User-guided semi-automatic navigation of a mobile medical device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile medical devices face challenges in navigation, particularly in constrained medical environments, due to their size and weight, and the difficulty in implementing autonomous navigation safely and cost-effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method of operation for a mobile medical device that includes a chassis, at least one drive, and a control facility. The control facility accepts a drive request from an operator, evaluates it to determine the desired direction of movement, and activates the drive only while the request is active, ensuring the device follows predefined paths while allowing operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile medical devices are moved manually by operators, then the devices can be transported between diagnosis and treatment stations, but the handling becomes extremely difficult and time-consuming due to the large size and weight of the devices
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile medical device equips itself with autonomous navigation capabilities, including sensors (laser scanners, cameras, ultrasonic sensors), onboard processors, and communication modules that enable it to navigate hospital corridors and positions autonomously without requiring manual operation by staff members
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual pushing/pulling operation with an automated control system that uses sensor data processing, path planning algorithms, and motor control to achieve autonomous movement, thereby eliminating the need for physical human intervention in the transport process
2Ease of operation
If motorized support is added to move large devices, then the devices can be transported more easily, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile medical device integrates multiple functions into a single platform: patient transport, diagnostic imaging (CT scanner), and autonomous navigation capabilities, allowing one device to perform multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the autonomous navigation system within the mobile medical device structure, with sensors, processors, and control modules integrated into the device chassis, creating a compact nested architecture where the navigation system is contained within the medical device itself
3Extent of automation
If fully autonomous navigation is implemented, then operator intervention is minimized, but the technical and normative outlay for functional safety becomes unacceptably high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a semi-autonomous navigation mode where the device operates autonomously for path following but allows operator intervention when drive requests are issued, providing a middle ground between full manual and full autonomous operation that reduces safety system requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The control facility acts as an intermediary between the autonomous navigation system and the motor drives, processing sensor data, determining navigation commands, and activating drives only when no drive request is present, thereby mediating between automated control and safety requirements
4Speed
If the control facility activates the drive continuously, then the device moves smoothly along the path, but the operator cannot intervene to stop or redirect the device
Solution Approach 1:
The control facility operates in periodic cycles, continuously monitoring for drive requests from the operator and activating the drive in intervals between requests, allowing the device to move smoothly while remaining responsive to operator intervention at any time
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile medical device is driven by a chassis. The movement is brought about, or at least supported by, at least one drive. A direction influencing device varies the direction of movement. Both the drive and the direction influencing device may be activated by a control device. End stations and paths leading to the end stations, as well as a current position of the device, are known to the control device. The control device accepts a drive request from an operator and establishes an at least approximate desired direction of the movement. The control device activates the drive while accepting the drive request and activates the direction influencing device to drive the device on one of the paths while accepting the drive request and while the current position of the device is approximately on the path. Furthermore, the control device continuously updates the position of the device during movement.