Adjustable Light Emitters for Lithotripter and C-Arc Alignment Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring the adjustment of lithotripters and x-ray C-arc units are limited in that they only allow adjustment before therapy and do not facilitate real-time monitoring during therapy, especially when the therapy head needs to be moved from straight over- or under-table positions, and the lower half of the C-arc is obstructed, making it difficult to maintain correct alignment.
Innovation Solution
A system with adjustable and independently controllable light emitters that can move with the C-arc to different positions, using magnetic ball joints for secure adjustment, and can be controlled remotely to ensure continuous monitoring of the alignment between the lithotripter and the x-ray C-arc, even when the therapy head is moved, by positioning markers with crosshairs and misalignment markers to indicate correct alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light emitters are fixed on the lithotripter arm, then the monitoring system is simple, but the therapy head cannot be moved independently during therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into multiple independent light emitters (first light emitter for C-arc position, second light emitter for lithotripter alignment) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the therapy head to move without disrupting the monitoring system, as each light emitter continues to provide its specific monitoring function separately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the C-arc is moved to different positions during therapy, then concrement relocation is possible, but alignment monitoring becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The first light emitter is designed to be adjustable and repositionable, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different C-arc positions. When the C-arc is moved for concrement relocation, the light emitter can be repositioned to continue providing accurate alignment monitoring for the new configuration, maintaining measurement precision throughout the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If the lower half of the C-arc is used for monitoring, then alignment can be indicated, but the view is obstructed by patient bed, patient or carrying arm
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system uses multiple light emitters positioned at different spatial locations and angles. The first light emitter projects onto the C-arc from a position that avoids obstruction by the patient bed or carrying arm, while the second light emitter provides complementary monitoring. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures that at least one monitoring path remains visible regardless of patient or equipment position.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple light emitters are used for different C-arc positions, then monitoring during therapy is enabled, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each light emitter is designed with multi-functionality: the first light emitter can monitor both C-arc position and lithotripter alignment, while the second light emitter can provide backup monitoring and verify alignment from a different angle. This universal design allows fewer components to achieve continuous monitoring throughout the therapy procedure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring continuity.
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
Enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of the lithotripter and x-ray C-arc alignment during therapy, allowing for accurate relocation of concrements and preventing glare or irritation to medical personnel, while allowing the therapy head to be moved independently without interrupting the light beams.
Implementation Method 1
each light emitter may be hinged by a magnetic ball joint mounting
Data Source
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AI summary
With the invention, a monitoring system and method for monitoring the adjustment of a lithotripter and an x-ray C-arc during therapy, in which the C-arc is provided with at least one positioning marker and the lithotripter is provided with at least two light emitters and a light beam generated by each of the light emitters hits the positioning marker when the correct adjustment of the lithotripter and the C-arc is maintained, should be improved such that it permits a good monitoring of the correct adjustment during therapy and concurrently, is easy to handle as well as to survey. This object is attained by a system and a method for monitoring the adjustment of a lithotripter and an x-ray C-arc during therapy, in which the different light emitters correspond to a different position of the C-arc.