Adjustable Tilting Head Holder With Spring-Loaded Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable head holders for medical imaging are cumbersome, require significant operator effort, and lack a reliable locking mechanism, leading to potential misalignment during scans, especially in CT imaging systems with fixed gantries.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable head holder with a tilt adjustment mechanism and a spring-loaded, positive locking mechanism that allows single-handed adjustment and secure locking of the head at desired angles, using a non-metallic design to minimize image artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure head position, then reliability of positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking mechanism automatically engages and locks the head holder at selected angles without requiring manual intervention. The spring provides automatic resetting and locking action, allowing the system to secure positioning autonomously during imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual adjustment mechanisms with a spring-loaded automatic locking system. This mechanical substitution simplifies the overall device by using elastic potential energy storage and release to achieve positioning stability, eliminating the need for multiple manual controls.
2Ease of operation
If adjustment mechanism allows single-handed operation, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides automatic positioning at predetermined angles without requiring two-handed operation. The system self-adjusts and locks at selected positions, maintaining precision while allowing single-handed operation through automatic mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism includes pre-set locking positions at specific angles that are automatically engaged when the head holder is adjusted. This preliminary positioning arrangement ensures precise angular placement is achieved automatically, eliminating the need for manual fine-tuning while maintaining operation simplicity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If non-metallic design is used, then image artifact minimization is improved, but structural strength may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The head holder uses composite construction combining non-metallic materials for the cradle structure with metallic components only where structural strength is critical, such as the spring-loaded locking mechanism. This selective material usage minimizes image artifacts in the imaging area while maintaining necessary structural integrity through strategic placement of metallic elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides stable head positioning during imaging scans, reducing radiation exposure to sensitive areas and minimizing image artifacts while allowing easy adjustment without requiring both hands, suitable for CT imaging systems with fixed gantries.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded, positive locking mechanism
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4F
AI summary
Various systems are provided for an adjustable tilting head holder. In one example, a system comprises an adjustable tilting head holder for use with an imaging system the adjustable head holder comprising a head cradle, a tilt adjustment mechanism with a plurality of locking positions arranged below a first end of the head cradle, a table mount extending from a second end of the head cradle, and a tilt adjustment bar that extends from the table mount through the tilt adjustment mechanism, wherein the first end and the second end of the head cradle are located at opposite ends of the head cradle.