Medical Operating Unit Actuation Direction Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical apparatus operating units attached to movable elements face challenges in flexibility and orientation, as the direction of actuation reverses when attached to opposite sides, disrupting access and functionality during patient examination or treatment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an actuation sensor and direction sensor or contact device that supplies direction signals to a signal processing device to align the actuation coordinate system, ensuring the direction of actuation corresponds to the direction of movement regardless of attachment position, thereby maintaining consistent operation across different sides and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating unit is attached to different sides of the movable element to enhance flexibility and access, then the ease of operation and adaptability improve, but the direction of actuation reverses, causing operational inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The operating unit dynamically adapts its control signals based on the detected attachment side. The system transitions from a static control configuration to a dynamic one that automatically adjusts actuation directions according to the actual attachment position, ensuring consistent operational behavior regardless of where the unit is mounted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates detection means that provide feedback about which side of the movable element the operating unit is attached to. This feedback information is used by the control unit to automatically adjust the actuation signals, creating a closed-loop system that maintains operational consistency through real-time adaptation.
2Ease of operation
If the operating unit is attached to the side of examination or treatment, then direct control is achieved, but access to the patient and examination or treatment on that side is interfered with or impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the control functions from the physical position constraints. By using detection means to identify attachment side and the control unit to adjust signals accordingly, the system allows the operating unit to be positioned optimally for patient access while maintaining full control functionality through automated directional correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means and control unit act as intermediaries between the physical attachment position and the control signals. This intermediary system translates the attachment side information into appropriate actuation signal adjustments, allowing the operating unit to be positioned for optimal access without sacrificing control effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating unit reverses operation when attached to opposite sides, then attachment flexibility is achieved, but additional technical complexities are introduced regarding orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The operating unit performs self-adjustment through the integrated detection means and control unit. The system automatically detects which side it is attached to and autonomously corrects the actuation signals, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration or complex external orientation management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the parameters of the actuation signals based on the detected attachment side. By dynamically adjusting signal parameters such as direction and polarity, the system maintains consistent operational behavior across different attachment positions without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides operating units for a medical apparatus having a driven movable element comprising a fixing device for being fixed to the movable element, an actuating element, a signal processing device, at least one actuation sensor for detecting an actuation of the actuating element in at least one predetermined actuation axis (B1−−B1+, B2−−B2+), wherein the actuation sensor is adapted to supply an actuation signal depending on a direction of actuation (B1−, B1+, B2−, B2+) in the actuation axis (B1−−B1+, B2−−B2+) to the signal processing device and at least one direction sensor for outputting a direction signal. The signal processing device is adapted to align an actuation coordinate system according to the direction signal such that the direction of movement is equal to the direction of actuation (B1−−B1+, B2−−B2+), and to supply a control signal according to the actuation signal in the aligned actuation coordinate system to a control device of the medical apparatus.