Automated Gripping Module for Medical Imaging Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray systems require manual operation to position and fold back holding grips, which is time-consuming and prone to human error, potentially limiting the movement of the X-ray device and posing safety hazards when grips are left protruding.

Innovation Solution

A medical imaging device with a gripping module featuring a control unit that automatically controls the movement of at least two holding grips, allowing for automatic folding out and folding back, reducing the need for manual operation and ensuring safety by retracting the grips after use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation of holding grips is used, then the device structure can be simple, but the operation process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation processVSAvoidtime for positioning and folding grips

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holding grips are equipped with automatic positioning and folding mechanisms that operate autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The grips automatically position themselves for patient use and then automatically fold back into the device housing after use, making the system self-servicing and eliminating time-consuming manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators to position and fold the holding grips. This substitution of manual mechanical systems with automated control mechanisms resolves the contradiction by making operation easier while reducing the time required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If holding grips are left protruding after use, then access is maintained, but safety hazards and movement limitations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically folds the holding grips back into the device housing after use, performing the retraction action in advance before any potential safety hazards can occur. This preliminary automatic action ensures that the grips are properly repositioned, eliminating safety risks and ensuring device movement is not limited.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automatic control is implemented, then operational efficiency increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage recording process efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic control systems with sensors and actuators that replace manual mechanical operations. While this increases device complexity, it dramatically improves productivity by automating the positioning and folding of holding grips, making the image recording process more efficient and reducing human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9655569B2Medical imaging device with a gripping module

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A medical imaging device includes a gripping module having at least a first holding grip and a second holding grip. The first holding grip and the second holding grip are configured for holding by a patient during an image recording. A control unit is arranged on the medical imaging device. The control unit is configured to control an automatic movement of the holding grips. As a result, manual operation of the holding grips by medical operators may be avoided, thereby simplifying and accelerating the process of recording images.