Adjustable Patient Immobilizer with Integrated Frame Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient immobilization devices for radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery are cumbersome, require separate shim components for adjustment, and cannot adapt to changes in patient anatomy without removing the device, leading to inefficiencies and inadequate immobilization.
Innovation Solution
A system using a low melting temperature thermoplastic preform with a frame and adjuster mechanism that allows for adjustable immobilization without separate shims, enabling precise adjustment of the immobilization device to the patient's anatomy while maintaining the device in place, using locking pins and an adjuster mechanism to adjust the distance between the frame and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional patient immobilization devices are used, then patient immobilization is achieved, but the devices are cumbersome and require separate shim components for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the immobilization device and adjustment mechanism into a single integrated unit. The adjuster mechanism is incorporated directly into the immobilization device structure, eliminating the need for separate shim components. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation, as adjustments can be made directly through the integrated mechanism without handling separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The immobilization device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary immobilization structure and as the adjustment mechanism. The device includes integrated features that allow for both patient positioning and dimensional adjustment without requiring additional specialized components. This universal design reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional immobilization devices are used, then patient immobilization is achieved, but adjustments cannot be made without removing the device from the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the immobilization device to be modified while in use. The adjuster mechanism enables real-time dimensional changes without requiring device removal, allowing clinicians to adapt the immobilization fit during the setup process. This dynamic capability significantly reduces setup time while maintaining high adaptability to patient anatomy changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-adjusting features that allow for modifications without removal or external intervention. The integrated adjuster mechanism enables operators to make adjustments directly to the device while it remains positioned on the patient, eliminating the need for time-consuming removal and reapplication procedures. This self-service capability optimizes both adaptability and time efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If thermoplastic sheets are heated and formed over patient anatomy, then immobilization is achieved, but the process cannot adapt to anatomy changes without removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary adjustment capabilities into the immobilization device structure. The adjuster mechanism is pre-configured to allow for fine-tuning of the device dimensions after initial formation on the patient's anatomy. This preliminary action enables clinicians to make precise adjustments to accommodate anatomy changes without removal, maintaining both manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for parameter changes in its dimensional characteristics after the initial thermoplastic forming process. The adjuster mechanism enables modification of key geometric parameters such as device width, length, or curvature while the device remains on the patient. This capability maintains the precision of the original anatomy fit while providing adaptability to accommodate anatomical variations or changes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides efficient, adjustable, and non-invasive patient immobilization, reducing setup time and improving immobilization quality by allowing adjustments to be made without removing the device from the patient, accommodating changes in anatomy and enhancing patient comfort and treatment precision.
Implementation Method 1
Such sheets are heated to become formable, formed over a part of a patient's anatomy
Implementation Method 2
formed over a part of a patient's anatomy, and then cooled to harden, thereby immobilizing the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for immobilizing a patient are disclosed. The system includes at least one preform formed from a low melting temperature thermoplastic, the preform being configured to be formed to the anatomy of the patient, at least one frame coupled to the at least one preform, and at least one support configured to support the anatomy of the patient. The system also includes at least one lock mechanism coupled to at least one of the frame and the support and configured to couple the at least one frame to the at least one support, and at least one adjuster mechanism coupled to at least one of the at least one frame and the at least one support and configured to selectively adjust a distance between the at least one frame and the at least one support while the at least one frame is coupled to the at least one support.