Ultrasonic Control Panel Movement Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in user convenience due to the bulkiness of the control panel, which is difficult to move independently from the body, limiting its positioning and usability during diagnostic procedures.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a movement unit connected to the body via a connecting unit with rotatable and sliding components, allowing the control panel to be moved to desired positions on a x-y plane or x-y-z space, with a fixing mechanism to secure it in place, enhancing user convenience and space efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the control panel is integrated with the body, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in moving the bulky control panel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of moving control panel
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel is separated from the body through the introduction of a movement unit and connecting unit, allowing the control panel to be divided into a fixed portion (body) and a movable portion (control panel), thereby enabling independent movement while maintaining structural integrity when connected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic movable position through the connecting unit with rotatable and sliding components, allowing the control panel to be moved to convenient positions for user operation while maintaining stability when fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the control panel is made bulky to include all controls, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bulky control panel is made dynamically movable through the connecting unit, allowing it to be positioned at convenient locations for user operation. The rotatable and sliding components enable the control panel to reach various positions while maintaining all its control functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel movement is extended from simple linear translation to multi-dimensional movement including rotation and sliding along rails, providing enhanced positioning flexibility in x-y plane or x-y-z space while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the control panel is fixed in position, then stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to adjust to user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidposition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel system incorporates both dynamic movement capability through the connecting unit and static fixation capability through the fixing mechanism, allowing the control panel to be adapted to different user positions while maintaining stability during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing mechanism is designed to be operable by the user, allowing the user to fix the control panel at desired positions independently. The system provides self-service functionality where the user can adjust and secure the control panel position according to their needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 the control panel to be easily moved and fixed at various positions, improving user convenience and reducing unnecessary movements, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one connecting unit may have a first end unit rotatably coupled to the body and a second end unit rotatably coupled to the movement unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

The at least one rail may be installed on at least one of the body and the movement unit such that at least one of the first end unit and the second end unit is slidingly moved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSliding:

Implementation Method 3

with a fixing mechanism to secure it in place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3053526B1Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 SAMSUNG MEDISON CO LTD
  • EP3053526B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3053526B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3053526B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

Disclosed herein are an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a movement unit movably connected to a body, and a control method thereof. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a body, a movement unit movably connected at the body, at least one connecting unit having a first end unit rotatably coupled to the body and a second end unit rotatably coupled to the movement unit, and at least one rail installed at least at the one of the body or the movement unit such that at least the one of the first end unit or the second end unit may be slidingly moved. The movement unit may be conveniently moved to a desired position by a user.