Mobile Medical Imaging Robot Manual Motorized Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile medical imaging robots face challenges in balancing cost and security, with fully manual systems being inexpensive but less secure and fully automated systems being expensive, while cable-linked robots have limited mobility and risk cable damage.

Innovation Solution

A mobile medical imaging robot with manual motorized moving, equipped with security sensors and a human machine interface like a joystick for user control, and a permanently fixed cable for power and data transmission, allowing for simpler and cost-effective operation with enhanced security features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mobile medical imaging robot is fully automated, then security of robot moving control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of robot moving controlVSAvoidnavigation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two parts: basic automated navigation for routine movements (parking, positioning) and manual control for exceptional situations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high security through automated protocols while avoiding the complexity of fully automated control by allowing manual intervention when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robot performs routine movements autonomously without human intervention, such as returning to parking positions or moving between predetermined examination locations. This self-service capability maintains security while reducing operational complexity for common tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If the mobile medical imaging robot is fully manual, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but security of robot moving control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidsecurity of robot moving control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control mode is made dynamic, allowing the system to switch between automated and manual control based on operational needs. The robot operates in automated mode for routine tasks to ensure security, and can be switched to manual mode when flexibility is required, providing adaptability without compromising overall security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the mobile medical imaging robot is cable linked to wall, then power and data transfer are improved, but moving magnitude is limited and cable damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower alimentation capabilityVSAvoidmoving magnitude
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system uses preliminary action by implementing predetermined travel paths and parking positions. The robot is programmed to move only along predefined trajectories that keep the cable within safe tension limits, preventing cable damage while maximizing the usable moving magnitude within constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor cable tension and position. When the robot approaches movement limits that would endanger the cable, the system receives feedback and automatically adjusts or stops movement, preventing cable damage while optimizing power and data transfer capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Use of energy by moving object

If the mobile medical imaging robot is cable linked to wall, then power and data transfer are improved, but device complexity increases due to automatic control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower alimentation capabilityVSAvoidautomatic control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two parts: basic automated navigation for routine movements (parking, positioning) and manual control for exceptional situations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high security through automated protocols while avoiding the complexity of fully automated control by allowing manual intervention when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3079588B1Mobile medical imaging robot
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP3079588B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3079588B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3079588B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a mobile medical imaging robot comprising: a medical imaging device (2), a vehicle (1) carrying said medical imaging device (2) and being motorized so as to move on a floor (17) of an examination room, wherein said robot comprises a cable (3) designed to link said vehicle (1) to a wall (16) of an examination room, and wherein said motorized moving is driven manually by a user.