Optical Reader Integrated Handle for Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical information readers in healthcare settings face challenges in effectively wiping and disinfecting the trigger switches and other operating parts due to their exposed configuration, which complicates cleanliness maintenance and infection prevention.
Innovation Solution
The gripping handle of the optical information reader is integrated into the housing, with a detector, such as a piezoelectric sensor, positioned inside to detect operator input, eliminating external grooves and joints, allowing easy disinfection and improved operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trigger switch and operating parts are exposed outside through the housing, then the operability and tactile feedback are improved, but the ease of wiping and disinfection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operating surface portion with the gripping handle by forming both from a single integrated housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate trigger switches and external operating mechanisms, creating a unified surface that is both operable and easily disinfectable. The operating surface portion is formed as an integral part of the housing rather than being a separate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the traditional mechanical trigger switch from the device and replaces it with a detector-based operating surface portion. By removing the external trigger mechanism and its associated grooves and steps, the design eliminates the complex structures that hinder disinfection while maintaining operational functionality through the detector.
2Ease of operation
If grooves and steps are formed for the trigger switch, then the tactile feedback and operation guidance are improved, but the ease of disinfection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trigger switch system with a detector-based operating surface portion. Instead of using physical grooves and steps for tactile feedback, the system uses a detector to sense contact with the operating surface portion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical structures that compromise disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical contact (trigger switch) to detector-based sensing (operating surface portion). This parameter change allows the system to maintain operational feedback without requiring grooves and steps, as the detector can sense contact through the smooth surface.
3Ease of manufacture
If the detector is positioned inside the gripping handle, then the ease of disinfection is improved, but the detection accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the operating surface portion as an intermediary between the user's finger and the internal detector. This intermediary surface transmits the contact force and pressure from the user's finger to the detector, enabling accurate detection while maintaining a smooth external surface that is easy to disinfect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the detector in a different spatial dimension (inside the gripping handle) while maintaining operational effectiveness through the operating surface portion. The detector is arranged to detect the state of the operating surface portion through the housing wall, separating the detection function from the external interface.
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 configuration facilitates efficient wiping and disinfection of the gripping handle, enhances operational accuracy, and reduces the risk of contamination, while maintaining effective reading functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a detector, such as a piezoelectric sensor, positioned inside to detect operator input
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] There is provided a configuration that enables easy implementation of wiping disinfection for a gripping handle for which an operating means is provided. [Solution] The gripping handle 31, which is grasped by an operator, is formed as part of the lower case 30 comprising part of the housing 11. The gripping handle 31 is provided with an operating surface portion 34 that the operator touches when initiating the reading process. There is a site on the inner side of the gripping handle 31, wherein the site is opposed to the operating surface portion 34. At this site on the inner surface side, a detector 45 is provided to detect the state in which the operating surface portion 34 is touched.