Caster Indicator with Fluorescent Display for Medical Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of medical electronic apparatuses, such as ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, face inconvenience in confirming the operating state of casters, which often requires direct interaction or movement of the apparatus to verify lock or swivel states.
Innovation Solution
A caster indicator system comprising a position sensing unit and a display unit connected to the link between two casters, allowing users to visually or audibly confirm the state of the casters through indicators representing brake, free swivel, and directional lock states, eliminating the need for direct interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users directly move the apparatus or directly lock the casters to confirm the operating state, then the operating state of the casters can be confirmed, but the user experiences inconvenience and unnecessary interaction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through display units that visually indicate the operating state of casters. Position sensing units detect the state of each caster (locked/unlocked, swivel direction) and transmit this information to display units, which provide real-time visual feedback to users. This eliminates the need for users to physically interact with or move the apparatus to confirm caster states, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable state confirmation.
2Reliability
If indicators are made visible in dark environments, then accurate confirmation is ensured, but additional materials or structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluorescent materials for the indicators on the display units. These fluorescent indicators remain visible in dark environments without requiring additional complex structures or materials. The fluorescent property allows the indicators to be easily observed regardless of ambient lighting conditions, ensuring accurate caster state confirmation in dark environments while avoiding increased device complexity.
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 users to easily and quickly verify the state of casters, reducing unnecessary interaction and ensuring accurate confirmation even in dark environments.
Implementation Method 1
the indicators printed in the respective regions may be formed of a fluorescent material
Data Source
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AI summary
A caster indicator (200) displays the state of casters provided on an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (1) or a medical bed. The caster indicator includes a position sensing unit sensing the position of levers (120) determining the state of casters (110), and a display unit (210) displaying the state of the casters (110) according to the position of the levers (120). With the caster indicator (200), a user easily confirms the state of the casters, even if a medical electronic apparatus, such as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or the medical bed, is located at a dark place.