Non-planar Display Screen for Curved Surgical Device Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional static labels on electromechanical handheld surgical devices are limited in space, unable to provide comprehensive information in multiple languages, and cannot dynamically update with software changes or accommodate various surgical operations, especially in devices with curved ergonomic designs where flat display screens are restrictive.

Innovation Solution

A non-planar, flexible or curved display screen that adjusts its information display based on the device's orientation, using a processor, memory, and orientation detector to optimize the display area, allowing for dynamic information presentation and language selection, while fitting seamlessly within the device's ergonomic design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a flat display screen is used in a curved housing, then the display can show dynamic information, but the display area is restricted and space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidfitting to curved housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is designed with a curved surface that matches the ergonomic contour of the housing. This curvature allows the display to conform to the housing shape, maximizing the use of available space while maintaining the ergonomic design. The curved display screen eliminates wasted space between a flat screen and the curved housing surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Loss of information

If a static label is used to describe device features, then the device structure remains simple, but the label cannot provide comprehensive information in multiple languages or update with software changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen dynamically updates its content based on software changes, selected languages, and operational modes. Instead of a static label, the display can show different information in real-time, adapting to user preferences and device state. This dynamic capability allows comprehensive information presentation without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen serves multiple functions: showing device information, providing multilingual support, displaying operational status, and updating with software changes. This single multi-functional display replaces what would otherwise require multiple static labels in different languages and configurations.

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

3Area of stationary object

If the display screen size is increased to show more information, then information completeness improves, but the device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display transitions from a traditional flat 2D surface to a curved 3D surface that wraps around the housing. This dimensional change allows the display to utilize the curved surface area of the housing, effectively increasing the display area without increasing the overall device volume. The curved display fits within the existing device contours.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3056162B1Display screens for medical devices
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP3056162B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3056162B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3056162B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electromechanical handheld surgical device includes a housing, and a non-planar display screen. The housing encloses a processor, a memory storing instructions, and an orientation detector configured to detect orientation of the electromechanical handheld surgical device with respect to a reference direction. The non-planar display screen is fixedly attached around a portion of the housing and configured to display information. Then instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the non-planar display screen to display the information on a portion of the non-planar display screen. The portion of the non-planar display screen is determined by the processor based on the detected orientation.