Air-Cushion Patient Transfer Sled for Precise Radiation Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current patient transfer systems fail to maintain precise positioning and orientation of patients during movement, which is critical for radiation therapy applications, as patient movement can alter the position of treatment applicators, leading to inadequate energy concentration on specific localized areas.

Innovation Solution

A patient transfer sled with air cushions that form an air film between the sled and the support surface, allowing for frictionless movement while maintaining patient positioning, equipped with a support structure, leg supports, and a system that includes a bridge to close surface gaps between adjacent structures, utilizing pressurized air to inflate the air cushions and maintain stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a patient is moved between support surfaces (hospital bed, gurney, imaging platform), then the patient can be repositioned for different treatment stages, but the position of treatment applicators may be altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient repositioning capabilityVSAvoidapplicator positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support surface is segmented into multiple independent air-bearing modules that can move relative to each other, allowing the patient support surface to be repositioned without moving the treatment applicators mounted on separate platforms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An air bearing layer acts as an intermediary between the patient support surface and the underlying platform, enabling frictionless movement that decouples patient repositioning from applicator position changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If conventional mechanical friction-based transfer methods are used, then patient transfer between surfaces is straightforward, but friction causes patient movement and misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient transfer simplicityVSAvoidpatient positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A pneumatic air bearing system replaces mechanical friction-based transfer methods, using a layer of pressurized air to create a frictionless interface between the patient support surface and the support platform, enabling precise patient repositioning without misalignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical friction-based contact system is replaced with a pneumatic air bearing system, substituting physical contact and friction with a gas cushion that eliminates sliding resistance and enables controlled movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If air bearings are used for patient transfer, then friction is reduced enabling smooth movement, but maintaining stable patient positioning during movement becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement smoothnessVSAvoidpatient position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors detect patient position and air pressure in real-time, and the control system adjusts air supply to maintain stable positioning during movement, preventing oscillations and ensuring accurate destination placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The air bearing system transitions from a static support function to a dynamic control system that actively adjusts air pressure and flow during movement to maintain patient stability while enabling smooth repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 precise and stable patient transfer with reduced friction, ensuring accurate positioning and orientation, thereby facilitating effective radiation therapy by maintaining the position of treatment applicators during patient movement.

Implementation Method 1

Air may be flowed into and through the air cushion causing it to inflate and form an air film between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The patient transfer sled may be supported on the air film while being moved over the surface.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir bearing: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS8490226B2Systems for patient transfer, devices for movement of a patient, and methods for transferring a patient for treatment

Publication Date: 2013.07.23 DIACOR

AI summary

A patient transfer sled having a support structure including at least one air cushion partially disposed within at least one pocket, and a fluid passageway extending through the support structure into the air cushion. Systems for patient transfer that may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.