Medical Remote Control Motion Sensing and Release Switch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote controls for medical apparatuses with multiple movable segments are cumbersome and lack intuitive operation, particularly for operating tables, due to the increased number of buttons or soft keys, making it difficult to control the speed and direction of motions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A remote control with a sensor to detect position and motion, emitting control signals based on the remote control's motion after actuating a release switch, and a display for previewing intended motions, allowing for intuitive operation by moving the remote control in desired directions, thereby simplifying the control of medical apparatus movable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons or soft keys is increased to control multiple movable segments, then the control functionality is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with a motion-based control system using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) to detect the remote control's orientation and movement. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple physical buttons while maintaining comprehensive control capability, directly resolving the contradiction between control functionality and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from discrete button presses to continuous motion parameters (acceleration, orientation angles, movement direction). By detecting these parameters through sensors and mapping them to control signals, the system achieves versatile control with a single intuitive input method, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons or soft keys is increased to control multiple movable segments, then the control functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single remote control device universal by enabling it to control multiple different movable segments (tabletop, head plate, leg plate, positioning device) through a unified motion-detection interface. The sensor system and control unit adapt to different control targets without requiring additional specialized buttons or switches, thereby improving versatility while maintaining simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control system performs self-configuration by automatically determining the appropriate control function based on the detected motion pattern and current system state. The control unit interprets sensor data and autonomously generates the correct control signals for different movable segments, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or multiple specialized controls
3Ease of operation
If motion control is released for intuitive operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintended use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a release switch mechanism that must be actively engaged to enable motion control. This preliminary action (actuating the release switch) prevents unintended operation by requiring deliberate user intent before motion control becomes active, while still allowing intuitive operation when the release switch is engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through the display showing preview images of the intended motion before execution. This visual feedback allows the operator to verify the intended action, and the system continuously monitors the release switch state to confirm authorized operation, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling intuitive control
4Reliability
If a display showing preview image is added to verify intended motion, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a display as an intermediary between the control input and the actual motion execution. The display shows a preview image representing the intended motion, serving as a mediator that allows verification before action. This intermediary layer enhances reliability by providing confirmation feedback without requiring additional physical controls or complex mechanical verification mechanisms
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
Enables comfortable and precise control of medical apparatus movable components with reduced need for button searching, facilitating easy and unambiguous motion control, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by allowing intuitive operation of complex medical apparatuses like operating tables.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect a position and a motion of the remote control
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect a position and a motion of the remote control
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A remote control (2) for controlling a medical apparatus (3) having at least one driven movable components (4, 4', 4", 4"', 4"") is provided. The remote control (2) comprises a sensor (5) configured to detect a position and a motion of the remote control (2), and at least one release switch (6). The remote control (2) is configured to emit a control signal capable of controlling a motion of the at least one driven movable component (4, 4', 4", 4"', 4"") according to a motion of the remote control (2) detected by the sensor (5) when a control of the motion of the at least one driven movable component (4, 4', 4", 4"', 4"") is released by actuating the at least one release switch (6).