Ultrasonograph Movable Arm Elevating Operation Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasonographs face issues with operability and mobility due to a design that causes the operation panel to overhang, leading to uncomfortable postures, increased risk of obstruction, and reduced visibility for both the operator and the examinee, especially when transitioning between standing and sitting postures.

Innovation Solution

The ultrasonograph features a movable arm with an elevating function mechanical section that allows the operation device to adjust its position along an inclined plane, maintaining a compact form during standing and moving while positioning the operation device forward during sitting, thus enhancing operability and mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the operation panel is equipped with an elevator mechanism to be vertically movable, then the operator can operate in standing or sitting posture, but the monitor remains on the upper face of the housing and the angle of the monitor has to be changed in conformity with the change of operations, causing the operator to be forced to operate with an uncomfortable posture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to standing or sitting postureVSAvoidoperator comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the operation panel and monitor into a single integrated assembly that moves together as one unit. The operation panel is equipped with both vertical elevation (for standing/sitting posture adaptation) and horizontal swing (for monitor angle adjustment), allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously without compromising operator comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation panel is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities through multiple degrees of freedom: vertical elevation via elevator mechanism and horizontal swing via swing mechanism. This dynamic structure allows the panel to automatically adapt its position based on the operator's posture, eliminating the need for manual angle adjustment and improving operational comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the operation panel hangs over toward the front of the housing, then the operator can operate in sitting posture, but the installation area increases and the possibility increases that the operation panel hits an obstacle while the ultrasonograph moves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesitting posture operabilityVSAvoidobstruction risk during movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operation panel is designed with dynamic positioning through vertical elevation and horizontal swing mechanisms. When the ultrasonograph is in motion, the panel can be elevated vertically to clear obstacles and reduced horizontal overhang, minimizing obstruction risk while maintaining sitting posture operability when stationary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operation panel is segmented from the main housing body, allowing independent movement and positioning. This segmentation enables the panel to be elevated and repositioned separately from the housing, providing flexibility to avoid obstacles during transport while maintaining operational accessibility during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the connector device is arranged on the vertical plane in front of the housing, then the housing can be compact, but the operations are hardly carried out since the connector device is arranged at a position far back from the operation panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing compactnessVSAvoidconnector accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector device is repositioned from a fixed location on the housing to a movable location on the operation panel assembly. By moving the connector to the panel and enabling the panel to swing horizontally and elevate vertically, the connector becomes accessible in three-dimensional space without increasing housing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If the housing comes close to an examinee lying on a bed, then the examination can be performed, but the vertically standing housing face shields the visual field of the examinee and the examinee feels enclosedness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexamination efficiencyVSAvoidexaminee comfort and visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operation panel with integrated monitor and connector is designed to swing horizontally and elevate vertically, allowing it to be positioned out of the way during examination. This dynamic positioning prevents the housing from blocking the examinee's visual field and creates a more comfortable examination environment while maintaining examination efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8348845B2Ultrasonograph

Publication Date: 2013.01.08 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides an ultrasonography containing a main body housing having transfer wheels. An operation device having switches, a movable arm to connect the main body housing to the operation device which has an inclined plane inclining rearward from a front face to an upper face; and the movable arm supports the operation device through an elevating function mechanical section to move the operation device.