Motorized Transporter Handle with Rotation and Force Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support surface transporters for operating tables, which often weigh up to 630kg, are cumbersome for users to maneuver due to the difficulty in simultaneously controlling drive speed and direction, especially when moving heavy and bulky loads.
Innovation Solution
A support surface transporter equipped with an operating handle that includes a rotatable sensor housing with a rotation angle sensor and a force sensor, allowing users to control speed and direction by rotating the handle and applying transverse forces, with an integrated release switch to prevent unintended operation and notification features for user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If motorized drive wheels are used to move heavy transporter (up to 630 kg), then the transporter can be moved over longer distances with reduced manual effort, but the device becomes more complex and harder to control simultaneously for both speed and steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines speed control and steering control into a single integrated operating handle. The grip element's rotation about the longitudinal axis controls drive speed, while lateral displacement of the grip element controls steering direction. This merging of multiple control functions into one interface resolves the contradiction by making the heavy transporter easy to control despite its weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating handle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a speed controller and a steering controller. The rotation angle sensor detects rotational movement for speed control, while the force sensor detects lateral forces for steering control. This multi-functionality reduces the complexity of operation despite the motorized drive system's inherent complexity.
2Measurement precision
If separate controls for drive wheels and steering are provided, then each function can be controlled precisely, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate speed and steering controls into a single grip element that can perform both functions. Rotational movement of the grip element about the longitudinal axis provides precise speed control through the rotation angle sensor, while lateral displacement provides precise steering control through the force sensor. This merging maintains measurement precision while achieving one-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control handle acts as an intermediary device that translates simple user gestures (rotation and lateral push) into precise motorized responses. The rotation angle sensor and force sensor detect these gestures and convert them into controlled movements of the drive rollers, maintaining precision while simplifying operation.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is made responsive to lateral forces for steering, then intuitive one-handed steering is achieved, but the sensor system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical steering linkages with a sensor-based system. The force sensor detects lateral forces applied to the grip element and converts them into electrical signals that control the drive rollers' steering. This substitution achieves intuitive one-handed steering while managing system complexity through electronic sensing rather than mechanical transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip element serves itself by using the user's natural hand movements (rotation for speed, lateral push for steering) as the control input. The force sensor detects these movements directly, and the control unit processes them to achieve intuitive steering without requiring additional mechanical components or complex sensor systems.
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
Enables intuitive one-handed operation of the transporter, allowing for efficient movement and steering with reduced effort, ensuring comfortable patient transport over longer distances while preventing excessive speed and acceleration.
Implementation Method 1
the control handle includes a rotation angle sensor for detecting the angle and direction of rotation of the grip element and for providing a sensor signal to a control unit of the at least two drive rollers
Implementation Method 2
a force sensor is provided to detect a force exerted on the handle in the direction of its longitudinal axis and to supply a sensor signal to the control unit of the at least two drive rollers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating handle (14) for a bearing surface transporter for accommodating an object to be transported, for example, the bearing surface of a surgical table, comprising at least two motorized drive rollers, wherein the operating handle (14) comprises a handle piece (15) that is rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the handle piece; an angle of rotation sensor (18) for detecting an angle of rotation and a direction of rotation of the handle piece (15), and for providing a sensor signal to a control unit (13) of the at least two drive rollers (8); and a force sensor (19) for a force exerted onto the handle piece (15) in the direction of its longitudinal axis, and for providing a sensor signal to the control unit (13) of the at least two drive rollers (8).