodiments, the mounting member 114 and the support bracket 103 can be molded as a single unit. In any configuration, the tiltable support 102 includes the mounting member 114, and the portable device 85 may be easily detachable from the mounting member 114.

[0032] The tilt screen mechanism 106 may further include a shaft 108, one or more movable paddles 110R, 110L (Figures 1A, 1B, 1E), and an adjustment member 126. The tilt support 102 may include a support bracket 103 to which the shaft 108 is pivotably mounted. The shaft 108 may have any desired shape to accommodate pivoting (rotation) about its axis of rotation 113 (Figure 1A). In particular, the shaft 108 may be supported by one or more bearing journals, such as a bearing support section 130 at least partially formed from the support bracket 103, on which it can ride (rotate), and these bearing journals may be spaced internal forming features of the support bracket 103, for example, formed at least partially on the inner wall 103I. The support portion 130 supports the shaft 108 and operates to sufficiently restrict its radial motion so that the shaft 108 can rotate freely, but still supports it in such a way that it constrains its radial position to substantially form a radially fixed axis of rotation 113. The support portion 130 may have a slight inclination relative to the diameter of the shaft 108 in order to enable such free rotation of the shaft 108.

[0033] As best shown in Figure 1I, the support portion 130 is formed from a function formed on the back surface of the mounting member 114 and an internally formed function of the support bracket 103, which interact with each other to form a support journal that captures the shaft 108 of the tilt screen mechanism 106. Optionally, the support portion 130 may be formed on the side wall 103W and the shaft 108, or by any other suitable means.

[0034] One or more movable paddles, such as movable paddles 110R, 110L (Figures 1A, 1B, 1E), are connected to one or more outer ends of the shaft 108. In some embodiments, the one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R may include, for example, one of the one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R attached to a first end of the shaft 108, and a second of the one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R attached to a second opposite end of the shaft 108. Furthermore, the shaft 108 may be provided with axial restraint functions 120L, 120R (Figures 1A, 1B) that operate to restrict the axial movement of the shaft 108 relative to the tilt support 102, and in particular relative to the support bracket 103. In some embodiments, the axial restraint functions 120L, 120R may have an annular shape and may be located outside the support wall 130W. The axial restraint functions 120L and 120R are integrally molded with the shaft 108, for example.

[0035] Furthermore, the attachment fastener 122 may hang down from the shaft 108 and may have an end portion configured to engage with a limiting fastener 124 in order to limit the rotation of the shaft 108 relative to the tilt support 102 within limits. For example, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the contact between the lower surface of the attachment fastener 122 and the upper part of the limiting fastener 124 can limit the rotation in the direction of arrow 123. The rotation is limited to, for example, between a rotation sufficient for the end 128 to jump over a number of adjustment functions 105 (e.g., steps) and about 20°.

[0036] One or more movable paddles 110R, 110L may be elements having one or more surfaces that are generally parallel to the surface of the display screen 86. To assist with tactile feedback, the back of one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R may have a notch or recessed back 110B, the ideal configuration having a recess that may be large enough to accommodate at least two fingertips of a healthcare professional operating the tilt screen mechanism 106. This allows the healthcare professional to decouple the tilt screen mechanism 106 by pressing down on one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R by touching and pinching the front of the mobile device with their thumb and the back of one or more paddles 110L, 110R with one or more fingers.

[0037] The tilt screen mechanism 106 may further include an adjustment member 126 having an end 128 that hangs from the shaft 108 and is configured to engage with two or more of the multiple adjustment functions 105 of the multi-angle adjuster 104, in order to adjust the tilt of the tilt support 102 and, consequently, the tilt angle (TA) of the portable device 85 and its display screen 86. When one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R are pushed down in the direction of arrow 131 in Figure 1D, the shaft 108 rotates, and the end 128 of the adjustment member 126 is disengaged from one of the multiple adjustment functions 105 of the multi-angle adjuster 104. The tilt support 102 can then rotate (pivot) around the mounting shaft 129 (Figure 1I) to a different tilt angle (such as TA2 shown in Figure 2B), and then one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R can be released, allowing the end 128 to re-engage with a different of the multiple adjustment functions 105.

[0038] The mounting shaft 129 is the axis of rotation of the mounting member 114 relative to the base 125 of the diagnostic analyzer 80, and can be formed by any suitable structure such as a shaft or pin that interlocks with, for example, the lower part of the mounting member 114 and a portion of the front part of the base 125. The tilt support 102 may be adjustable by a tilt angle (TA) of, for example, at least 15°, or even at least 20°. In some embodiments, the tilt angle (TA) may be adjustable by, for example, about 5° to 45°, or even about 10° to 35°.

[0039] The shaft 108 has a spring 115 attached to it that is offset by a certain radial distance from its axis of rotation 113. For example, the spring 115 shown in Figure 1A (shown as a dotted line in Figures 1B-1D) is attached to a spring mounting tab 108T of the shaft 108, which is radially offset from the axis of rotation 113 of the shaft 108. The offset may be about 0.25 inches, and the spring constant may be, for example, 1 to 2 pounds / inch. Other suitable offsets and spring constants, as well as types of springs other than coil springs, can be used. In some embodiments, the spring 115 is further attached to a support bracket 103 of a tilt support 102. Thus, the spring 115 is mounted and fixed between the spring mounting tab 103T of the support bracket 103 and the spring mounting tab 108T of the shaft 108. The spring 115 spring-biases the tilt screen mechanism 106 to its normal engagement position, and the end 128 of the adjustment member 126 normally engages with one of several adjustment functions 105 (e.g., steps). For clarity and illustrative purposes, the spring 115 is shown removed in Figure 1A, but is installed when in use.

[0040] Accordingly, in some embodiments, a diagnostic analyzer 80 is provided, comprising a base 125, a portable device 85 having a display screen 86 rotatably (i.e., pivotably) connected to the base 125, and a tiltable display screen assembly 100 described herein interconnected between the base 125 and the portable device 85. As described above, the tiltable display screen assembly 100 may include a tiltable support 102 interconnected to the portable device 85, a multi-angle adjuster 104, and a tilt screen mechanism 106. The tiltable support 102 may include a support bracket 103 attached to a mounting member 114 configured to be attached to the portable device 85. The multi-angle adjuster 104 is directly or indirectly connected to the base 125 of the diagnostic analyzer 80. The multi-angle adjuster 104 has a plurality of adjustment functions 105 formed on it, such as two or more adjustment functions 105. The tilt screen mechanism 106 may be pivotable relative to the tilt support 102 and may include a shaft 108, one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R connected to the shaft 108, and an adjustment member 126 having an end 128 hanging from the shaft 108 and configured to engage with two or more of the multiple adjustment functions 105 of a multi-angle adjuster 104 to adjust the tilt of the display screen 86 relative to the base 125.

[0041] Referring now to Figure 3, in another embodiment, a method 300 for positioning the display screen 86 of a diagnostic analyzer 80 is provided. Method 300 includes providing the base 125 of the diagnostic analyzer 80 in block 302 and providing a portable device 85 including the display screen 86 in block 304.

[0042] Method 300 further comprises, in block 306, interconnecting a tiltable display screen assembly 100 between a base 125 and a portable device 85, the tiltable display screen assembly 100 comprising: a tiltable support 102 including a support bracket 103 attached to a mounting member 114 to be attached to the portable device 85; a multi-angle adjuster 104 connected to the base 125 and having a plurality of adjustment functions 105; and a tilt screen mechanism 106 pivotable relative to the tiltable support 102. The tilt screen mechanism 106 comprises an axis 108, one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R connected to the axis 108, and an adjustment member 126 hanging from the axis 108 and having an end 128 configured to engage with at least some of the plurality of adjustment functions 105.

[0043] Method 300 further includes, in block 308, tilting the tilt support 102 relative to the base 125 and pressing down one or more movable paddles 110L, 110R to adjust the tilt angle (TA) of the display screen 86, thereby disengaging the end 128 of the adjustment member 126 from one of the multiple adjustment functions 105.

[0044] The various sequences involved in method 300 are performed in any desired order, as should be recognized.

[0045] The following is a list of non-limiting exemplary embodiments disclosed herein: 1. A tiltable display screen assembly of a first exemplary embodiment, comprising: A tiltable support section configured to be interconnectable with a portable device including a display screen; A multi-angle adjuster with multiple adjustment functions; It includes a tilt screen mechanism that is pivotable relative to a tilt support, the tilt screen mechanism being: The axis and One or more movable paddles connected to an axis, To adjust the tilt angle of the tilt support, an adjustment member is provided, having an end that extends from the axis and is configured to engage with two or more of the multiple adjustment functions of a multi-angle adjuster. A tiltable display screen assembly, including [a specific component]. 2. The tiltable display screen assembly according to the first exemplary embodiment, wherein the tiltable support section includes a support bracket, and the shaft is pivotably mounted to the support bracket. 3. A tiltable display screen assembly according to exemplary embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the support bracket is attached to a mounting member configured to mount a portable device including a display screen. 4. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the tiltable support includes a mounting member configured to be attached to a portable device including a display screen. 5. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the mounting member includes one or more support hooks configured to receive the bottom of a portable device. 6. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the mounting member includes a latch configured to be received by a catch function on the back of a portable device. 7. The tiltable support section is a tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 6, comprising a support bracket and a mounting member. 8. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 7, wherein one or more movable paddles include a first movable paddle attached to a first end of an axis and a second movable paddle attached to a second end of an axis. 9. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 8, further comprising a spring mounted on an axis, the spring being mounted offset from the axis of rotation of the axis. 10. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 9, wherein a spring is further attached to the support bracket of the tiltable support. 11. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the axis has an axial restraint function that limits the axial movement of the axis relative to the tiltable support. 12. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the axis is supported by a bearing support portion of a support bracket and is radially constrained. 13. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 12, comprising an attachment fastener extending from an axis and having an end portion configured to engage with a limiting fastener to restrict rotation of the axis relative to a tiltable support. 14. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the multi-angle adjuster is connected to a base and the multi-angle adjuster includes two or more stages. 15. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the tiltable support is adjustable over an inclination angle of at least 15°. 16. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the tiltable support includes a mounting member, and the portable device is detachable from the mounting member. 17. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the mounting member includes one or more support hooks configured to receive the bottom of a portable device and a spring-loaded latch configured to be received by a catch function on the back of the portable device. 18. A tiltable display screen assembly according to any one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the mounting member includes a mounting shaft, and the mounting member is tiltable about the mounting shaft. 19. A diagnostic analyzer: Bass and; A portable device rotatably attached to the base; A tiltable display screen assembly interconnected between the base and the mobile device, constituting one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 18. A diagnostic analyzer, including one. 20. A method for positioning the display screen of a diagnostic analyzer: To provide the base for a diagnostic analyzer; To provide a portable device including a display screen; Interconnecting a tiltable display screen assembly, which constitutes one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 18, between the base and the portable device; To tilt the tilt support relative to the base and adjust the tilt angle of the display screen, one or more movable paddles are pressed down to disengage the end of the adjustment member from one of the multiple adjustment functions. Methods that include...

[0046] While various modifications and alternative forms are possible, specific embodiments of the assemblies, apparatuses, diagnostic analyzers, and methods are shown as examples in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the specific assemblies, apparatuses, diagnostic analyzers, and methods disclosed herein are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or the claims.

Claims

1. A tiltable display screen assembly, which includes: A tiltable support section configured to be interconnectable with the display screen; A multi-angle adjuster with multiple adjustment functions; It includes a tilt screen mechanism that is pivotable relative to a tilt support, the tilt screen mechanism being: The axis and One or more movable paddles connected to the shaft, Includes an adjustment member that extends from the shaft and has an end configured to engage with two or more of the multiple adjustment functions of the multi-angle adjuster, for adjusting the tilt angle of the tilt support, The tiltable display screen assembly wherein the one or more movable paddles include a first movable paddle attached to a first end of a shaft and a second movable paddle attached to a second end of a shaft.

2. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tiltable support section includes a support bracket, and the shaft is pivotably mounted to the support bracket.

3. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 2, wherein the support bracket is attached to a mounting member configured to be attached to a display screen.

4. The tiltable support section includes a mounting member configured to be attachable to a portable device including a display screen, according to claim 1.

5. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 4, wherein the mounting member includes one or more support hooks configured to receive the bottom of a portable device.

6. The mounting component is a latching part configured to be received by the catch mechanism on the back of the mobile device. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 4, comprising:

7. The tiltable support section includes a support bracket and a mounting member, as described in claim 1, for the tiltable display screen assembly.

8. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a spring mounted on a shaft, the spring being mounted offset from the axis of rotation of the shaft.

9. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 8, wherein the spring is further attached to the support bracket of the tiltable support.

10. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shaft has an axial restraint function that limits the axial movement of the shaft relative to the tiltable support.

11. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the axis is supported by a bearing support portion of a support bracket and is constrained in the radial direction.

12. A tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 1, comprising an attachment fastener extending from the axis and having an end portion configured to engage with a limiting fastener to restrict the rotation of the axis relative to a tiltable support.

13. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the multi-angle adjuster is connected to a base and the multi-angle adjuster includes two or more stages.

14. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tiltable support is adjustable over an inclination angle of at least 15°.

15. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tiltable support includes a mounting member, and the display screen is removable from the mounting member.

16. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 15, wherein the mounting member includes one or more support hooks configured to receive the lower part of the display screen and a spring-loaded latch configured to be received by a catch function on the back of the display screen.

17. The tiltable display screen assembly according to claim 15, wherein the mounting member includes a mounting shaft, and the mounting member is tiltable about the mounting shaft.

18. It is a diagnostic analyzer: Bass and; A display screen rotatably connected to the base; The tiltable display screen assembly includes a base and a display screen interconnected therebetween, the tiltable display screen assembly being: A tiltable support section including a support bracket attached to a mounting member configured to be interconnected with and attached to a display screen, A multi-angle adjuster connected to the base and having multiple adjustment functions; It includes a tilt screen mechanism that is pivotable relative to a tilt support, the tilt screen mechanism being: The axis and One or more movable paddles connected to the shaft, Includes an adjustment member extending from the axis and having an end configured to engage with two or more of the multiple adjustment functions of a multi-angle adjuster for adjusting the tilt of the display screen relative to the base, The diagnostic analyzer comprises one or more movable paddles, including a first movable paddle attached to a first end of a shaft and a second movable paddle attached to a second end of a shaft.

19. A method for positioning the display screen of a diagnostic analyzer, which is: To provide the base for a diagnostic analyzer; To provide a display screen; The tiltable display screen assembly is interconnected between a base and a display screen, the tiltable display screen assembly comprising a tiltable support portion including a support bracket attached to a mounting member to which the display screen is attached, a multi-angle adjuster connected to the base and having multiple adjustment functions, and a tilt screen mechanism pivotable relative to the tiltable support portion, the tilt screen mechanism comprising: an axis, one or more movable paddles connected to the axis, and an adjustment member extending from the axis and having an end configured to engage with at least some of the multiple adjustment functions, One or more movable paddles include a first movable paddle attached to a first end of the shaft and a second movable paddle attached to a second end of the shaft; To tilt the tilt support relative to the base and adjust the tilt angle of the display screen, one or more movable paddles are pressed down to disengage the end of the adjustment member from one of the multiple adjustment functions. The method, including the method described above.

Images