Automatic Locking Control for Medical Examination Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing examination table devices for medical image capturing systems, such as MRI and CT scanners, face challenges in reliably controlling the locking states of their traveling units and top plates, leading to potential movement issues and damage during transport and imaging processes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an examination table device equipped with a connection detection unit and a controller that automatically locks and unlocks the traveling unit and top plate based on connection status with the medical image capturing apparatus, eliminating the need for user-operated locking pedals and ensuring reliable control of locking states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pedal for locking the caster is operated manually, then the locking operation can be performed, but there is a possibility that the caster is not locked because the user forgets to operate the pedal
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the locking operation without requiring user action. The controller detects the connection state through the connection detection unit and automatically locks or unlocks the traveling unit accordingly, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual intervention from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection detection unit provides feedback about the connection state to the controller, which then automatically adjusts the locking state of the traveling unit. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the locking state always corresponds to the actual connection status without requiring manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a locking pin is mechanically popped out or accommodated in conjunction with the start of the operation of the top plate, then locking and unlocking can be performed, but the pin may not be able to pop out or be accommodated in time for the timing of the top plate operation due to assembly errors, temporal wear, or the like
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical locking pin system with an electrically actuated locking mechanism. The locking unit is driven by a motor or actuator controlled by the controller, eliminating reliance on mechanical timing and wear-prone components. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromechanical systems provides more reliable and controllable locking/unlocking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically controls the locking unit based on the connection detection state, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex mechanical timing mechanisms. The system self-regulates the locking state of the top plate according to whether the examination table device is connected to the medical image capturing apparatus.
3Productivity
If the examination table device is connected to the medical image capturing apparatus, then imaging can be performed, but the traveling unit must be locked to prevent unintended movement and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection detection unit continuously monitors the connection state between the examination table device and the medical image capturing apparatus. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the locking state of the traveling unit, ensuring that the caster is locked when connected (preventing unintended movement) and unlocked when disconnected (enabling mobility).
Solution Approach 2:
The controller proactively locks the traveling unit upon detecting the connection state before any imaging operation begins. This preliminary locking action prevents unintended movement and potential damage before they can occur, rather than reacting to problems after they arise.
4Ease of operation
If the examination table device is not connected to the medical image capturing apparatus, then the examination table can be moved, but the top plate must be locked to prevent unintentional movement and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from the connection detection unit about whether the examination table device is connected to the medical image capturing apparatus. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically locks the top plate when disconnected (preventing unintentional movement during transport) and unlocks it when connected (enabling imaging operations).
Solution Approach 2:
The controller proactively locks the top plate upon detecting that the examination table device is disconnected from the medical image capturing apparatus. This preliminary locking action prevents unintentional movement and potential damage during transport before any movement occurs, rather than reacting to problems after they arise.
Data Source
AI summary
With an examination table device according to an aspect of the present invention, locking of a traveling unit and locking of a top plate are automatically (independently of an operation of a user) are performed in conjunction with connection between the examination table device and a medical image capturing apparatus, so that it is not necessary for the user to perform operations for the locking of the traveling unit and the locking of the top plate in a case of the connection and the connection release. In addition, there is no concern that the traveling unit is not locked due to operation forgetting, the locking release of the top plate is not in time for an operation timing, or the like. Therefore, the locking states of the traveling unit and the top plate can be reliably controlled.