Arrangement with a tablet computer unit and a housing part of a medical imaging apparatus
Inventors
Betz, Tobias • Ciolek, Marquart • Seemann, Kay Uwe • Achleitner, Roman
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12353245-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-08
Expiration Date
2041-06-24
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Abstract
An arrangement includes a tablet computer unit with a tablet computer and a first connecting unit, the second connecting unit having a set of ferromagnetic regions. The arrangement further includes a housing part of a medical imaging apparatus, wherein the housing part of the medical imaging apparatus has a covering and a second connecting unit. The covering has a depression in which the tablet computer unit can be accommodated in a form-fit manner and the second connecting unit is arranged in a region of the depression such that via the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit, a magnetic connection is formable which counteracts a removal of the tablet computer unit from the depression. The tablet computer unit includes a first contact-based energy transfer element for receiving electrical energy for the tablet computer, the energy transfer element being arranged in a region of the first connecting unit.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a tablet computer unit with a tablet computer and a first connecting unit having a set of ferromagnetic regions, and a housing part of a medical imaging apparatus with a covering and a second connecting unit. The covering includes a depression configured to accommodate the tablet computer unit in a form-fit manner, where the second connecting unit is arranged such that via the first and second connecting units, a magnetic connection is formed to counteract removal of the tablet computer unit from the depression.
The invention addresses the problem of enabling both the secure attachment of the tablet computer to the housing part of a medical imaging apparatus during certain examination steps, and detachment for others, while allowing the tablet computer to be charged electrically when attached. It is advantageous to have a rapid and reliable contact-based energy transfer for charging, improving electromagnetic compatibility compared to contactless energy transfer, thus preventing electromagnetic disturbances in the environment.
The invention further involves the second connecting unit having first and second sets of magnetic regions spaced apart, with the north poles of the first set facing the depression and the south poles of the second set facing the depression. These sets generate first and second magnetic fluxes through the covering in the region of the depression, with the absolute amounts of these fluxes being substantially equal, causing their effects to compensate and enabling a magnetic force fit that rapidly engages only at very small distances, thereby enhancing the combination of form-fit and magnetic force-fit for holding the tablet computer securely while allowing easy initial placement.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim defining an arrangement with a tablet computer unit and a housing part of a medical imaging apparatus featuring magnetic and contact-based energy transfer elements, followed by dependent claims expanding on these features.
Magnetic connection with alternating magnetic regions
The second connecting unit includes first and second sets of magnetic regions arranged alternately with equal spacing conditions such that each magnetic region's nearest neighbor is of the opposite set, providing a magnetic connection that counteracts removal of the tablet computer unit.
Magnetic flux balance through covering
The first and second sets of magnetic regions generate magnetic fluxes through the covering in the depression region whose absolute amounts are substantially equal, ensuring magnetic fluxes compensate one another effectively.
Closed path arrangement of magnetic regions
The sets of magnetic regions are arranged along a closed path, such as a circular line, with each magnetic region polarized perpendicular to the area bordered by the closed path, optimizing the magnetic connection.
Contact-based energy transfer elements with form-fit and electrical connection
The tablet computer unit includes a first contact-based energy transfer element with a tablet-side electrically conductive connection partner protruding relative to an insulating region, and the housing part includes a second contact-based energy transfer element with a housing-side electrically conductive connection partner recessed relative to an insulating region, configured to form an electrically conductive connection when the tablet computer unit is accommodated.
Smooth contact areas for energy transfer elements
The contact-based energy transfer elements have tablet-side and housing-side electrically conductive connection partners that, together with surrounding insulating regions, form substantially smooth contact areas that adjoin one another areally when connected, aiding in electrical connection and cleaning.
Sensor-based switching for energy transfer connections
Tablet-side and housing-side sensors generate signals relating to the form-fit accommodation of the tablet computer unit and enable circuits to switch electrical connections for energy transfer based on these signals, helping prevent discharge currents and ensuring safety.
Protrusion and recess for form-fit accommodation
The first connecting unit forms a protrusion rising relative to the tablet computer housing, and the covering includes a corresponding recess configured to accommodate the protrusion in a form-fit manner.
Magnetic regions include at least three spaced magnetic regions in each set
The first and second sets of magnetic regions include at least three spaced magnetic regions, ensuring sufficient magnetic engagement.
Rotational symmetry of contact-based energy transfer element
The second contact-based energy transfer element is rotationally symmetrical and arranged coaxially with the closed path of the magnetic regions, facilitating the electrical connection.
Border region allowing tilt movement for easy removal
The depression and tablet computer include border regions configured such that via a tilt movement of the accommodated tablet computer relative to the covering, one border region sinks into the other, allowing the opposite region to protrude and be grasped for removal.
The claims cover an arrangement wherein a tablet computer unit magnetically connects to a medical imaging apparatus housing part via alternating magnetic regions arranged to balance magnetic flux, combined with a contact-based energy transfer system having form-fit electrical contacts and sensor-based switching to provide reliable electrical charging and secure attachment, including structural features for ergonomic removal.
Stated Advantages
Combining magnetic connection for holding the tablet computer unit with contact-based energy transfer enables rapid and reliable charging, improving electromagnetic compatibility compared to contactless energy transfer.
The magnetic flux balancing and alternating magnetic region arrangement allows the magnetic force to engage only at very small distances, enabling rapid and uncomplicated placement of the tablet computer unit with optimal form-fit and subsequent magnetic fixation.
Smooth contact areas in the energy transfer elements improve cleaning capability and safety by preventing accidental touching of electrical contacts.
Sensor-based switching of electrical connections prevents discharge currents, leakage currents, and voltage presence on contacts reachable by human touch, enhancing safety.
The recessed handle and border region configurations facilitate ergonomic grasping and removal of the tablet computer unit via a tilt movement exploiting lever effects, easing user operation.
Documented Applications
Use with a tablet computer unit operationally attachable to and detachable from a housing part of a medical imaging apparatus such as the gantry or a docking station, allowing operation and charging during medical examinations.
Application in medical imaging apparatus selected from the group consisting of X-ray device, C-arm X-ray device, computed tomography device, molecular imaging device, SPECT device, PET device, magnetic resonance tomography device, and combinations thereof, including PET-CT and PET-MR devices.
Integration with docking stations for accommodating the tablet computer unit and remote control units, with adjustable ergonomic positioning.
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