Multifunction Housing Isolating Medical Measuring Unit Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact and transportable medical measuring units face challenges in maintaining electrical safety and compactness while providing a range of functionalities, especially when equipped with electrically conductive housing parts and requiring data transfer and charging.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional housing with an integrated circuit and interfaces for data exchange and charging, where these functions are only accessible when the housing is closed, ensuring electrical safety and reducing the need for external connectors on the measuring unit, which can include a USB interface, Bluetooth communication, and a transparent window for status monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the measuring unit is equipped with electrically conductive housing components and external interfaces for charging and data transfer, then the functionality and versatility of the device is improved, but the electrical safety risks and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging and data transfer interfaces from the measuring unit itself and relocates them to the housing. The housing now contains the external USB connector and charging circuitry, while the measuring unit only has internal contacts. This separation removes the need for external connectors on the measuring unit, reducing electrical safety risks while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary between the external charging/data transfer interfaces and the measuring unit. It provides galvanic isolation through its charging circuitry and only establishes electrical connections when the measuring unit is properly inserted and the housing is closed, thereby mediating electrical safety while enabling connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If the measuring unit includes integrated charging and data transfer capabilities, then the device can operate independently, but the volume and weight of the measuring unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging and data transfer functions into the housing rather than the measuring unit. The housing now performs multiple functions: protection, charging, data transfer, and even calibration. This consolidation allows the measuring unit to remain compact while the housing provides the necessary infrastructure for independent operation.
3Ease of operation
If standard USB connectors are integrated into the measuring unit, then data transfer and charging are convenient, but the risk of incorrect connectors and electrical hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standard USB connector is extracted from the measuring unit and placed in the housing. The measuring unit now only has internal contacts that are not exposed to users. This eliminates the risk of users connecting incorrect chargers or data cables to the measuring unit, while the housing's single USB connector ensures only compatible chargers can be used.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the measuring unit has exposed conductive parts for measurement, then the measurement function is enabled, but the risk of accidental electrical contact and safety incidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the housing to automatically close and isolate the measuring unit after each measurement. The conductive measurement parts are only exposed during the brief measurement process, and then immediately isolated when the housing is closed, preventing accidental contact while enabling the measurement function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a multifunction housing (1) having a compact medical measuring unit (2) arranged removably therein having an integrated sensor system which has a housing body (4) and a movable cover (3), the housing body (2) being closable by means of the cover (3). The object of the invention is to develop the multifunction housing such that the measuring unit (2) in the multifunction housing (1) is not only transported and stored in a protected manner, but also further functionalities of the measuring unit (2) are undertaken by the multifunction housing or are carried out with the aid of the multifunction housing (1), such that even with diverse functionality the measuring unit (2) remains compact and thus simple for the user to manipulate. For this purpose the invention proposes that the multifunction housing (1) has an integrated circuit (8) and at least one interface which facilitates an interaction between the environment and the measuring unit (2).