Force-Dependent Patient Bed Control for Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging devices, such as computer tomographs, require cumbersome and inefficient manual operation for precise positioning of patient beds due to fixed speed movements and separate switches for each direction, making intuitive and efficient positioning challenging.
Innovation Solution
A user interface with a force-dependent operating element that adjusts patient bed movements based on the user's applied force, using capacitive detection and pressure sensors, allowing for adaptive speed control and intuitive operation by correlating force with movement speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate switches or pushbuttons are provided for each direction of movement with fixed travel speed, then the patient bed can be positioned, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient for precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the travel speed of the patient bed variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the travel speed dynamically based on the magnitude of force applied to the control element - larger forces produce faster movement while smaller forces produce slower movement, enabling both rapid repositioning and precise positioning without requiring separate switches for different speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical switch/pushbutton system with a force-dependent control element that detects applied force (including pressure) and converts it into control signals. This mechanical-to-electronic substitution allows for more nuanced control where the magnitude of force directly influences the positioning speed and precision, eliminating the need for multiple discrete switches
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate controls are used for different movement directions, then each direction can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single control element that can control multiple degrees of freedom of the patient bed. The force-dependent control element with directional sensitivity allows one component to replace multiple separate switches, maintaining the ability to control different movement directions while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single force-dependent control element. By combining directional sensitivity with force magnitude detection in one element, the system integrates what would traditionally require separate switches for each direction and speed control, simplifying the user interface and control system architecture
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 intuitive and efficient positioning of patient beds by allowing users to control movement speed through applied force, reducing operational complexity and improving workflow efficiency in medical imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
the user input is detected at least partially capacitively, in particular projected capacitively
Implementation Method 2
Separate pressure sensors are provided, for example, to detect the force exerted by the user
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In a method for operating a patient bed (1), in particular an imaging medical device, a user interface (5) with a control element (7) for detecting a user input is provided. According to the invention, at least one degree of freedom (B) of movement of the patient bed (1) is adjusted depending on a force exerted by the user on the control element (7).