Portable Monitor Connector Ring for Multi-Orientation Videoscopes

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a video processing apparatus that can accommodate various videoscope technologies and adapt to different orientations, particularly for use in diverse medical settings with varying lighting conditions, while ensuring compatibility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A portable video processing apparatus with a connector ring system made of flexible material, featuring visual and alignment indicators to facilitate secure connection and orientation of videoscope cables, allowing the apparatus to function in default and inverted orientations and support multiple videoscope technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed connector design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different videoscope technologies is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different videoscope technologiesVSAvoidconnector design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector ring is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple videoscope connector types (e.g., Lumenis, Olympus, Stryker) through a single standardized structure. The retention portion and plug hood configuration allows the same connector ring to securely hold different connector geometries, enabling one monitor to work with various videoscope technologies without requiring multiple specialized connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a retention portion for securing the connector, an intermediate portion for transition, and a plug hood made of flexible material for protection and alignment. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility across different videoscope types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If alignment indicators are added to facilitate connection, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable connection easeVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Visual alignment indicators are incorporated into the connector ring and cable connector using color coding and graphical symbols (e.g., arrows, notches). These indicators provide intuitive visual cues that guide proper alignment and insertion orientation, allowing users to quickly and accurately connect cables without complex mechanical alignment features or adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid connector structure is used, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but adaptability to different orientations is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation adaptabilityVSAvoidconnector dimensional precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates a flexible plug hood made of elastomeric material that can dynamically adapt its shape and orientation. This flexibility allows the connector to accommodate different insertion angles and orientations (e.g., 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees) while maintaining secure connection, eliminating the need for multiple precisely manufactured rigid connector variants for different orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The plug hood is constructed from flexible elastomeric material that forms a compliant shell around the connector interface. This flexible shell can deform to accommodate various connector orientations and insertion forces, providing universal adaptability without requiring high-precision manufacturing tolerances for different angular configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If visual technology indicators are added, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetechnology identification easeVSAvoidconnector manufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Visual technology indicators are implemented using color-coded rings or markings on the connector housing that correspond to different videoscope technologies (e.g., blue for Lumenis, green for Olympus). These simple visual cues are integrated into the molding process of the connector housing, allowing manufacturers to produce different connector variants using standard injection molding techniques without requiring complex assembly steps or additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 solution enables seamless integration with different videoscope technologies, ensures secure and easy cable connections, and adapts to changing orientations, enhancing usability in diverse medical settings.

Implementation Method 1

the first end of each of the arms are pivotally attached to the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivotal attachment: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4412005A2Video processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 AMBU AS
  • EP4412005A2 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4412005A2 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4412005A2 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A portable monitor is disclosed operable in a first orientation and a second orientation. The monitor comprising: a display; a housing supporting the display, the housing having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side and orthogonal to the first side, and a back side opposite the display, wherein in the first orientation the first side is below the second side and, and wherein in the second orientation the first side is above the second side; a handle having arms and a bar extending between the arms, each of the arms having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and connected to the bar. Wherein the first end of each of the arms are pivotally attached to the housing.