Medical Imaging Couch Stabilization via Segmented Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In medical imaging procedures, couches often sag or deflect during movement, leading to inaccurate image fusion results due to variations in position, particularly in multi-modality imaging techniques like PET-CT, which requires the couch to remain horizontal to maintain image quality.
Innovation Solution
A medical device system comprising a transmission assembly with a transmission belt and driving components, including rotation wheels and adjustment components, is used to stabilize the couch during transfer to the scanning region, ensuring the couch remains horizontal and stable, thereby improving image fusion quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the couch moves along the longitudinal direction to transfer the subject, then the subject can be positioned in the scanning region, but the couch sags or deflects causing position variations
Solution Approach 1:
The couch is divided into multiple independent support sections (first support section, second support section, third support section) that can be individually controlled. Each section has its own driving mechanism, allowing segmented movement and independent position adjustment to prevent sagging while maintaining overall transfer function.
Solution Approach 2:
The couch incorporates adjustable support mechanisms that can dynamically change the support force applied to different sections. The driving mechanisms can adjust the position and support level of each section in real-time during movement, compensating for sagging and maintaining horizontal stability throughout the transfer process.
2Ease of operation
If the couch is loaded with a subject, then the subject can be examined, but the couch sags or deflects when moving
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies counterbalancing support forces through the adjustable driving mechanisms to offset the weight of the subject. By dynamically adjusting the support force in each section, the system compensates for the sagging effect caused by subject weight, maintaining couch horizontal stability during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism dynamically adjusts the force and position of each couch section based on the subject's weight distribution and movement stage. This dynamic adaptation allows the couch to maintain stability and horizontal orientation while supporting a loaded subject throughout the transfer process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-modality image fusion is performed, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but image quality degrades due to couch position variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates position detection and control mechanisms that continuously monitor the couch's position and horizontal orientation. This feedback is used to adjust the driving mechanisms in real-time, compensating for any position variations that would affect image fusion accuracy during multi-modality imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The couch system dynamically maintains precise horizontal positioning through real-time adjustment of support forces and section positions. This dynamic position control ensures that the couch remains stable and horizontal throughout the multi-modality imaging process, enabling accurate image fusion without degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for transferring a subject in a medical procedure may be provided. The device may include a transmission assembly configured to transfer a subject to a scanning region of a medical device. The device may further include a supporting assembly supporting the transmission assembly. The supporting assembly may include at least one board and at least two supporting units supporting the at least one board. The at least two supporting units may be disposed at two sides of the scanning region of the medical device.