Rotary Control Device Sensor Rotation Accuracy
Solution Overview
Problem
Current control devices for medical imaging systems, such as those used in cardiovascular imaging, lack sufficient accuracy and precision in controlling the movement of components, often resulting in unintended motions during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A rotary control device with a cam and follower mechanism, combined with capacitive or proximity sensors, allows for precise rotational control by embedding sensors in both fixed and rotative parts, ensuring independent detection and minimizing mutual disturbance, thus enabling accurate anatomical movement tracking and component positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotary control device with embedded sensors is used, then measurement precision of rotational position is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is divided into distinct segments: a rotative portion containing a sensor and circuitry, and a fixed portion containing additional circuitry. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each part and simplifies the overall assembly by distributing functional components across separate modules that can be manufactured and tested independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotative portion acts as an intermediary element between the user's manual rotation input and the fixed portion's control circuitry. By placing a sensor within the rotative portion, the device creates an intermediate detection layer that converts mechanical rotation into electrical signals without requiring direct mechanical coupling between the rotating knob and the fixed circuit board, thereby reducing mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If sensors are embedded in both fixed and rotative parts, then reliability of motion detection is improved by independent detection, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor in the rotative portion provides real-time feedback on the rotational position and motion state to the circuitry in both the rotative and fixed portions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust for minor positioning variations and detect unintended motions, compensating for manufacturing tolerances through active sensing and signal processing rather than relying solely on precise mechanical alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in electrical parameters (such as capacitance or resistance) detected by the sensors to determine rotational position and motion state. By converting mechanical positioning problems into electrical parameter measurements, the system achieves high reliability in motion detection while being more tolerant of manufacturing variations in sensor placement, as electrical measurements can be calibrated and compensated more easily than mechanical dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional controls are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but control accuracy deteriorates resulting in unintended motions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical control mechanisms with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of relying purely on mechanical linkages and switches that provide limited precision, the system uses electrical sensors to detect the rotational position and motion state with higher accuracy. This substitution maintains the simple rotational interface for ease of operation while dramatically improving control precision through non-mechanical sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs self-monitoring through its embedded sensor that detects both intentional rotation and unintended motion. The system automatically distinguishes between deliberate user input and spurious movements without requiring additional external monitoring equipment or complex mechanical interlocks. This self-service capability enhances control accuracy while keeping the operational interface simple and intuitive.
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 enhanced precision and resistance to unintended motions, allowing for fine and accurate orientation of imaging components, reducing the risk of false sensing and improving overall control accuracy during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A rotary control device with a cam and follower mechanism, combined with capacitive or proximity sensors, allows for precise rotational control by embedding sensors in both fixed and rotative parts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A control device which allows an operator/user to follow the user's anatomical movement by following natural hand rotation, includes two independent detection sensors or sensor portions embedded in two different parts of the device, one in a fixed part and one in a mobile or rotative part, with resistance to mutual disturbance between the two. The device includes a knob portion rotatable about an axis of rotation, at least one sensor configured to sense a rotational position of the knob in relation to the axis of rotation, circuitry adapted to at least provide electrical power to the rotative knob portion, circuitry adapted to transmit the sensed rotational position of the knob, and a base portion rotatably coupled to the knob portion.