Modular Healthcare Equipment with Universal USB Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing healthcare equipment often becomes bulky and cumbersome due to its multi-functionality, leading to inefficiencies in use and mobility, particularly when only a subset of its functions is required.
Innovation Solution
A modular healthcare equipment system that integrates multiple modules via a frame with a mechanical and electrical interface, allowing for customizable configurations such as desktop, wall, mobile, and bed configurations, using USB connections for data and power transfer, enabling modules to be easily attached and detached without modification to the interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-function health-care equipment is used to perform multiple functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device bulk and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The health-care equipment is divided into separate functional modules (e.g., temperature measurement module, blood pressure measurement module, pulse oximetry module) that can be independently attached to a common frame. This segmentation allows the system to provide multiple functions while keeping each individual module lightweight, resolving the contradiction between functional versatility and device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal frame structure with standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces (USB connections) is designed to accommodate multiple different functional modules. This universal platform enables a single base unit to support various configurations of modules, providing functional versatility without requiring each module to be part of a bulky integrated system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-function health-care equipment is used to perform multiple functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment is segmented into discrete functional modules that attach to a common frame, allowing the system to expand functionally without proportionally increasing overall bulk. Users can attach only the modules they need for a given task, optimizing the volume-to-functionality ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional modules are designed to nest together on a common frame structure, with modules capable of being stacked or arranged in space-efficient configurations. This nesting approach minimizes the overall volume occupied by the equipment while maintaining access to multiple functions.
3Device complexity
If single-function health-care equipment is used for each function, then device simplicity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into simple, single-function modules that maintain individual simplicity while the collective system achieves versatility through modular combination. Each module remains straightforward in design and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple simple single-function modules are merged onto a common frame with unified power and data interfaces, creating a versatile system without increasing individual module complexity. The frame acts as an integrating structure that combines the modules into a coordinated system.
4Ease of operation
If modular configurations are used to reduce bulk, then ease of mobility is improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal interface standard (USB mechanical and electrical connections) is implemented across all modules and the frame, simplifying the interface complexity despite the modular nature of the system. The standardized interfaces enable easy attachment and detachment of modules for mobility while maintaining consistent connection protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for providing health-care equipment in a plurality of customizable configurations. A configuration includes a selection and arrangement of health-care equipment modules that each provide specialized support for the provision of health care, including the measurement of physiological parameters. Various types of configurations include those adapted to be mounted upon a desk top or a wall surface, or adapted for wheel mounting or hand-carriable mobile configurations.