Capacitive Touch Input for False-Operation Avoidance in Medical Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical apparatuses using rotary members as input devices, the presence of foreign substances like highly viscous liquids can lead to gaps and reduced operability, making it difficult to rotate the member and affecting the device's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus that uses an electric field or capacitance type position detection sensor to detect operator input without a rotary member, minimizing gaps and improving cleanability while maintaining operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary member is used as an input device, then the device can receive input operation by an operator, but foreign substances like highly viscous liquid medicine can enter the gap between the rotary member and housing, causing reduced operability and difficulty in rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotary member from the input device structure, extracting the component that creates the gap problem. The input function is replaced by a touch-sensitive display that detects finger contact positions and operations without any rotating mechanical parts, thereby eliminating the gap where foreign substances could enter and compromise operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotary member system with an electronic touch-sensitive display system. Instead of using mechanical rotation to input commands, the system uses capacitance or resistive touch sensing to detect finger contact positions, translating mechanical touch into electrical signals for device control without any moving mechanical parts.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rotary member is used as an input device, then the device can set setting values through rotation, but the gap between the rotary member and housing reduces cleanability and increases maintenance difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the rotary member from the device structure, eliminating the gap between the rotary member and housing that is difficult to clean. The flat, seamless surface of the touch-sensitive display allows for easy cleaning and maintenance without requiring disassembly or special cleaning procedures for mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rotary member system is replaced with an electronic touch-sensitive display, transforming a complex mechanical structure with moving parts and gaps into a simple, flat surface that is inherently easier to manufacture and maintain. The electronic components are integrated behind the display surface, eliminating the need for mechanical assemblies.
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 apparatus effectively limits the reduction in operability due to foreign substances and enhances cleanability by eliminating the need for a rotary member, ensuring accurate and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a position detection sensor that detects a position of a detection target by using an electric field or capacitance type position detection sensor
Implementation Method 2
a position detection sensor that detects a position of a detection target by using an electric field or capacitance type position detection sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical apparatus includes an operation reception unit, a position acquisition unit that can acquire position information of a detection target based on a position of the detection target on the operation reception unit at an acquisition timing that occurs in a predetermined cycle, the detection target being in contact with or close to the operation reception unit, and a control unit that determines an operation position of the detection target on the operation reception unit at an acquisition timing before a latest acquisition timing, on the basis of the position information acquired at the latest acquisition timing.