Articulated Patient Couch With External Fluoroscopy Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient couches either have high load-bearing capacity and x-ray transparency but limited patient positioning options, or they are highly flexible but complex and less suitable for fluoroscopic procedures, especially when interventional treatments are required.
Innovation Solution
A patient couch with a simple design featuring an adjustment mechanism outside the fluoroscopy section, allowing relative rotation of couch sections from −20° to +20°, and a metal-free fluoroscopy section, enabling versatile patient positioning and easy accessibility for both diagnostic and interventional procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a one-piece couch is used, then load-bearing capacity and x-ray transparency are improved, but patient positioning flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patient couch is divided into multiple couch sections (first couch section and second couch section) that can be independently positioned and rotated relative to each other. This segmentation allows each section to be adjusted to different angles and orientations while maintaining the overall structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the one-piece design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable operating table is used, then patient positioning flexibility is improved, but device complexity and fluoroscopic suitability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted and positioned outside the fluoroscopy section, specifically at the side of the patient couch. This separation allows the fluoroscopy section to maintain a simple, metal-free design optimal for fluoroscopic procedures, while the adjustment mechanism provides the necessary positioning flexibility without interfering with fluoroscopic imaging.
3Ease of operation
If adjustment mechanisms are placed inside the fluoroscopy section, then patient positioning is improved, but metal interference in fluoroscopy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted and positioned outside the fluoroscopy section, specifically at the side of the patient couch. This separation allows the fluoroscopy section to maintain a simple, metal-free design optimal for fluoroscopic procedures, while the adjustment mechanism provides the necessary positioning flexibility without interfering with fluoroscopic imaging.
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 solution provides optimal fluoroscopy across the entire couch surface, enhances accessibility, and allows for various patient positions, making it suitable for all relevant diagnoses and interventions while avoiding metal interference.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment mechanism includes a linear actuator that is arranged on the first couch section and engages with a lever spaced at a distance from the axis of rotation of the second couch section
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment mechanism may include a geared motor having a planetary gear as the first reduction stage. Using the planetary gear, the high motor rotation speed is translated to a lower output speed, with the required torque being generated by the worm gear in a second reduction stage
Implementation Method 3
the required torque being generated by the worm gear in a second reduction stage
Data Source
AI summary
A patient couch for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment device includes a metal-free fluoroscopy section and at least two couch sections that are connected to each other in an articulated manner and may be pivoted relative to each other using a motor-driven adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is arranged outside of the metal-free fluoroscopy section.