Brachytherapy Selector Channels for Unblocked Source Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brachytherapy devices face delays and errors due to the limited availability of transport tubes, blocking of paths by adjacent elements, and difficulty in detecting correct connections, which can lead to incorrect placement of therapeutic emitting elements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a selector mechanism and guiding arrangement that allows independent displacement of selector channels, featuring a guiding arrangement with inlets and outlets to facilitate unblocked access to transport tubes, and a detector to ensure correct connection and positioning of transport elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional switch mechanism is used to accommodate multiple transport elements, then the device can handle multiple therapeutic elements, but adjacent transport wires block the path to some transport tubes causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The switch mechanism is divided into multiple independently displaceable selector channels, each capable of moving separately to guide its corresponding transport element. This segmentation allows one channel to move without being blocked by adjacent channels, eliminating the time delay caused by blocking paths while maintaining the ability to handle multiple transport elements simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional switch mechanism is used, then multiple transport elements can be switched, but the supporting arm prevents full rotation and requires retraction of adjacent elements
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is segmented into independent selector channels that can displace without requiring the supporting arm to prevent full rotation. Each channel operates autonomously, eliminating the need for complex retraction and displacement operations of adjacent elements while maintaining full switching capability between transport tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector channels are designed to be independently displaceable, allowing dynamic movement of each channel without restricting the motion of others. This dynamic design eliminates the static constraint of the supporting arm, enabling smooth rotation and switching operations without complex retraction sequences.
3Speed
If adjacent coupling elements are retracted and displaced to allow transport element movement, then the transport path becomes clear, but the operation is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into independent selector channels, allowing each channel to move its transport element without requiring retraction of adjacent elements. This eliminates the time-consuming retraction and displacement operations while maintaining clear transport paths, significantly improving the speed of therapeutic element delivery.
4Ease of operation
If the switch mechanism is used, then transport elements can be directed to treatment channels, but it is difficult to detect correct connection and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators that change color or provide visual feedback to indicate when a transport element is correctly connected and positioned in the selector channel. This allows operators to easily detect correct connection and positioning without complex detection systems, maintaining ease of operation while improving detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch mechanism includes feedback indicators that provide real-time information about the position and connection status of transport elements. This feedback system allows operators to easily verify correct positioning and connection, reducing the difficulty of detection while maintaining the transport element delivery function.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical device for transporting and positioning a therapeutic emitting element into a treatment channel to be temporarily placed in or at the body of the patient to treat tumours. The therapeutic emitting element is connected to a transport element and which is driven by at least one drive motor. The device has a connecting element comprising multiple connector openings. The connecting element is used for connecting a transport tube to a respective connector opening. The transport tube is connected to an applicator, needle, tube or catheter for driving the transport element into the treatment channel. The device has a selector mechanism through which the plurality of transport elements are driven. An annular guiding arrangement guides the transport elements into connector openings in the connecting element. The annular guiding arrangement also comprises a plurality of spaced outlets. The inlets of the multiple patterns are each connected to an outlet by guiding channels. Each outlet aligns to a connector opening in the connecting element to allow the transport element from each outlet to be driven into the connector openings.