One-Piece Facade for Medical Imaging Device Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic imaging devices, such as ultrasound systems, face contamination risks due to the separation of components, which complicates cleaning and disinfection, potentially leading to infection incidents in medical environments, as fluids and chemicals can seep into seams and damage the display screen or circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic imaging device with a one-piece non-flexible, transparent or translucent facade covering the display panel and switches, allowing operation through capacitive switches or a stylus, and enabling easy disinfection with chemicals like quaternary ammonium or isopropyl alcohol, without moving parts or additional framing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used to form the diagnostic imaging device, then the device can be assembled with standard manufacturing processes, but the seams and part lines increase contamination risk and complicate cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (display screen, control panel, buttons, switches) into a single integrated one-piece facade. This eliminates seams and part lines where fluids and contaminants could accumulate, making the device easier to clean and disinfect while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly of the integrated unit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible plastic films are layered onto consoles and keyboards to prevent contamination, then contamination risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from separate flexible plastic films and integrates it directly into the one-piece facade structure. The facade itself is made from chemically resistant materials that provide inherent protection without requiring additional protective layers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining contamination protection.
3Device complexity
If the display screen is framed in plastic without additional protection, then the device design is simplified, but the display screen is vulnerable to damage from chemicals and fluid splatter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials in the one-piece facade, combining chemically resistant materials with transparent or translucent properties. This allows the facade to protect the display screen from chemical and fluid damage while maintaining visibility and aesthetic appearance, without adding significant structural complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic drapes or keyboard covers are used to simplify cleaning, then contamination risk is reduced, but visibility of images and device operation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the facade transparent or translucent specifically over the display screen area while maintaining protective properties elsewhere. This allows unobstructed viewing of images and operation of controls through the facade, eliminating the visibility and operational interference caused by opaque plastic covers.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If imaging devices are placed outside the sterile field, then contamination risk is reduced, but user accessibility and image visibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a disposable or easily replaceable one-piece facade that can be quickly cleaned or replaced between uses. This allows the device to be placed within the sterile field during procedures, maintaining user accessibility and image visibility, while the facade itself acts as a barrier that can be rapidly disinfected or replaced to prevent cross-contamination between patients.
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
This design enhances cleanability and durability, reducing contamination risks, maintaining image quality, and allowing for effective disinfection, thus ensuring the device's safety and usability in medical settings without the need for additional covers that interfere with operation.
Implementation Method 1
a set of switches operable by a user through the one-piece non-flexible facade, including at least one capacitive switch
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic imaging device is provided that includes a display panel, a set of switches including at least one of a proximity switch and a capacitive switch, and a one-piece non-flexible facade covering the display panel and the set of switches. The facade is transparent over at least a portion of the display panel and configured such that the set of switches are operable by a user. A method for cleaning the imaging system includes operating the diagnostic imaging device, including the set of switches, by touching the one-piece non-flexible facade with human fingers or a stylus over selected switches, and, after said operating the diagnostic imaging device, disinfecting the diagnostic imaging device by cleaning the one-piece non-flexible facade with quaternary ammonium or isopropyl alcohol, or both.