Ultrasonic Panel Actuator Wire Relay Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses require multiple actuators to change the restriction states of various lock mechanisms, including the lift mechanism, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when an electric device is needed.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that uses a single actuator to change the restriction states of multiple lock mechanisms, including the up-down movement mechanism, through a system of wires and relay mechanisms, eliminating the need for electric devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple lock mechanisms are provided for different movement mechanisms, then the position and orientation control of the operation panel is reliable, but the operation complexity increases and multiple actuators are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidactuator quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lock mechanisms (first lock mechanism for right-left movement, second lock mechanism for front-rear movement, and third lock mechanism for up-down movement) into a unified locking system controlled by a single actuator. The wires from all lock mechanisms are connected to the same actuator, allowing simultaneous control of multiple locks through one operation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator serves multiple functions by controlling all three lock mechanisms simultaneously. This multi-functional actuator replaces what would traditionally require three separate actuators, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable locking control across all movement directions of the operation panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a foot pedal is used to control the lift mechanism, then the operation can be performed without hand usage, but additional equipment and increased device complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operation capabilityVSAvoidactuator quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control function of the foot pedal into the existing single actuator system. By connecting the third lock mechanism (which controls the up-down movement) to the same actuator that controls the other lock mechanisms, the system achieves hands-free operation capability without requiring a separate foot pedal actuator, thus reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator is designed to handle multiple control functions including what would traditionally require a foot pedal for the lift mechanism. This multi-functional design allows the actuator to be operated in various ways (including foot operation) to control all movement mechanisms, eliminating the need for dedicated foot pedal equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators are used to control different lock mechanisms, then each movement can be controlled independently, but the operation efficiency decreases and more equipment is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent movement control capabilityVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control of multiple lock mechanisms into a single actuator system where all wires converge at one control point. This allows the operator to control all locking functions simultaneously through one action, significantly improving operation efficiency while maintaining the capability to control each movement direction independently when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides dynamic control flexibility by allowing the single actuator to control multiple lock mechanisms either simultaneously or independently based on operational needs. This dynamic adaptability enables efficient bulk operations when all locks need to be changed together, while still permitting selective control of individual movements when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution allows for efficient and simplified control of the operation panel's position and orientation by reducing the required force and complexity, enabling operators to manage multiple lock mechanisms with minimal effort, enhancing usability and reducing the need for additional equipment.

Implementation Method 1

When the actuator is manipulated by the operator, a restriction state of the multiple lock mechanisms is changed by an effect of the multiple wires

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12138125B2Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.11.12 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US12138125B2 patent drawing
  • US12138125B2 patent drawing
  • US12138125B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The following wires are connected to an actuator via a wire relay mechanism: the wire which acts to move a gas spring which restricts a movement of a parallel linkage which performs an up-down movement of the operation panel, the wire which acts to move a first lock pin which restricts a movement of a rotary pole which performs a first rotational movement of the operation panel, the wire which acts to move a second lock pin which restricts a movement of a mounting unit which performs a second rotational movement of the operation panel, and the wire which acts to move a third lock pin which restricts a movement of a slidable plate which performs a front-rear movement of the operation panel.