Incubator Canopy External Force Detection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In switching type incubators, the canopy may accidentally lower or raise while contacting external objects or individuals, potentially causing accidents due to uncontrolled operation of the driving mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A control mechanism with a detecting section and signal output section that renders the driving mechanism non-operational when external force is applied to the canopy, using methods such as optical detection, strain gauges, or variations in driving current and frequency to prevent unintended movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the driving mechanism automatically lowers or raises the canopy, then the switching between closed and open types is convenient, but the risk of accidental operation when external force is applied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic canopy operationVSAvoidsafe operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a detecting section continuously monitors the canopy's state and driving conditions. When external force is applied during automatic operation, the system detects this through changes in driving current, frequency, or mechanical sensors, and automatically stops the driving mechanism to prevent accidents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical automatic driving with an electronically controlled system that incorporates sensors and control circuits. The driving mechanism is monitored by detecting sections that sense external forces through electrical signals (current, frequency) or mechanical sensors, substituting simple mechanical operation with intelligent electronic control to prevent accidental operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the driving mechanism continues to operate when external force is applied, then the canopy switching function is maintained, but accidents to the incubator or personnel may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecanopy switching efficiencyVSAvoidaccident risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the application of external force before accidents can occur. The detecting section monitors for signs of external force (changes in driving current, frequency, or direct mechanical sensing) and preemptively stops the driving mechanism, preventing the harmful effect of accidents before they can happen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback control where the detecting section continuously monitors operating conditions and provides real-time information to the control mechanism. When external force is detected through changes in driving parameters or sensor signals, the feedback loop immediately triggers a stop command to the driving mechanism, preventing accidents while maintaining efficient operation under normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Prevents accidents by ensuring the driving mechanism does not operate when external force is applied, maintaining safety for the incubator, personnel, and other devices.

Implementation Method 1

The application of external force may be detected, for example, by detecting displacement or strain of at least part of the canopy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain detection:

Implementation Method 2

by detecting variation in pressure applied to at least part of the canopy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 3

by detecting variation in driving current or driving frequency in the driving mechanism for the canopy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8409073B2Incubator
Publication Date: 2013.04.02 ATOM MEDICAL CORP
  • US8409073B2 patent drawing
  • US8409073B2 patent drawing
  • US8409073B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An incubator according to the present invention will be able to prevent accidents to the incubator itself or other devices, a doctor, a nurse or others causing external force even if the external force is applied to a canopy of a newborn chamber. An optical detector in a control mechanism detects application of external force to the canopy of the newborn chamber, and a signal output section in the control mechanism outputs a signal that renders a driving mechanism for lowering and raising the canopy non-operational when the application of external force is detected. Accordingly, even if external force is applied to the canopy by bump, contact, putting some object or others, the driving mechanism will not continue or start to lower or raise the canopy while the external force is applied to the canopy because the driving mechanism will be rendered non-operational.