Operating Room Display With Protective Overmolding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display monitors in operating rooms face challenges with fluid resistance, user safety due to accidental contact, and the need for secure peripheral device connections, as they are exposed to moisture and physical wear, and often have sharp edges that can cause harm.
Innovation Solution
A display monitor design featuring a frame with protective overmolding made of elastic materials like rubber or silicone, which forms a liquid-resistant seal and absorbs impacts, along with secure interface connections to prevent moisture ingress and allow for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If display monitors are positioned close to medical staff on boom arms for better visibility, then image viewing quality is improved, but the risk of accidental bodily harm from head bumps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by adding protective elements (such as rubber bumpers or cushioning materials) to the corners and edges of the display monitor frame. These protective elements are pre-installed to absorb impact energy before accidental contact occurs, reducing the severity of head bumps while maintaining the monitor's close positioning for optimal image viewing.
2Ease of operation
If display monitors are exposed to fluids in operating rooms for routine use, then operational functionality is maintained, but liquid damage and microorganism contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a protective coating or membrane applied to the display monitor surface. This flexible protective layer allows the monitor to maintain operational functionality while providing a barrier against liquid penetration and microorganism contamination. The coating can be hydrophobic or easily cleaned, preventing fluid damage while maintaining touch sensitivity and display visibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If peripheral devices are directly interfaced with display monitors for secure connections, then device connectivity is improved, but the complexity of liquid-resistant interface connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized, multi-functional interface connection system that can accommodate multiple peripheral devices (cameras, microphones, speakers, wireless devices) through a common connection mechanism. This universal interface reduces the need for separate complex liquid-resistant connections for each device type, simplifying the overall system while maintaining secure, liquid-resistant connectivity across all peripherals.
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 provides a liquid-resistant and impact-absorbing display monitor that prevents accidental injuries and ensures secure connections for peripheral devices, enhancing both user safety and equipment durability in harsh medical environments.
Implementation Method 1
the protective overmolding being at least one of an elastic material, rubber, or silicone
Implementation Method 2
provide user safety against accidental contact
Implementation Method 3
provide resistance to fluids
Data Source
AI summary
One feature pertains to a display monitor that includes a display having a front side surface that displays images and a frame housing the display. The frame includes at least one perimeter edge surface that extends along a perimeter of the display. The monitor further includes a protective rubber overmolding that removeably couples to and encases the perimeter edge surface. The frame may also include a front side surface that extends about a perimeter of the frame and is orthogonal to the perimeter edge surface, and the protective overmolding removeably couples to and encases the front side surface of the frame. A space may be present about the perimeter of the display between the frame's front side surface and the display's front side surface, and the protective overmolding includes a lip that resides within the space to form a liquid-resistant seal between the display and the frame.