Medical Tablet Docking Station with Segmented Charging and Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging apparatuses, such as CT devices, require a tablet computer for operation, but existing docking solutions lack adaptability and independence from the gantry's operating state, particularly in terms of charging and mounting options.
Innovation Solution
A docking station designed to accommodate tablet computers with a form-fit interface system, allowing for both docking and charging, and featuring interchangeable interface types (magnetic and dovetail connections) and a mounting system for base or wall installation, enabling independent operation from the gantry's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the tablet computer is docked to the gantry for operation, then the medical imaging apparatus can be controlled, but the tablet cannot be charged when the gantry is completely switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate docking locations: the gantry docking station for operational control and a separate base docking station for charging. This segmentation allows the tablet to be charged independently of the gantry's operational state, resolving the contradiction between charging capability and independence from gantry power state.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate base docking station acts as an intermediary charging infrastructure, decoupled from the gantry's power system. This intermediary enables charging functionality to be available independently of the gantry's operational state, while maintaining compatibility through standardized interface apparatus.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different mounting ways are provided for the docking station, then installation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station incorporates a universal mounting system that can be installed in multiple locations (base mounting and wall mounting) using the same fundamental apparatus. This multi-functional mounting capability provides installation flexibility without significantly increasing device complexity, as the same docking station design serves multiple mounting purposes.
3Reliability
If the same interface apparatus is used on both the docking station and gantry, then compatibility is improved, but adaptability to different interface systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The interface apparatus uses standardized connection parameters (form-fit mechanical interface, magnetic attraction strength, docking geometry) that remain constant across different docking locations. This standardization ensures compatibility between tablet, base docking station, and gantry docking apparatus, while the system can adapt to different interface systems by changing the specific implementation of these standardized parameters.
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
The docking station provides a flexible, energy-efficient, and compact solution for charging and mounting tablet computers, reducing energy consumption and installation complexity, while ensuring compatibility with various medical imaging apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
the interface apparatus comprises a magnetic connection device having a tablet-side connection device configured to establish a magnetic connection with the tablet computer device
Implementation Method 2
the interface apparatus comprises a friction connection device having a tablet-side connection device configured to establish a friction connection with the tablet computer device
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station is for accommodating a tablet computer device. In an embodiment, the docking station includes a housing, and an interface apparatus for connecting the tablet computer device to the housing. The housing is configured to accommodate the interface apparatus in a form-fit manner. The interface apparatus is configured such that the tablet computer device is dockable in a form-fit manner to the interface apparatus upon the interface apparatus being accommodated in a form-fit manner in the housing.