Tilt-Adjustable Secondary Display for Ultrasound Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound imaging systems face ergonomic and usability issues with touch control panels, particularly due to fixed orientations that do not accommodate varying user positions or preferences.
Innovation Solution
A tilt-adjustable secondary display panel is pivotally coupled to the control panel, allowing for ergonomic adjustments through a tilt-adjustment mechanism with a first arm and a second arm that engages teeth to support the display at various angles, enabling easy reconfiguration based on imaging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed orientation touch control panel is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ergonomics and usability deteriorate due to inability to accommodate varying user positions or preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The touch control panel is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one by introducing a tilt-adjustment mechanism with arms and teeth that enable the display to be positioned at various angles. This allows the panel to adapt to different user positions and preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The display assembly is segmented into multiple components including the display panel, first arm, second arm, and tilt-adjustment mechanism with teeth. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the display angle while keeping the base structure simple, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If a fixed orientation display is used, then the device structure is simple, but readability and glare reduction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel incorporates a dynamic tilt-adjustment mechanism that allows users to change the display angle to optimize readability and reduce glare from different lighting conditions. The mechanism includes arms with teeth that provide stable positioning at various angles without overly complicating the display structure.
3Ease of operation
If a tilt-adjustable mechanism with multiple arms and teeth is implemented, then ergonomics and readability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt-adjustment mechanism is segmented into modular components (first arm, second arm, teeth, pivot points) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the adjustment mechanism into manageable parts while still achieving the goal of improved ergonomics and user comfort.
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 improves readability and reduces glare by allowing adjustable display angles, enhancing user comfort and reducing repetitive strain injuries by accommodating different user sizes and positions.
Implementation Method 1
The display panel may be pivotally coupled to the control panel using a friction hinge
Implementation Method 2
The display panel may be biased toward the control panel and more specifically toward the stowed position of the display panel
Implementation Method 3
The second arm may include a pawl at its end opposite the arm pivot, which is configured to mesh between the teeth of the first arm to selectively engage the first arm
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound imaging system includes a display panel that is pivotally coupled to a control panel such that the display panel is adjustable to a plurality of incline or tilt angles. A tilt adjustment mechanism may be coupled to the display panel to more firmly hold the display panel in an inclined position. The tilt adjustment mechanism may include a first arm pivotally coupled to the display panel and having a plurality of teeth, and a second arm configured to selectively engage the first arm to position and hold the display panel in an inclined position. The second arm may be slidably coupled to the display panel such that it remains attached to the display panel during adjustments of the tilt angle.