3D Manipulation Panel for Medical Imaging Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical imaging apparatuses lack efficient control systems for spatially moving components, such as gantries and X-ray generators, which limits user control and precision in capturing medical images.

Innovation Solution

A user control device with a manipulation panel and a frame that allows three-dimensional movement, equipped with sensors to detect movement and transmit commands to drivers for precise control of medical apparatus components, including elastic units for returning the panel to its original position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manipulation panel is made three-dimensionally movable to improve spatial control of medical apparatus components, then user control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a manipulation panel for user input, a sensing unit for detecting panel movement, and a driver for executing commands. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality, enabling 3D movement capability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manipulation panel serves multiple functions: it detects user input through various sensing mechanisms, translates physical movement into control commands, and interfaces with the driver system. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate devices into a single integrated unit, improving user control capability while limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If sensors are integrated into the frame to detect manipulation panel movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement detection precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing unit is merged with the frame structure, integrating movement detection functionality directly into the existing structural component. This combination eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces the number of discrete parts, thereby improving measurement precision through dedicated sensing elements while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If elastic units are added to return the manipulation panel to its original position, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel reset capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic units provide self-service functionality by automatically returning the manipulation panel to its original position after user input, without requiring additional user action or external intervention. This self-reset capability improves ease of operation by enabling rapid sequential inputs, while the use of simple elastic elements rather than complex actuation systems minimizes the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables precise spatial movement of medical apparatus components, improving user control and image capture capabilities by allowing linear and rotational movements in response to user input, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a sensing unit disposed in the accommodating unit to sense a movement of the manipulation panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The auxiliary unit may include an elastic portion that returns the manipulation panel to its original position when the manipulating means is lifted or removed from the manipulation panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2799012B1Control devices receiving users' commands and medical apparatuses including the same
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2799012B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2799012B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2799012B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A user control device may include a manipulation panel which receives an external force or input from a manipulating input or device, a frame that is spaced apart from the manipulation panel and having an accommodating unit accommodating the manipulation panel, and a sensing unit disposed in the accommodating unit to sense a movement of the manipulation panel. The manipulation panel may be three-dimensionally movable according to a movement of the manipulating input or device. Related medical apparatuses may also be controlled using the user control device.