Pivoting Arm Support Bracket for Fast Upright Patient Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional arm supports for patients in upright positions during medical imaging and treatment are complex, leading to increased setup time and reduced patient throughput, due to numerous index points and movements required for positioning, which hinders the adoption of upright radiotherapy methods.
Innovation Solution
A simplified arm support assembly with a pair of brackets that interface with the lateral edges of a patient positioning system backrest, allowing for vertical adjustment with only two index points, using detent arrangements for quick and secure arm support positioning, compatible with various treatment positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional arm supports with multiple index points and movements are used for positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is divided into functional segments (first panel, second panel, support channel, clamping channel) that can be independently positioned and locked, allowing precise arm support positioning without requiring multiple complex index points throughout the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly incorporates a pivot joint between the first and second panels, enabling dynamic adjustment of the arm support position. The detent mechanism provides controlled movement with two index points, allowing the system to transition between positioned and unpositioned states efficiently
2Measurement precision
If conventional arm supports with numerous index points and movements are used for positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism is pre-configured with two index points that automatically engage when the bracket assembly is positioned, eliminating the need for manual alignment and multiple adjustment steps during setup
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly separates positioning functions into distinct segments (vertical positioning via support channel, angular positioning via pivot with detent), allowing each to be adjusted independently and quickly without affecting other parameters
3Loss of time
If simplified bracket assembly with two index points is used, then setup time is reduced, but positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint with detent mechanism provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the second panel to be precisely angled relative to the first panel at two specific index points, ensuring accurate arm support positioning despite the simplified mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism replaces complex multi-point mechanical indexing systems with a simpler cam-based locking system that achieves equivalent positioning precision through geometric constraints and controlled engagement points
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional complicated arm supports are used, then arm support stability is improved, but patient throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly separates stabilization functions into distinct components (support channel for vertical stability, pivot-deten for angular stability), allowing quick positioning without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms that would slow patient throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism pre-positions the bracket assembly at two stable index points, providing immediate arm support stability upon engagement, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment and verification steps that would reduce patient throughput
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 simplified arm support assembly reduces setup time, improves patient throughput, and enhances positional reproducibility by providing efficient and comfortable arm support for patients in upright positions, compatible with different treatment regions.
Implementation Method 1
a second panel coupled to the first panel at a pivot
Implementation Method 2
using detent arrangements for quick and secure arm support positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket assembly for an arm support, the bracket assembly comprising: a first panel; a second panel coupled to the first panel at a pivot, a support channel configured to receive at least a portion of the arm support; and a clamping channel at least partially defined between the first panel and the second panel. The bracket assembly is movable between a first configuration where the first panel is movable relative to the second panel about the pivot and a second configuration where the first panel is fixed relative to the second panel.