Movable Support for Entertainment Device in Clinical Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for entertainment and information devices in clinical settings, such as haemodialysis rooms, face issues with communal viewing limitations, physical obstructions, and ergonomic challenges, particularly for patients who need to interact with devices using one hand over extended periods, while also hindering staff visibility and emergency access.
Innovation Solution
A movable support system for entertainment and information devices mounted on a service trolley, featuring linear guides and hinges, allowing the device to be positioned ergonomically for easy one-handed use, minimizing visual obstruction, and enabling unimpeded staff visibility, with configurations for various user positions and activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an individual screen is mounted on a bulky mechanical arm fixed to the ceiling or wall, then each patient can view programs individually and interact with the device, but the support arm and screen constitute physical and visual obstacles that occupy space, partially hide the patient from staff view, and hinder emergency manoeuvres
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned dynamically. The arm can be rotated and adjusted to different positions, enabling it to move out of the way when staff need to access the patient or when emergency manoeuvres are required, while still providing stable support for the screen during patient use.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into multiple segments including a base unit, an adjustable arm with multiple joints, and a screen mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, reducing overall obstruction while maintaining individual viewing capability.
2Shape
If the screen is lowered from above onto the patient and requires the patient to raise his/her free arm to reach controls, then the screen can be positioned for viewing, but this becomes problematic for prolonged interaction activities such as playing a game or writing a text
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm includes adjustable height and angle mechanisms that allow the screen and controls to be dynamically repositioned to various heights and angles. This enables the controls to be brought within easy reach of the patient regardless of their seating position or the duration of interaction required.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is designed to accommodate multiple interaction scenarios by providing adjustable positioning in multiple dimensions. The same mechanism serves both brief interactions (channel changing) and prolonged interactions (gaming, text writing) by adapting the screen and control positions to suit different activity requirements.
3Strength
If the support arm is made sufficiently strong to keep the screen firmly in position, then the screen remains stable during use, but the arm becomes more bulky and creates greater visual and physical obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple segments that can distribute the load more effectively. Rather than a single bulky arm, the segmented structure with multiple joints and support points provides stability while reducing the bulk of any single component, thereby minimizing visual and physical obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism utilizes vertical and angular adjustments in addition to horizontal positioning. By distributing support forces across multiple dimensions and planes, the system achieves screen stability without requiring a single oversized horizontal arm, thus reducing obstruction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a movable support (40) for an entertainment and/or information device (50). The movable support is designed to be applied to the underside (310) of a substantially horizontal support surface (31). The movable support comprises: - a set of linear guides (41) designed to allow the device to be displaced in a substantially horizontal plane n, at least from a rest configuration (R) into a first transition configuration (Tl); and - a set of hinges (42) designed to allow the device to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation (X) at least from a first transition configuration (T1) into a first operating configuration (U1).