Adjustable Radiolucent Head Holder for CT Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art head holders for CT scanners are fixed relative to the table, which can result in the metal table obstructing the space between the gantry arms, potentially affecting the quality of the three-dimensional CT image.
Innovation Solution
A radiolucent head holder made of carbon fiber, with a base portion and head rest that are adjustable in a vertical direction and attachable to the table via a secure mechanism, allowing for horizontal movement to minimize metal interference during scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed head holder is used relative to the table, then the structure is simple and stable, but the metal table may obstruct the space between gantry arms and affect CT image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The head holder is designed to be movable relative to the table along the longitudinal axis, transitioning from a fixed to a dynamic configuration. This allows the head holder to be positioned away from the metal table during CT scanning, eliminating the obstruction while maintaining structural integrity through the movable connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The head holder is divided into separate components: a head holder body and a table-mounted base portion. These segments can be independently positioned, allowing the head holder to be detached from or repositioned relative to the metal table, thereby eliminating the obstruction without requiring complete redesign of the support structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the head holder is made of radiolucent material, then CT image quality is maintained, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The head holder employs a composite construction combining radiolucent materials (such as carbon fiber or plastic) for the head holder body with metallic reinforcement elements. This composite approach maintains radiolucency to prevent image quality degradation while incorporating metal components to provide necessary structural strength and support.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the head holder is movable relative to the table, then metal obstruction is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head holder is extracted from the fixed table structure and made as a separate, movable component. The connection mechanism allows the head holder to be detached from or repositioned relative to the metal table, eliminating the obstruction while using a relatively simple movable connection rather than a complex reconfiguration system.
Data Source
AI summary
A head holder made of radiolucent material is attached near an end of a table to support a head of a patient during a CT scan. The head holder includes a base portion that supports the shoulders and upper back of the patient and a head rest that supports a patient's head. The head holder is moveable relative to the table in a direction that is generally parallel to a length of the table. A position of the head rest is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the base portion. The radiolucent material of the head holder does not affect the quality of a resulting CT scan.