Omnidirectional Mobile Medical Device Chassis Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile medical devices face challenges in efficiently navigating complex environments and changing directions without the need for rotation, particularly in confined spaces, which hinders their deployment and workflow efficiency in medical settings.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with an omnidirectional chassis and advanced control apparatus that allows movement in multiple spatial directions and rotary motion about a perpendicular axis, enabled by mechanisms such as omnidirectional wheels and sensor-activated control systems, allowing for intuitive and automatic control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional mobile medical devices are used, then the device can be moved to different locations, but it requires rotation to change direction which reduces efficiency in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection change efficiencyVSAvoidtime for rotation and repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic omnidirectional chassis with independently controllable wheels that can change direction without rotation. The control apparatus dynamically adjusts wheel speeds and orientations to achieve movement in any direction instantaneously, eliminating the static limitation of conventional devices that must rotate to change direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension of movement capability by enabling lateral motion perpendicular to the device's longitudinal axis. This transforms the device from conventional forward-only movement to omnidirectional movement, allowing it to navigate confined spaces without rotation by moving diagonally or perpendicularly.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the chassis is made omnidirectional with multiple independent driving devices, then movement versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement capabilityVSAvoidchassis structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the omnidirectional chassis where each wheel can perform multiple functions: propelling the device forward, enabling lateral movement, and contributing to rotational motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for different movement types, thereby managing complexity while achieving versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical steering mechanisms with an electronically controlled omnidirectional wheel system. Instead of using traditional steering linkages and rotating joints, the control apparatus electronically regulates wheel speeds and orientations to achieve omnidirectional movement, simplifying the mechanical structure while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If advanced control apparatus with automatic and manual modes is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol intuitivenessVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through the automatic control mode where the control apparatus autonomously navigates the device to the target location using sensor data and path planning algorithms. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting wheel speeds and directions without continuous manual input, reducing operational complexity for the user while maintaining high ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the device's position, orientation, and environment, and this information is fed back to the control apparatus. The control system uses this feedback to automatically adjust wheel commands, enabling intuitive operation through automatic path correction and adaptation without requiring complex manual control inputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9554953B2Mobile medical device and method for controlling a movement of the mobile medical device
Publication Date: 2017.01.31 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • US9554953B2 patent drawing
  • US9554953B2 patent drawing
  • US9554953B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The embodiments relate to a medical device and to a method for controlling a movement of the mobile medical device. The medical device includes a chassis and a control apparatus, wherein the medical device is embodied by the chassis to perform a movement in at least two spatial directions on a plane of motion and to execute a rotary movement about an axis of rotation standing perpendicularly on the plane of motion, and the control apparatus is embodied for controlling the chassis.