Examination bed support for mobile imaging system

Abstract

Various methods and systems for an examination bed support (200) of a mobile imaging system (10) are provided. In one example, an examination bed support (200) for a mobile imaging system (10) includes a fixture (208) comprising a frame and a plurality of columns (216, 218, 220, 222) coupled to the frame; an examination bed interface (202) comprising a set of examination bed flanges (204a, 204b) configured to attach to a patient examination bed (1102) of the mobile imaging system (10) and a set of complementary examination bed flange receivers (206a, 206b) coupled to a top surface of the frame of the fixture (208); and a floor interface (227) comprising a set of floor cradles (228, 230) removably coupleable to a set of floor panels (236, 238) configured to attach to a floor of a cell configured to house the mobile imaging system (10), each floor cradle (228, 230) coupled to two respective columns of the plurality of columns (216, 218, 220, 222).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to mobile imaging systems, and more specifically to patient examination bed supports for mobile imaging systems. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging modality that creates images of the inside of the human body without the use of X-rays or other ionizing radiation. MRI systems typically include a patient examination table configured to support the patient within an aperture during imaging. This patient examination table may include components such as radio frequency (RF) coils to facilitate MR imaging within the examination table. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a bed support for a mobile imaging system includes: a fixing device comprising a frame and a plurality of columns coupled to the frame; a bed interface comprising a set of bed flanges configured to be attached to a patient bed of the mobile imaging system and a set of complementary bed flange receivers coupled to the top surface of the frame of the fixing device; and a base plate interface comprising a set of base plate brackets removably coupled to a set of base plate panels configured to be attached to the base plate of a unit configured to accommodate the mobile imaging system, each base plate bracket being coupled to two corresponding columns of the plurality of columns.

[0004] It should be understood that the above brief description is provided to introduce selected concepts further described in the detailed embodiments in a simplified form. This is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely defined by the claims following the detailed embodiments. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that address any shortcomings mentioned above or in any part of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0005] This disclosure will be better understood by referring to the following description of non-limiting embodiments, in which:

[0006] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an MRI system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 A first perspective view of a patient examination bed support according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 A second perspective view of the patient examination bed support is shown.

[0009] Figure 4 A first side view of the patient examination bed support is shown.

[0010] Figure 5 A top-down view of the patient examination bed support is shown.

[0011] Figure 6 A first sectional view of the patient examination bed support is shown.

[0012] Figure 7 A second side view of the patient examination bed support is shown.

[0013] Figure 8 An examination bed interface of a patient examination bed support according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 9 A base plate panel of a patient examination bed support according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 10 A second sectional view of the patient examination bed support is shown.

[0016] Figure 11 A perspective view of the patient examination bed support attached to the patient examination bed is shown.

[0017] Figure 12 A side view of a patient examination bed support that is locked to a patient examination bed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following description relates to various embodiments of examination bed supports that can be used to transport patient examination beds. Patient examination beds can be relatively heavy and may include electronics to facilitate imaging. Therefore, it may be desirable to reduce vibrations during transport, where the examination bed support is coupled between the patient examination bed and the base plate / ground on which the examination bed rests during transport (e.g., a trailer). However, conventional examination bed supports, for example, include multiple fasteners and require complex, multi-step installation and disassembly procedures, thus wasting excessive time that could be used to image the patient.

[0019] Therefore, this document discloses a "sliding and moving" examination bed support comprising only a single fixation device. The examination bed support of this disclosure may include a three-part design comprising an examination bed interface, a single fixation device, and a base plate interface. During installation of the examination bed support, the patient examination bed can be raised and the fixation device can be positioned below the rear of the examination bed. The examination bed can then be lowered via the examination bed interface to rest on the fixation device. The examination bed interface may include two components directly attached to the underside of the patient examination bed, which are fitted into complementary components attached to the top side of the fixation device. The fixation device may have an H-shaped design and a four-post frame that connects to a frame capable of supporting a heavy patient examination bed without breaking. The fixation device can be secured to a base plate via the base plate interface, which may include two panels attached to the base plate, the two panels including locking recesses into which clamps on the fixation device can be secured, thereby eliminating the need for loose screws.

[0020] As will be described in detail herein, the examination bed support described herein can be used to support a patient examination bed for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. However, the examination bed support can also be used to support other heavy examination beds, such as those used for computed tomography (CT) imaging, tomographic fusion, positron emission tomography (PET), C-arm angiography, etc. The discussion of MRI modalities in this invention is provided only as an example of a suitable imaging modality including a patient examination bed that can be supported by the examination bed support of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1 An MRI apparatus 10 is shown, comprising a static magnetic field magnet unit 12, a gradient coil unit 13, an RF coil unit 14, an RF body or volume coil unit 15, a transmit / receive (T / R) switch 20, an RF driver unit 22, a gradient coil driver unit 23, a data acquisition unit 24, a controller unit 25, a patient examination bed or table 26, a data processing unit 31, an operation console unit 32, and a display unit 33. In some embodiments, the RF coil unit 14 is a surface coil, which is a local coil typically placed near the anatomical structures of interest of the subject 16. Here, the RF body coil unit 15 is a transmit coil that transmits RF signals, and the local surface RF coil unit 14 receives MR signals. Thus, the transmit body coil (e.g., the RF body coil unit 15) and the surface receiving coil (e.g., the RF coil unit 14) are independent but electromagnetically coupled components. The MRI apparatus 10 transmits electromagnetic pulse signals to the subject 16 placed in an imaging space 18, where a static magnetic field is formed to perform a scan to obtain magnetic resonance signals from the subject 16. One or more images of the subject 16 can be reconstructed based on the magnetic resonance signals obtained by scanning.

[0022] The static magnetic field magnet unit 12 includes, for example, a toroidal superconducting magnet mounted within a toroidal vacuum container. The magnet defines a cylindrical space surrounding the subject 16 and generates a constant main static magnetic field B0.

[0023] The MRI apparatus 10 also includes a gradient coil unit 13 that generates a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space 18 to provide three-dimensional positional information for magnetic resonance signals received by the RF coil array. The gradient coil unit 13 includes three gradient coil systems, each generating a gradient magnetic field along one of three spatial axes perpendicular to each other, and generating gradient fields in each of the frequency encoding direction, phase encoding direction, and slice selection direction, depending on the imaging conditions. More specifically, the gradient coil unit 13 applies a gradient field in the slice selection direction (or scanning direction) of the subject 16 to select slices; and the RF body coil unit 15 or the local RF coil array can transmit RF pulses to the selected slices of the subject 16. The gradient coil unit 13 also applies a gradient field in the phase encoding direction of the subject 16 to perform phase encoding of the magnetic resonance signals from the slices excited by the RF pulses. Then, the gradient coil unit 13 applies a gradient field in the frequency encoding direction of the subject 16 to perform frequency encoding of the magnetic resonance signals from the slices excited by the RF pulses.

[0024] RF coil unit 14 is configured, for example, to surround the imaging region of subject 16. In some examples, RF coil unit 14 may be referred to as a surface coil or receiving coil. In the static magnetic field space or imaging space 18, where a static magnetic field B0 is formed by static magnetic field magnet unit 12, RF coil unit 15 transmits RF pulses as electromagnetic waves to subject 16 based on control signals from controller unit 25, thereby generating a high-frequency magnetic field B1. This excites proton spins in the slice of subject 16 to be imaged. RF coil unit 14 receives electromagnetic waves generated as magnetic resonance signals when the proton spins thus excited in the slice of subject 16 to be imaged return to alignment with the initial magnetization vector. In some embodiments, RF coil unit 14 may transmit RF pulses and receive MR signals. In other embodiments, RF coil unit 14 may be used only to receive MR signals and not to transmit RF pulses.

[0025] The RF body coil unit 15 is configured, for example, to surround the imaging space 18 and generate RF magnetic field pulses within the imaging space 18 that are orthogonal to the main magnetic field B0 generated by the static magnetic field magnet unit 12 to excite the nucleus. Compared to the RF coil unit 14, which can be disconnected from the MRI apparatus 10 and replaced with another RF coil unit, the RF body coil unit 15 is fixedly attached to and connected to the MRI apparatus 10. Furthermore, while local coils such as the RF coil unit 14 can transmit or receive signals only from a local area of ​​the subject 16, the RF body coil unit 15 typically has a larger coverage area. For example, the RF body coil unit 15 can be used to transmit or receive signals to the whole body of the subject 16. Using only receiving local coils and transport body coils provides uniform RF excitation and good image homogeneity, at the cost of higher RF power deposited in the subject. For transport-receive local coils, the local coil provides RF excitation to the region of interest and receives the MR signal, thereby reducing the RF power deposited in the subject. It should be understood that the specific use of the RF coil unit 14 and / or the RF body coil unit 15 depends on the imaging application.

[0026] When operating in receive mode, T / R switch 20 can selectively connect RF body coil unit 15 to data acquisition unit 24, and when operating in transmit mode, T / R switch 20 can selectively connect RF body coil unit 15 to RF driver unit 22. Similarly, when RF coil unit 14 operates in receive mode, T / R switch 20 can selectively connect RF coil unit 14 to data acquisition unit 24, and when operating in transmit mode, T / R switch 20 can selectively connect RF coil unit 14 to RF driver unit 22. When both RF coil unit 14 and RF body coil unit 15 are used for a single scan, for example, if RF coil unit 14 is configured to receive MR signals and RF body coil unit 15 is configured to transmit RF signals, T / R switch 20 can direct control signals from RF driver unit 22 to RF body coil unit 15, while simultaneously directing the received MR signals from RF coil unit 14 to data acquisition unit 24. The coil of RF body coil unit 15 can be configured to operate in transmit-only mode or transmit-receive mode. The coil of local RF coil unit 14 can be configured to operate in transmit-receive mode or receive-only mode.

[0027] The RF driver unit 22 includes a gate modulator (not shown), an RF power amplifier (not shown), and an RF oscillator (not shown), which drive an RF coil (e.g., RF coil unit 15) and generate a high-frequency magnetic field in the imaging space 18. Based on a control signal from the controller unit 25 and using the gate modulator, the RF driver unit 22 modulates the RF signal received from the RF oscillator into a signal with a predetermined timing and a predetermined envelope. The RF signal modulated by the gate modulator is amplified by the RF power amplifier and then output to the RF coil unit 15.

[0028] The gradient coil driver unit 23 drives the gradient coil unit 13 based on control signals from the controller unit 25, thereby generating a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space 18. The gradient coil driver unit 23 includes three driver circuit systems (not shown) corresponding to the three gradient coil systems included in the gradient coil unit 13.

[0029] The data acquisition unit 24 includes a preamplifier (not shown), a phase detector (not shown), and an analog-to-digital converter (not shown) for acquiring the magnetic resonance signal received by the RF coil unit 14. In the data acquisition unit 24, the phase detector uses the output of the RF oscillator from the RF driver unit 22 as a reference signal to detect the magnetic resonance signal received from the RF coil unit 14 and amplified by the preamplifier, and outputs the phase-detected analog magnetic resonance signal to the analog-to-digital converter for conversion into a digital signal. The resulting digital signal is then output to the data processing unit 31.

[0030] The MRI apparatus 10 includes an examination bed 26 for placing a patient 16 thereon. The patient 16 can be moved inside and outside the imaging space 18 by moving the examination bed 26 based on control signals from the controller unit 25.

[0031] The controller unit 25 includes a computer and a recording medium on which a program to be executed by the computer is stored. When executed by the computer, the program causes various parts of the device to perform operations corresponding to a predetermined scan. The recording medium may include, for example, a ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, or non-volatile memory card. The controller unit 25 is connected to the operation console unit 32 and processes operation signals input to the operation console unit 32, and also controls the examination table 26, RF driver unit 22, gradient coil driver unit 23, and data acquisition unit 24 by outputting control signals to them. The controller unit 25 also controls the data processing unit 31 and the display unit 33 based on operation signals received from the operation console unit 32 to obtain the desired image.

[0032] The operation console unit 32 includes user input devices such as a touchscreen, keyboard, and mouse. The operator uses the operation console unit 32 to, for example, input data such as an imaging protocol and set the area to be executed for the imaging sequence. Data regarding the imaging protocol and the area to be executed for the imaging sequence is output to the controller unit 25.

[0033] The data processing unit 31 includes a computer and a recording medium on which a program executed by the computer to perform predetermined data processing is recorded. The data processing unit 31 is connected to the controller unit 25 and performs data processing based on control signals received from the controller unit 25. The data processing unit 31 is also connected to the data acquisition unit 24 and generates spectral data by applying various image processing operations to the magnetic resonance signal output from the data acquisition unit 24.

[0034] Display unit 33 includes a display device and displays images on the display screen of the display device based on control signals received from controller unit 25. Display unit 33 displays, for example, images of input items about which the operator inputs operation data from operation console unit 32. Display unit 33 also displays two-dimensional (2D) slice images or three-dimensional (3D) images of subject 16 generated by data processing unit 31.

[0035] In some examples, the MRI device 10 may be a mobile MRI device configured for transport to various sites and may not be permanently installed in a building. For example, the MRI device 10 may be positioned in a trailer capable of being transported from site to site. During transport of the MRI device 10, the examination bed 26 may be subjected to vibrations that could lower the components of the examination bed 26. For example, because the examination bed 26 contains the various components of the MRI device 10, such as the RF coil unit 15, the examination bed 26 may be heavy, and vibrations of the examination bed 26 may cause the examination bed 26 and / or the components within the examination bed 26 to lower. Therefore, before transporting the MRI device 10, the examination bed 26 may be secured to the floor of the trailer or other transport unit using examination bed supports, examples of which are shown in [examples of such supports would be inserted here]. Figures 2 to 12 As shown in the image.

[0036] Figures 2 to 12 This illustrates how the patient examination bed can be positioned during transport (such as...). Figure 1 Example of the inspection bed support 200 between the inspection bed 26 and the base plate. Figures 2 to 12Exemplary configurations with the relative positioning of various components are shown. In at least one example, such components may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled if shown to be in direct contact or directly coupled. Similarly, in at least one example, components that are adjacent to or next to each other may be referred to as being adjacent to or next to each other. For example, components arranged to be in coplanar contact with each other may be referred to as being in coplanar contact. As another example, in at least one example, components positioned to be spaced apart from each other and having only space between them without other components may be described and referenced as such. As another example, components shown to be located above / below each other, on opposite sides of each other, or between the left / right sides of each other may be described and referenced relative to each other. Furthermore, as shown, in at least one example, the topmost component or point of the components may be referred to as the “top” of the component, and the bottommost component or point of the components may be referred to as the “bottom” of the component. As used herein, top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below may be relative to the vertical axis of the figure and may be used to describe the positioning of the components in the figure relative to each other. Thus, in one example, an component shown to be above other components is vertically positioned above other components. In order to establish relative and absolute directions, Figures 2 to 12 The system includes a coordinate system 201, which includes x, y, and z axes. As described herein, the directions “left,” “right,” “forward,” “backward,” “up,” and “down” represent the directions of negative x, positive x, negative y, positive y, negative z, and positive z, respectively. Similarly, the relative positions of objects can be described by the prepositions “to the left,” “to the right,” “behind,” “in front,” “below,” and “above,” respectively, indicating the relative positions along the negative x-axis, positive x-axis, negative y-axis, positive y-axis, negative z-axis, and positive z-axis. Furthermore, the z-axis is chosen to be aligned with gravity, such that the force caused by gravity (e.g., weight) acts in the negative z (“downward”) direction. Also, the shapes of the elements shown in the figure can be described as having these shapes (e.g., such as circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, etc.). Furthermore, in at least one example, elements shown as intersecting each other can be described as intersecting elements or intersecting each other. Additionally, in one example, an element shown as being inside or outside another element may be described as such.

[0037] Figures 2 to 12 The examination bed support 200 and / or various aspects of the examination bed support 200 are shown and will be described collectively, wherein throughout Figures 2 to 12 The same parts have the same part number. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the examination bed support 200 as seen from two different sides. Figure 4 A first side view of the examination bed support 200 is shown. Figure 5 A top-down view of the examination bed support 200 is shown. Figure 6 Showing cross Figure 5 The first sectional view of the inspection bed support 200 is taken from line A-A'. Figure 7 This is a second side view of the inspection bed support 200. Figure 8 The examination bed interface of the examination bed support 200 is shown. Figure 9 The bottom panel of the examination bed support 200 is shown. Figure 10 It is across Figure 5 The second sectional view of the inspection bed support 200 is taken from line B-B'. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the examination bed support 200 that is connected to the patient examination bed. Figure 12 This is a side view of the examination bed support 200 that is locked to the patient examination bed. Figures 2 to 12 Shown roughly to scale.

[0038] The examination bed support 200 may include an examination bed interface 202, a fixing device 208, and a base plate interface 227. The examination bed interface 202 includes two examination bed flanges: a first examination bed flange 204a and a second examination bed flange 204b, both configured to be attached to the patient examination bed via bolts or another suitable coupling mechanism (for visual clarity, in...). Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) on the lower side. When the examination bed support 200 is coupled to the patient examination bed, the first and second examination bed flanges can be positioned in a complementary examination bed flange receiver, which can be attached to the fixing device 208. The examination bed flanges and the examination bed flange receiver can each be made of stainless steel (e.g., 316 grade stainless steel) or another suitable material.

[0039] Therefore, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a first examination bed flange 204a can be positioned in a first examination bed flange receiver 206a, and a second examination bed flange 204b can be positioned in a second examination bed flange receiver 206b. Each examination bed flange receiver may be C-shaped, having a top portion configured to abut against the examination bed flange, a rear wall, and a bottom portion configured to connect to the fixing device 208. For example, as Figure 3 As shown and as follows, relative to Figure 8To explain in more detail, the second examination bed flange receiver 206b includes a top portion 314, a rear wall 316, and a bottom portion 318. The top portion 314 may include two layers: a first layer having a surface coplanarly contacting the surface of the second examination bed flange 204b, and a second layer forming a C-shaped top wall. The second layer of the top portion 314 (referred to as the top wall of the examination bed flange receiver) may be coupled to (or integrally formed with) the rear wall 316, which in turn may be coupled to (or integrally formed with) the bottom wall of the bottom portion 318. The top portion 314 and the bottom portion 318 may extend outwardly from the rear wall 316 in corresponding xy-planes parallel to the y-axis (e.g., parallel to a flat ground). The top portion 314 may include a Y-shaped slot within which a portion of the second examination bed flange 204b may be accommodated. In this way, each examination bed flange can be positioned within a corresponding examination bed flange receiver, and the C-shaped shape of the examination bed flange receiver allows the examination bed flange to be easily positioned within the examination bed flange receiver and then secured, as described below. Furthermore, the C-shaped shape of the examination bed flange receiver also allows the weight of the fixing device 208 to be supported during sliding movements, which reduces the lifting force required by the operator.

[0040] The fixing device 208 includes a frame comprising a first frame portion 210, a second frame portion 214 (each located in the same xy plane), and a cross bracket 212 (extending along the x-axis) connecting the first frame portion 210 and the second frame portion 214. The fixing device 208 (including the posts described below) may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy (such as aluminum alloy 6061). Each of the first frame portion 210 and the second frame portion 214 may be rectangular in shape and composed of rectangular or square members, each member having a generally rectangular central cutout or gap. The first frame portion 210 and the second frame portion 214 are symmetrical about each other about the yz plane. Therefore, aspects of one frame portion as described herein also apply to the other frame portion.

[0041] For example, the second frame portion 214 includes a first side 502, a second side 504, a third side 506, and a fourth side 508. The first side 502 and the third side 506 have the same length, which may be approximately twice the length of the second side 504 and the third side 506, which are opposite and parallel to each other. The first frame portion 210 also includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side forming a rectangle, wherein the first and third sides are parallel to each other and longer than the second and fourth sides. A cross bracket 212 connects to the first side 502 of the second frame portion 214 at the midpoint of the first side 502, thereby forming a second T-shaped joint 215. Similarly, a cross bracket 212 connects to the first frame portion 210 at the midpoint of the first side of the first frame portion 210, thereby forming a first T-shaped joint 213.

[0042] Each of the first examination bed flange receiver 206a and the second examination bed flange receiver 206b can be positioned at the first T-joint and the second T-joint (and securely connected to the first T-joint and the second T-joint), wherein the cross bracket 212 is connected to the first frame portion 210 at the first T-joint 213 and to the second frame portion 214 at the second T-joint 215. Placing the examination bed flange receiver directly above the T-joint allows the examination bed flange receiver to have support in the x and y directions; the support in the x direction comes from the cross bracket 212, while the support in the y direction comes from the first T-joint and the second T-joint. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the examination bed flange receivers are positioned close to the columns as permitted by the geometry of the examination bed, including the spatial tolerances for the dimensions of the wheels used for the patient examination bed. This reduces the torque component parallel to the y-axis applied at the bottom of each column, because the load from the examination bed flange receivers is applied in the negative z-direction along an axis relatively close to the column. To accommodate examination beds of different widths, the length of the cross bracket 212 can be varied in various embodiments to change the spacing between the first examination bed flange receiver 206a and the second examination bed flange receiver 206b.

[0043] The fixing device 208 also includes a plurality of posts connected between the frame and base plate interface 227. The posts are connected to the frame portion via bolts or another suitable connecting mechanism. As shown, each post is connected to the frame portion via a set of four bolts. The plurality of posts include a first post 216 and a second post 218, each connected to a first frame portion 210, and a third post 220 and a fourth post 222, each connected to a second frame portion 214. (The following is in contrast to...) Figure 4 Further details of the columns are described. A third column 220 may be connected to a first outer corner where the third side 506 and fourth side 508 of the second frame portion 214 engage. A fourth column 222 may be connected to a second outer corner where the third side 506 and second side 504 of the second frame portion 214 engage. Similarly, a first column 216 is connected to a first outer corner of the first frame portion 210, and a second column 218 is connected to a second outer corner of the first frame portion 210. Thus, each column is connected to a corresponding outer corner of the frame portion, wherein the outer corner may be positioned distal to the center of the examination bed support 200 (e.g., distal to the cross bracket 212). Each outer corner may include additional material such that each outer corner can be sized and shaped to match the top of the corresponding column. Each frame portion may include two inner corners positioned relative to the outer corners near the center of the examination bed support 200, each inner corner opposite the corresponding outer corner.

[0044] To provide support and stability to the inner corners of the frame sections, the examination bed support includes multiple corner reinforcement plates and brackets. The first frame section 210 includes a first corner reinforcement plate 252 and a second corner reinforcement plate 254; the second frame section 214 includes a third corner reinforcement plate 256 and a fourth corner reinforcement plate 258. The first corner reinforcement plate 252 and the second corner reinforcement plate 254 are attached to the inner corners of the first frame section 210 (e.g., closest to the cross bracket 212) via a series of bolts or other suitable coupling mechanisms. Similarly, the third corner reinforcement plate 256 and the fourth corner reinforcement plate 258 are attached to the inner corners of the second frame section 214 (e.g., closest to the cross bracket 212) via a series of bolts or other suitable coupling mechanisms. Each corner reinforcement plate is attached to the top of the fixture 208 via a set of bolts or other suitable coupling mechanisms and lies in the same xy plane. The collection of corner reinforcement plates serves to stabilize the fixture 208 by resisting torque with a component on the z-axis.

[0045] The first frame portion 210 and the second frame portion 214 are connected to each of a plurality of columns via a plurality of brackets, the plurality of brackets including a first bracket 240 connecting the first column 216 and the first frame portion 210, a second bracket 242 connecting the second column 218 and the first frame portion 210, a third bracket 244 connecting the third column 220 and the second frame portion 214, and a fourth bracket 246 connecting the fourth column 222 and the second frame portion 214. The brackets are configured to provide additional support to the fixation device 208, particularly to resist forces having a component in the xz plane (e.g., weight supported from the examination table interface) and torques having a component along the y-axis. The third bracket 244... Figure 7 It is shown in more detail below.

[0046] In one example, the first top side of the fourth bracket 246 is connected to the second side 504 of the second frame portion 214 at the inner corner between the second side 504 and the first side 502 using three bolts arranged in a horizontal line. In other embodiments, the number and distribution of bolts attaching the third bracket 244 to the second frame portion and the third post can vary. For example, if the top side of the third bracket 244 is wider in the x-direction, more bolts can be used to attach the top side of the third bracket 244 to the second frame portion 214. The second bottom end of the fourth bracket 246 is further connected to the fourth post 222 at the enlarged square connection portion of the fourth post 222, as per [reference to...]. Figure 4 and Figure 7As described above. In this way, the fourth bracket 246 is attached to the outside of the fixing device 208 to account for the space required for the first side 502 where it is attached to the second side 504. Similarly, the third bracket 244 is attached to the third post 220 and to the fourth side 508 of the second frame portion 214. As previously described, the first frame portion 210, the first bracket 240, and the second bracket 242 are similar to the second frame portion 214, the third bracket 244, and the fourth bracket 246, and therefore, the first bracket 240 is attached at a first top end to the short side of the first frame portion at one inner corner of the first frame portion and at a second bottom end to the first post 216, and the second bracket 242 is attached at a first top end to the short side of the first frame portion at another inner corner of the first frame portion and at a second bottom end to the second post 218.

[0047] Figure 3 A first brake block 260 attached to a first support 240 and a second brake block 262 attached to a third support 244 are also shown. Both the first brake block 260 and the second brake block 262 have suitable dimensions and shapes (e.g., rectangular) configured such that each brake block can be positioned within a corresponding recess in the brake pedal of the patient examination bed. The center of each brake block is approximately centered within its respective support. Figure 12 As shown, the first brake block 260 and the second brake block 262 are configured to interlock with (and thus press against) complementary grooves within the brake pedal of the patient examination bed. Relative to Figure 7 Further details of the third bracket 244 and the second brake block 262 are shown.

[0048] The fixing device 208 also includes two sets of handles positioned on the frame to facilitate movement of the fixing device 208 during installation and removal. As shown, one set of external handles includes a first external handle 224 positioned on the first frame portion 210 and a second external handle 226 positioned on the second frame portion 214. The first external handle 224 and the second external handle 226 are spaced apart by a first relatively large amount in the x-direction. This set of external handles is positioned outside the fixing device to allow two operators or a relatively tall / large operator to lift and / or carry the fixing device 208. The fixing device 208 also includes a set of internal handles, including a first internal handle 248 and a second internal handle 250, which are positioned on the cross bracket 212 and spaced apart by a second relatively small amount in the x-direction (e.g., less than the spaced amount of the set of external handles) to facilitate movement of the fixing device 208 by a single operator. In the embodiments described herein, the first internal handle 248 and the second internal handle 250 include a pair of adhesive-coated clamps. Adhesive-coated clamps are used instead of raised handles (as in the first set of handles) to allow the cross-bracket 212 to be fitted under the patient examination bed. In other embodiments, the set of inner handles may include a pair of raised handles similar to the set of outer handles, but located in the xy plane to allow space clearance on the examination bed.

[0049] The base plate interface 227 includes a set of base plate brackets and a set of base plate panels. The set of base plate brackets is included as part of the fixing device 208, and the set of base plate panels can be secured, for example, by a series of bolts 270 (see...). Figure 4 and Figure 6 The floorboards are attached to the trailer floor. The connection between each set of posts is a corresponding floorboard bracket, including a first floorboard bracket 228 connected between the first post 216 and the second post 218, and a second floorboard bracket 230 connected between the third post 220 and the fourth post 222. Each floorboard bracket includes locking clamps, such as a first locking clamp 232 on the first floorboard bracket 228 and a second locking clamp 234 on the second floorboard bracket 230, which are movable via handles to secure or remove the corresponding floorboard bracket from corresponding floorboard panels (e.g., first floorboard panel 236 and second floorboard panel 238). The floorboard panels may feature complementary inner holes to allow the first locking clamps 232 and 234 to be effectively engaged with the first floorboard panel 236 and the second floorboard panel 238. Each floorboard bracket (such as floorboard bracket 230) may have a base layer composed of a material configured to absorb vibration forces (such as an elastic material (e.g., a spring), rubber, foam, or another suitable material).

[0050] Figure 4The examination bed support 200 is shown as viewed from its right side. The examination bed interface 202 is not shown for visual clarity. Figure 4 The mechanical connection between the base plate, the second base plate panel 238, and the second base plate bracket 230 is shown. It should be understood that the first base plate panel and the second base plate bracket are identical to the second base plate panel 238 and the second base plate bracket 230, except that the first base plate panel and the second base plate bracket are connected to the first and second posts instead of the third post 220 and the fourth post 222. Further internal details of the internal connection between the second locking clamp 234 and the second base plate bracket 230 and the second base plate panel 238 are shown in... Figure 7 As shown in the image.

[0051] also, Figure 4The components of the third column 220 are shown in more detail. It should be understood that the first column 216, second column 218, and fourth column 222 are identical to the third column 220. The third column 220 comprises (in vertical order from bottom to top) a first column portion 402, a second column portion 404, a third column portion 406, a fourth column portion 408, and a fifth column portion 410. The first column portion 402, closest to the ground, has a generally square shape and several holes in the z-direction to allow bolts or another sufficient connecting mechanism to attach the column to its corresponding base plate bracket. The first column portion 402 may be a connecting flange, its shape and dimensions configured to connect the third column to the base plate bracket, and may have a first width W1. The second column portion 404 has a circular cross-section with a diameter D1 smaller than the width W1 of the first column portion 402. Furthermore, the diameter of the second column portion 404 may gradually increase towards the bottom of the second column portion 404, transitioning to the first column portion 402. The third column portion 406 has a circular cross-section with a diameter D2, which is smaller than the diameter D1 of the second column portion 404. The fourth column portion 408 (which is connected to the third bracket 244 and is therefore an example of the aforementioned square-shaped connection portion) is rectangular with a width W2 that is approximately equal to the width of the first column portion 402. The fourth column portion 408 is connected to the third bracket 244, thereby allowing additional structural reinforcement of the fixing device 208 in the xz plane. The fifth column portion 410 is circular and has a diameter D3, which may be equal to the diameter D2 of the third column portion 406 at the narrowest section of the fifth column portion 410. The fifth column portion 410 also includes a generally rectangular sixth portion 412 at its top, thereby allowing the third column 220 to be mechanically connected to the second frame portion 214 (e.g., by means of bolts). The second column portion 404 of the column is wider than the other portions of the column in order to resist breakage of the column closest to the base plate bracket. The lowest portion of the column is designed to resist torque around the connection between the base plate bracket and the column caused by loads (such as loads from the examination bed interface or loads from the weight of the fixture 208). Furthermore, each column may have a hollow interior of a constant diameter along its entire length, such that portions of the column described herein that have increased width relative to other portions of the column (e.g., the second column portion 404) may have increased material around the hollow interior at those portions. Additionally, while circular columns are shown and described, it should be understood that columns may have other shapes, such as rectangular, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] In areas where the diameter or width of the third column 220 changes, the column can taper inward or outward in a progressive manner. For example, the third column portion 406 can taper inward from the second column portion 404 at a suitable angle (e.g., 80° relative to the y-axis) and outward to the fourth column portion 408 at another angle (e.g., 110° relative to the y-axis). The fifth column portion 410 is generally tapered, such that the fifth column portion 410 tapers inward and then outward with only a small, straight middle portion (e.g., less than 50% of the total length of the fifth column portion 410). The third column portion 406 can be the longest portion of the third column 220, with a length greater than that of the second column portion 404, such as twice as long as the second column portion 404. The fourth column portion 408 can have a length sized to accommodate the connection of the third support 244. Furthermore, the third column 220 can be connected to the second base plate bracket 230 via a connecting member 701, which can further be used to absorb forces and reduce vibration.

[0053] Figure 5 A top-down perspective view of the examination bed support 200 is shown. As understood in the top-down view, not all sides of each frame portion have equal widths. Instead, each first side (e.g., first side 502) may be wider along the x-axis than each third side (e.g., third side 506). Each second, third, and fourth side may have the same width. The increased width of each first side allows each frame portion to better withstand the loads exerted on the fixture by the examination bed. Also as understood in the top-down view, the examination bed flange receiver may extend along the y-axis at a length longer than the width of the examination bed flange along the y-axis. For example, the top portion 314 may have a length along the y-axis at least twice the width of the upper portion 312 along the y-axis.

[0054] in addition, Figure 5 It includes two cutting planes: the plane specified by the line from A to A' and the plane specified by the line from B to B'. Relative to... Figure 6 and Figure 10 The objects within the A-A' and B-B' cutting planes are shown in more detail. For example... Figure 6 As understood herein, except for the crossbeam at the midpoint of the cross bracket 212, the cross bracket 212 may be substantially hollow, which reduces the weight of the fixing device 208. In other embodiments, the crossbeam may be cylindrical instead of rectangular and may or may not include a hollow gap inside.

[0055] Figure 7Additional details are shown of the second frame portion 214 and its connection to the third column 220. A third support 244 connects the fourth column portion 408 of the third column 220 to the second frame portion 214. The third support 244 extends from the fourth column portion 408 to the second frame portion 214 at an angle of approximately 30 degrees 414, which allows for optimal force distribution on portions of the frame that would otherwise be unsupported by the columns (e.g., inner corners). By configuring the fixture 208 with only four columns and gaps in each frame portion, the fixture can be manufactured light enough to allow a single operator to move the examination bed support 200 to a position below the patient examination bed while also providing clearance for the structure of the patient examination bed.

[0056] Figure 8 Further details of the second examination bed flange 204b and the second examination bed flange receiver 206b are shown, which are also... Figure 6The image is shown in cross-section. It should be understood that the first inspection bed flange 204a and the first inspection bed flange receiver 206a are identical to the second inspection bed flange 204b and the second inspection bed flange receiver 206b, respectively, and therefore the description of the second inspection bed flange 204b and the second inspection bed flange receiver 206b also applies to the first inspection bed flange 204a and the first inspection bed flange receiver 206a. The second inspection bed flange 204b includes an upper flange portion 312, an intermediate flange portion 310 (having a width approximately 25% of the width of the upper portion), a lower flange portion 308 (having a width approximately equal to that of the upper portion 312), and a shaft receiver 304. The intermediate flange portion 310 includes a shaft extending in a vertical direction (e.g., along the z-axis) configured to fit into a Y-shaped slot within the top portion 314 of the second inspection bed flange receiver 206b (e.g., within the top wall of the second inspection bed flange receiver 206b), and thus may also be referred to as a vertical shaft. When the inspection bed support is coupled to the inspection bed such that the inspection bed flange is positioned within the inspection bed flange receiver, the upper surface 309 of the lower flange portion 308 is in coplanar contact with the lower surface 311 of the top portion 314 (e.g., with the lower surface of the top wall of the second inspection bed flange receiver 206b). The intermediate flange portion 310 fits directly into the center of the Y-shaped slot's rod, but is slightly narrower than the rod of the Y-shaped slot, thereby allowing for mechanical tolerances when coupling the inspection bed flange receiver to the inspection bed flange. The Y-shaped slot may be defined by the top portion 314, which may have a triangular cut that engages with a straight cut, thus forming a Y-shape. The triangular portion of the Y-shaped slot may be wider at the distal edge of the top portion 314 (opposite to and distal to the rear wall 316) and narrower in the direction toward the rear wall 316. For example, the opening at the distal edge of the top portion 314 may have approximately 70% of the width of the top portion 314, thus linearly narrowing to approximately 20% to 30% of the width of the top portion 314 at the bar. In this way, when the fixation device 208 is positioned under the patient examination bed, the fixation device 208 may be positioned such that the intermediate portion 310 is initially received within the wider portion of the Y-shaped slot, and then, with the constraint provided by the narrowing of the triangular portion of the Y-shaped slot, the fixation device 208 may be moved until the intermediate portion 310 is positioned at the rear of the bar of the Y-shaped slot.

[0057] The second examination bed flange 204b also includes a shaft receiver 304 configured to receive a complementary locking shaft 306 extending from the center of the second examination bed flange receiver 206b. The locking shaft 306 also has a hole along the x-axis to receive a locking thumbscrew 302 of the second examination bed flange 204b, thereby securing the second examination bed flange 204b to the second examination bed flange receiver 206b. For example, to secure the second examination bed flange 204b to the second examination bed flange receiver 206b, an operator can position the second examination bed flange 204b within the second examination bed flange receiver 206b such that the vertical shaft / intermediate flange portion is positioned within the Y-shaped opening and the locking shaft 306 is positioned within the shaft receiver 304, and then the operator can actuate (e.g., rotate) the thumbscrew 302 to secure the locking shaft 306 in place. In other examples, instead of a thumbscrew, the examination bed flange may include a spring-loaded locking pin or another suitable locking mechanism.

[0058] The second inspection bed flange receiver 206b is mechanically connected to the fixing device 208 at the bottom portion 318 by bolts or another sufficient coupling mechanism. The bottom portion 318 may include multiple layers, including a first layer forming part of the C-shape of the flange receiver, a connecting layer in coplanar contact with the fixing device, and an intermediate layer between the first layer and the connecting layer. The intermediate layer may consist of a material configured to absorb vibrational forces (such as an elastic material (e.g., a spring), foam, or another suitable material).

[0059] As from Figure 8 As understood, the examination bed flange does not rest on top of any surface of the examination bed flange receiver. Instead, the examination bed flange receiver rests on a surface of the examination bed flange (e.g., upper surface 309). When the fixing device is secured to the base plate panel via clamps in the base plate bracket, the examination bed flange receiver provides a downward force on the examination bed flange, thereby limiting upward movement of the patient examination bed in the vertical direction (e.g., in the positive z-direction), while the locking of the locking shaft 306 to the shaft receiver 304 limits downward movement of the patient examination bed in the vertical direction (e.g., in the negative z-direction). Friction between the coplanar contact surfaces of the examination bed flange and the examination bed flange receiver, as well as the locking of the locking shaft 306 to the shaft receiver 304, limits lateral movement of the patient examination bed in the horizontal direction (e.g., along the x-axis).

[0060] Figure 9 Additional details of the second base plate panel 238 are shown (the first base plate panel 236 is identical, as described above relative to...). Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the second base plate panel 238 is characterized by a series of nine holes 280 drilled in a rectangular pattern. These holes allow the base plate panel to be bolted together (e.g., with a series of bolts 270, as described above relative to...). Figure 4The holes (as described) are inserted into the floor of a transport unit (such as a trailer). It should be noted that the quantity, arrangement, and diameter of the holes 280 may vary in different embodiments. For example, different hole patterns may be used in different embodiments to accommodate the floor of different carriages.

[0061] Furthermore, the length, width, and thickness of the second base plate panel 238 can be varied depending on the desired usage. A wider and / or longer second base plate panel 238 will increase the surface area of ​​the second base plate panel 238, thereby allowing the load to be distributed more evenly along the base plate to which it is attached. On the other hand, a smaller length and / or width can reduce the weight of the second base plate panel 238.

[0062] The second base plate panel 238 also includes generally rectangular cutouts or recesses to accommodate two movable components: a hook block 285 and a receiving cavity block 287; each is attached to the second base plate panel 238 via a corresponding set of bolts. The hook block 285 includes an integrally rounded hook 288 designed to be removably coupled to an element of the second locking clamp 234. The hook block 285 is attached to the second base plate panel 238 by four bolts, each passing through one of a series of slots 284 milled into the hook block 285. The slots 284 are milled in the y-direction, allowing the hook block 285 to move relative to the second base plate panel 238 in the y-direction. This is advantageous because the position of the rounded hook 288 can be pre-adjusted as a manufacturing process and then fixed, eliminating the need for the operator to precisely align the clamping device with the base plate (which can be time-consuming, and therefore the configuration described herein allows for a rapid locking process). The receiving cavity block 287 is similarly coupled to the second base plate panel 238 via two slots 289 milled in the y-direction. The slot 289 allows the receiving cavity block 287 to slide forward and backward, thereby maintaining the dimensions of the inner receiving cavity 286 to ensure that there is no risk of tripping from the hole on the base plate. The inner receiving cavity 286 (e.g., a rectangular gap) and the rounded hook 288 allow for removable engagement via a second locking clamp 234, as relative to... Figure 10 Further details are provided.

[0063] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view (along the second base plate panel 238 and the second base plate bracket 230) according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 5(Line B-B'). The second base plate bracket 230 and the second base plate panel 238 are shown as removably connected via a second locking clamp 234. It should be noted that the second locking clamp 234 includes one possible embodiment of the base plate clamp. Alternatively, other locking clamping mechanisms can be used to removably connect the base plate panel and the base plate bracket. As described above, the second base plate panel 238 includes an internal receiving recess 286, which is a generally rectangular cutout or gap, thereby allowing space for the clamp to be attached to a rounded hook 288 within the internal receiving recess 286. In some embodiments, the rounded hook 288 may, conversely, be generally rectangular. The second base plate bracket 230 also includes an internal recess that aligns with the internal receiving recess 286 to create a shared opening through which aspects of the second locking clamp 234 can be received when the securing device 208 is positioned above the base plate panel such that the second base plate bracket 230 is positioned above the second base plate panel 238.

[0064] Although any suitable locking clamp can be used, Figure 10 An example of a second locking clamp 234 is shown, which may include a handle for engaging a lip or other feature of a second base plate bracket or second base plate panel to lock the second base plate bracket to the second base plate panel via the locking clamp. In some examples, a post 602 of the second locking clamp 234 may be coupled to a rounded hook 288. The post 602 is movable via a user-operated external handle 610. When locked, the post 602 may extend through an internal recess of the second base plate bracket 230 and into an internal receiving recess 286 of the second base plate panel 238. The post 602 may include a curved region at its bottom end, which is positioned below / inside the rounded hook 288. When the second base plate bracket is locked to the second base plate panel via the locking clamp, the outer handle 610 can be manipulated to position the post 602 below the rounded hook 288, and the outer handle 610 can be moved (e.g., downwards) to secure the curved area of ​​the post 602 within the rounded hook 288, and the locking mechanism can be actuated to hold the post 602 in place. The reverse operation can be performed to unlock the second locking clamp 234. It should be understood that the second locking clamp 234 is exemplary, and other mechanisms for securing the base plate bracket to the base plate panel are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0065] Figure 11 An examination bed support 200 is shown, which is connected to the patient examination bed 1102 via an examination bed interface 202 and to the base plate via a base plate interface 227. Figure 11 The patient examination bed 1102 shown is a non-limiting example of the examination bed 26 and is shown in a lowered position.

[0066] The patient examination bed 1102 can be secured for transport using the examination bed interface 202, the fixing device 208, and the base plate interface 227. The first examination bed flange 204a and the second examination bed flange 204b can be secured to the bottom of the patient examination bed 1102 during manufacturing at positions aligned with corresponding positions of the first examination bed flange receiver 206a and the second examination bed flange receiver 206b (or modified at a later time). Typically, the examination bed flanges do not need to be removed outside of transport, and they can be installed as permanent fixtures for the examination bed. To prepare the examination bed for transport, an assembly sequence can be adopted to attach the patient examination bed 1102 to the ground via the fixing device. The examination bed can be lifted while still attached to an imaging system (e.g., an aperture for an MRI system), allowing the examination bed to be moved vertically with only limited lateral movement. The fixing device 208 can slide beneath the patient examination bed 1102, thereby allowing the first examination bed flange receiver 206a and the second examination bed flange receiver 206b to receive the first examination bed flange 204a and the second examination bed flange 204b and to connect the examination bed to the fixing device 208. With the fixing device 208 attached, the patient examination bed 1102 can be lowered so that the base plate bracket contacts the base plate panel (e.g., so that the second base plate bracket 230 is positioned on the second base plate panel 238). After aligning the first locking clamp 232 and the second locking clamp 234 with the corresponding base plate panels, each locking clamp can be fastened using its corresponding handle (e.g., the outer handle 610), thereby attaching the base plate bracket (and thus the examination bed) to the base plate.

[0067] like Figure 11 As shown, the patient examination bed 1102 may include two sections connected via a lifting mechanism. These two sections may include a top section 1104 and a bottom section 1106. The lifting mechanism (in...) Figure 11 The top section 1104 (not visible in the center) can be configured to move vertically relative to the bottom section 1106, which may have a fixed vertical position. The lifting mechanism may be positioned along the y-axis at the midpoint of the patient examination bed 1102 and may not extend along the entire length of either the top section 1104 or the bottom section 1106. Therefore, the first and second examination bed flanges may be positioned toward the bottom end of the patient examination bed 1102 spaced apart from the lifting mechanism, allowing the examination bed flanges to be positioned below the top section 1104. Each frame portion (e.g., the second frame portion 214) may extend outward from the patient examination bed 1102 along the x-axis on a corresponding side of the patient examination bed 1102, while the cross bracket 212 may extend along the underside of the top section 1104. The frame portion and the post connecting to the outer corner of the frame portion allow the fixing device 208 to extend along the edge of the bottom section 1106, which may have a width along the x-axis that is wider than the distance between the first and second examination bed flanges.

[0068] Compared to the patient examination bed 1102, the fixation device 208 can be relatively small, allowing an operator to move the fixation device 208 into / out of position. For example, the long side of the frame portion (e.g., the first side 502) can have a length along the y-axis ranging from 10% to 33% of the total length of the patient examination bed 1102. The cross bracket 212 can have a length along the x-axis approximately equal to the width of the patient examination bed 1102 along the x-axis. The short side of the frame portion (e.g., the second side 504) can extend outward from the cross bracket by 30% to 50% of the length of the cross bracket. The columns can have a height that allows the examination bed to be secured in its non-lifted position. For example, each column can have a height along the z-axis that is 50% to 75% of the length of the long side of the frame portion.

[0069] When the fixation device 208 descends to the ground, the first brake block 260 and the second brake block 262 can be positioned in the corresponding brake pedals of the patient examination bed 1102. For example, as Figure 12 As shown, the brake pedal 1202 of the patient examination bed 1102 may include a recess 1204. A second brake block 262 may be positioned within the recess 1204 and may be used to hold the brake pedal 1202 in a depressed position, thereby locking one or more wheels (e.g., wheel 1206) of the patient examination bed 1102.

[0070] The first and second examination bed flanges may also be relatively small relative to the patient examination bed 1102, which allows the examination bed flanges to remain fixed to the patient examination bed 1102 during operation (including during imaging, when the examination bed flanges can remain outside the apertures of the MRI system). For example, the upper portion 312 may have a length along the x-axis that is 10% to 20% of the length of the cross bracket 212, and the height of each examination bed flange (e.g., from the top surface of the upper portion 312 to the bottom surface of the shaft receiver 304) may be in the range of 15% to 30% of the height of each column (along the z-axis).

[0071] Therefore, the examination bed support 200 can be coupled to the patient examination bed 1102 by moving the patient examination bed 1102 into a first (e.g., raised) position and positioning the first examination bed flange 204a (fixed to the patient examination bed 1102) within the first examination bed flange receiver 206a of the examination bed support 200 and positioning the second examination bed flange 204b (fixed to the patient examination bed 1102) within the second examination bed flange receiver 206b of the examination bed support 200. For example, the examination bed support 200 can be raised (e.g., via an external or internal handle) and then moved laterally until the vertical axis of the first examination bed flange 204a is positioned within a Y-shaped opening in the top wall of the first examination bed flange receiver 206a (e.g., within a bar of the Y-shaped opening) and the vertical axis 310 of the second examination bed flange 204b is positioned within a Y-shaped opening in the top wall 314 of the second examination bed flange receiver 206b (e.g., within a bar of the Y-shaped opening). A locking axis (e.g., shaft 306) of each examination bed flange receiver can be positioned within a corresponding shaft receiver (e.g., shaft receiver 304) and secured via a finger screw / locking pin (e.g., finger screw 302) of the examination bed flange. Each vertical axis of each examination bed flange can be coupled between a corresponding top flange portion (e.g., top portion 312) and a corresponding bottom flange portion (e.g., bottom portion 308). Each top flange portion may be coupled to a patient examination bed and each bottom flange portion may have a flat surface (e.g., upper surface 309) configured to coplanarly contact the lower surface (e.g., lower surface 311) of the examination bed flange receiver.

[0072] Once the examination bed support 200 is secured to the examination bed 1102 via the flange / flange receiver, the patient examination bed 1102 can be lowered to a second position (which can be vertically lower than the first position), in which the bottom of the base plate bracket of the examination bed support can contact the top of the base plate panel, and each locking clamp of the examination bed support (e.g., locking clamp 234) can be locked to the corresponding base plate panel (e.g., base plate panel 238) by actuating the handle of the base plate clamp, such that the post of the locking clamp is held in the hook of the base plate panel.

[0073] In this way, when the patient examination bed 1102 is raised, the examination bed support 200 can be secured to the patient examination bed 1102, and then the patient examination bed 1102 can be lowered so that the examination bed support 200 can be secured to the ground. By doing so, the connection between the examination bed support and the patient examination bed is easier for the operator to perform, as the operator can better see and feel the proper mating between the examination bed flange and the examination bed flange receiver. Furthermore, the lightweight nature of the examination bed support (e.g., due to the hollow portion of the frame) and the positioning of the two sets of handles allow multiple operators to easily raise and secure the examination bed support to the examination bed without compromising the stability provided by the examination bed support. The use of finger screws / locking pins and locking clamps avoids the need to rely on loose screws or bolts to secure the examination bed support to the examination bed and / or base plate, which makes the installation and removal of the examination bed support easier and reduces the need to fix or replace loose hardware. Furthermore, when the examination bed support is initially attached to the patient examination bed, and when the patient examination bed is lowered to the second position and when the examination bed support is attached to the base plate, the examination bed flange can be secured to the bottom end of the patient examination bed, and the top end of the patient examination bed can be supported by a port for moving the imaging system (e.g., an MRI system). This reduces or eliminates the need to ensure the base plate is level during the installation of the examination bed support.

[0074] This disclosure also provides a support for an examination bed support for a mobile imaging system, the examination bed support comprising: a fixing device including a frame and a plurality of columns coupled to the frame; an examination bed interface including a set of examination bed flanges configured to be attached to a patient examination bed of the mobile imaging system and a set of complementary examination bed flange receivers coupled to the top surface of the frame of the fixing device; and a base plate interface including a set of base plate brackets removably coupled to a set of base plate panels configured to be attached to the base plate of a unit configured to accommodate the mobile imaging system, each base plate bracket being coupled to two corresponding columns of the plurality of columns. In a first example of the examination bed support, the frame includes a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a cross bracket coupled between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, wherein each of the first frame portion and the second frame portion is rectangular, wherein a first long side of the first frame portion is coupled to the cross bracket at a first T-shaped joint, and a first long side of the second frame portion is coupled to the cross bracket at a second T-shaped joint. In a second example of an examination bed support that optionally includes the first example, the complementary examination bed flange receiver includes a first examination bed flange receiver and a second examination bed flange receiver. The first examination bed flange receiver is coupled to the top surface at a first T-joint, and the second examination bed flange receiver is coupled to the top surface at a second T-joint. In a third example of an examination bed support that optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, a plurality of posts include a first post coupled to a first outer corner of a first frame portion and a second post coupled to a second outer corner of the first frame portion. The first outer corner is formed at the junction of a second long side and a first short side of the first frame portion, and the second outer corner is formed at the junction of a second long side and a second short side of the first frame portion. The set of base plate brackets includes a first base plate bracket coupled to the first post and the second post. In a fourth example of an examination bed support that optionally includes one or more of the first to third examples, or each of the examples, the first frame portion includes a first inner corner and a second inner corner. The first inner corner is formed at the junction of a first long side and a first short side of the first frame portion, and the second inner corner is formed at the junction of a first long side and a second short side of the first frame portion. The support also includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is connected to the first short side at the first inner corner and to a first post, and the second bracket is connected to the second short side at the second inner corner and to a second post. In a fifth example of an examination bed support that optionally includes one or more of the first to fourth examples, or each of the examples, the examination bed support further includes a brake block connected to the first bracket. The brake block is sized and shaped to fit within a groove in the brake pedal of the patient examination bed.In a sixth example of an examination bed support that optionally includes one or more of the first to fifth examples, or each of the examples, the examination bed support further includes a first set of handles and a second set of handles, the first handle of the first set of handles being positioned on a first frame portion, the second handle of the first set of handles being positioned on a second frame portion, and the second set of handles being positioned on a cross bracket. In a seventh example of an examination bed support that optionally includes one or more of the first to sixth examples, or each of the examples, each examination bed flange receiver includes a top wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall, the rear wall including a locking shaft extending therefrom, wherein the top wall, rear wall, and bottom wall together form a C-shape, and wherein the top wall includes a Y-shaped opening. In an eighth example of an examination bed support that optionally includes one or more of the first to seventh examples, or each of the examples, the Y-shaped opening is configured to receive a connecting portion of a respective examination bed flange, and wherein the locking shaft is configured to be positioned within a shaft receiver of the respective examination bed flange. In a ninth example, which optionally includes one or more of the first to eighth examples or the examination bed support of each example, each base plate bracket includes a locking clamp configured to removably attach the base plate bracket to the corresponding base plate panel.

[0075] This disclosure also provides a support for an examination bed support for a mobile imaging system, the examination bed support comprising: a frame including a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a cross bracket connecting the first frame portion and the second frame portion, each of the first frame portion and the second frame portion being rectangular in shape and having a central gap; a plurality of columns, each column being connected to a corresponding outer corner of the frame; a first examination bed flange receiver and a second examination bed flange receiver, the first examination bed flange receiver being connected to the frame at a first T-shaped joint where the cross bracket is connected to the first frame portion, the second examination bed flange receiver being connected to the frame at a second T-shaped joint where the cross bracket is connected to the second frame portion, each examination bed flange receiver forming a C-shaped opening configured to receive a corresponding examination bed flange of a patient examination bed attached to the mobile imaging system; and a set of base plate brackets removably connected to a set of base plate panels attached to a base plate configured to house a transport unit of the mobile imaging system, each base plate bracket being connected to two corresponding columns of the plurality of columns. In a first example of an examination bed support, each examination bed flange receiver includes a top wall forming a C-shaped opening, each top wall having a Y-shaped opening configured to receive a vertical axis of the corresponding examination bed flange, and wherein each examination bed flange receiver includes a rear wall forming a portion of the C-shaped opening, each rear wall including a locking shaft configured to be secured within the corresponding examination bed flange. In a second example of an examination bed support that optionally includes the first example, each top wall includes a lower surface configured to coplanarly contact the upper surface of the corresponding examination bed flange when the examination bed support is coupled to a patient examination bed. In a third example of an examination bed support that optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, the examination bed support further includes a set of external handles and a set of internal handles, a first handle of the set of external handles positioned on a first frame portion, a second handle of the set of external handles positioned on a second frame portion, and the set of internal handles positioned on a cross bracket. In a fourth example, which optionally includes one or more of the first to third examples or each of the examination bed support components, the examination bed support component further includes a set of brackets, each bracket being coupled to a corresponding inner corner of the frame and to a corresponding column among a plurality of columns.

[0076] This disclosure also provides support for a method of using a patient examination bed for a fixed mobile imaging system, the method comprising: with the patient examination bed in a first position, engaging an examination bed support to the patient examination bed by positioning a first examination bed flange of the patient examination bed within a first examination bed flange receiver of an examination bed support and positioning a second examination bed flange of the patient examination bed within a second examination bed flange receiver of the examination bed support, the first and second examination bed flange receivers being positioned on the top surface of the frame of the examination bed support; lowering the patient examination bed to a second position and locking a first locking clamp of the examination bed support to a first base plate panel and a second locking clamp of the examination bed support to a second base plate panel, the first locking clamp being positioned on a first base plate bracket of the examination bed support, the first base plate bracket being connected to a first set of posts of the examination bed support, and the second locking clamp being positioned on a second base plate bracket of the examination bed support, the second base plate bracket being connected to a second set of posts of the examination bed support. In a first example of the method, positioning the first examination bed flange within the first examination bed flange receiver includes positioning a first vertical axis of the first examination bed flange within a first Y-shaped opening in the first top wall of the first examination bed flange receiver. The first vertical axis is connected to a first lower flange portion of the first examination bed flange, the first lower flange portion having a first upper surface coplanarly contacting a first lower surface of the first top wall of the first examination bed flange receiver. In a second example of the method, which optionally includes the first example, positioning the second examination bed flange within the second examination bed flange receiver includes positioning a second vertical axis of the second examination bed flange within a second Y-shaped opening in the second top wall of the second examination bed flange receiver. The second vertical axis is connected to a second lower flange portion of the second examination bed flange, the second lower flange portion having a second upper surface coplanarly contacting a second lower surface of the second top wall of the second examination bed flange receiver. In a third example of the method, which optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, when the examination bed support is coupled to the patient examination bed and when the patient examination bed is lowered to the second position, the first and second examination bed flanges are positioned at the bottom of the patient examination bed, and the top of the patient examination bed is supported by the moving imaging system. In a fourth example of the method, which optionally includes one or more of the first to third examples, or each of the examples, the method further includes locking one or more wheels of the patient examination bed by positioning a brake block of the examination bed support within a recess in the brake pedal of the patient examination bed.

[0077] As used herein, elements or steps listed in the singular and beginning with the word "a" or "an" should be understood to not exclude a plurality of said elements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the referenced features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise," "include," or "have" elements or multiple elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic. The terms "comprise" and "in..." are used as concise linguistic equivalents to the corresponding terms "comprising" and "wherein". Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used merely as notations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular order of position on their objects.

[0078] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any included methods. The scope of patentability of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that have minor differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A bed support for a mobile imaging system, the bed support comprising: A fixing device includes a frame and a plurality of posts connected to the frame, wherein the frame includes a first frame portion, a second frame portion and a cross bracket connected between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, and the plurality of posts include a first post connected to a first outer corner of the first frame portion and a second post connected to a second outer corner of the first frame portion. An examination bed interface comprising a set of examination bed flanges configured to be attached to the mobile imaging system and a set of complementary examination bed flange receivers coupled to the top surface of the frame of the fixation device; and A base plate interface, the base plate interface including a set of base plate brackets removably connected to a set of base plate panels configured to be attached to the base plate of a unit configured to house the mobile imaging system, each base plate bracket being connected to two corresponding columns of the plurality of columns, wherein the set of base plate brackets includes a first base plate bracket connected to the first column and the second column.

2. The examination bed support according to claim 1, wherein each of the first frame portion and the second frame portion is rectangular, wherein a first long side of the first frame portion is connected to the cross bracket at a first T-shaped joint, and a first long side of the second frame portion is connected to the cross bracket at a second T-shaped joint.

3. The examination bed support according to claim 2, wherein the complementary examination bed flange receiver includes a first examination bed flange receiver and a second examination bed flange receiver, the first examination bed flange receiver being connected to the top surface at the first T-shaped joint, and the second examination bed flange receiver being connected to the top surface at the second T-shaped joint.

4. The examination bed support according to claim 2, wherein the first outer corner is formed at the junction of the second long side of the first frame portion and the first short side of the first frame portion, and the second outer corner is formed at the junction of the second long side of the first frame portion and the second short side of the first frame portion.

5. The examination bed support according to claim 4, wherein the first frame portion includes a first inner corner and a second inner corner, the first inner corner being formed at the junction of the first long side and the first short side of the first frame portion, and the second inner corner being formed at the junction of the first long side and the second short side of the first frame portion, and further includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket being connected to the first short side at the first inner corner and connected to the first column, and the second bracket being connected to the second short side at the second inner corner and connected to the second column.

6. The examination bed support according to claim 5, the examination bed support further comprising a brake block connected to the first bracket, the brake block being sized and shaped to fit within a groove of the brake pedal of the patient examination bed.

7. The examination bed support according to claim 2, the examination bed support further comprising a first set of handles and a second set of handles, wherein the first handle of the first set of handles is positioned on the first frame portion, and the second handle of the first set of handles is positioned on the second frame portion, and the second set of handles is positioned on the cross bracket.

8. The examination bed support of claim 1, wherein each examination bed flange receiver includes a top wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall, the rear wall including a locking shaft extending therefrom, wherein the top wall, the rear wall, and the bottom wall together form a C-shape, and wherein the top wall includes a Y-shaped opening.

9. The examination bed support of claim 8, wherein the Y-shaped opening is configured to receive the connecting portion of the corresponding examination bed flange, and wherein the locking shaft is configured to be positioned within the shaft receiver of the corresponding examination bed flange.

10. The examination bed support of claim 1, wherein each base plate bracket includes a locking clamp configured to removably engage the base plate bracket to a corresponding base plate panel.

11. A method for using a patient examination bed for a fixed mobile imaging system, the method comprising: With the patient examination bed in the first position, the examination bed support is connected to the patient examination bed by positioning the first examination bed flange of the patient examination bed within the first examination bed flange receiver of the examination bed support and positioning the second examination bed flange of the patient examination bed within the second examination bed flange receiver of the examination bed support. The first examination bed flange receiver and the second examination bed flange receiver are positioned on the top surface of the frame of the examination bed support. The frame includes a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a cross bracket connecting the first frame portion and the second frame portion. The patient examination bed is lowered to the second position, and the first locking clamp of the examination bed support is locked to the first base plate panel, and the second locking clamp of the examination bed support is locked to the second base plate panel. The first locking clamp is positioned on the first base plate bracket of the examination bed support, and the first base plate bracket is connected to the first set of columns of the examination bed support. The second locking clamp is positioned on the second base plate bracket of the examination bed support, and the second base plate bracket is connected to the second set of columns of the examination bed support. The first set of columns includes a first column connected to the first outer corner of the first frame portion and a second column connected to the second outer corner of the first frame portion. The second set of columns includes a third column connected to the first outer corner of the second frame portion and a fourth column connected to the second outer corner of the second frame portion.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein positioning the first examination bed flange within the first examination bed flange receiving member comprises positioning a first vertical axis of the first examination bed flange within a first Y-shaped opening in a first top wall of the first examination bed flange receiving member, the first vertical axis being connected to a first lower flange portion of the first examination bed flange, the first lower flange portion having a first upper surface coplanarly contacting a first lower surface of the first top wall of the first examination bed flange receiving member.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein positioning the second examination bed flange within the second examination bed flange receiving member comprises positioning a second vertical axis of the second examination bed flange within a second Y-shaped opening in the second top wall of the second examination bed flange receiving member, the second vertical axis being connected to a second lower flange portion of the second examination bed flange, the second lower flange portion having a second upper surface coplanarly contacting a second lower surface of the second top wall of the second examination bed flange receiving member.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein when the examination bed support is coupled to the patient examination bed and when the patient examination bed is lowered to the second position, the first examination bed flange and the second examination bed flange are positioned at the bottom end of the patient examination bed, and the top end of the patient examination bed is supported by the moving imaging system.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising locking one or more wheels of the patient examination bed by positioning a brake block of the examination bed support within a recess in the brake pedal of the patient examination bed.

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