Medical System Control Element Selection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical systems with numerous and complex control elements for movable devices, such as x-ray machines and patient tables, pose challenges for operators due to the complexity and variability in operation, leading to increased time spent searching for correct controls and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A medical system with a simplified control scheme where each type of movement is controlled by a dedicated control element, accompanied by an input unit with selection elements, allowing intuitive operation by assigning all movable elements performing a specific type of movement to a single control element, and optionally integrating control elements and selection elements into a touchscreen for compact and multifunctional operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of control elements is increased to enable complex operating functions, then the functionality and adaptability of the medical system is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A single control element is designed to control multiple movable elements through selection elements, allowing one control element to perform multiple functions that previously required separate control elements for each movable element
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions for different movable elements are merged into a single control element by adding selection capability, combining what were previously separate control elements into one unified control interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of control elements is increased to enable complex operating functions, then the adaptability of the medical system is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to operators losing overview and spending time searching for correct controls
Solution Approach 1:
The control element with selection elements provides universal control capability across multiple movable elements, maintaining adaptability for individualized diagnostics while simplifying the interface to prevent operators from losing overview
Solution Approach 2:
Selection elements act as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and multiple movable elements, providing a systematic way to select and control different elements without requiring separate control elements for each
3Area of stationary object
If control elements are made smaller to reduce space, then the device compactness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users spend more time locating correct functionality
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single control element with selection capability, reducing the total space required for control elements while maintaining all necessary functions through the selection mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system includes a plurality of movable elements, a first control element for controlling a first type of movement and at least one further control element for controlling a further type of movement. The first control element is assigned to a first number of movable elements for controlling the first type of movement and the further control elements are assigned to a further number of movable elements for controlling the further type of movement. The control elements each include an input unit having at least two selection elements for selecting the movable element to be controlled.