Coupling Unit with Optical Sensors for Medical Equipment Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual repositioning of mobile medical equipment, such as X-ray machines, leads to potential contamination and unnecessary radiation exposure due to inaccurate alignment and positioning.

Innovation Solution

A coupling unit with docking elements and position detecting elements, including angle and position sensors, allows for precise determination and storage of the position and alignment of equipment units, enabling accurate repositioning without additional navigation systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual positioning and alignment of mobile medical equipment is performed, then the equipment can be moved and positioned, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to unnecessary radiation exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated optical measurement system. The position detecting element (optical sensor) and marking elements create a machine-based measurement system that eliminates manual alignment errors, thereby preventing unnecessary radiation exposure from repeated X-rays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces marking elements (reflective or retro-reflective markers) as intermediaries between the medical equipment and the position detecting system. These markers enable precise optical tracking of equipment position and orientation without requiring direct mechanical measurement, solving the positioning accuracy problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual positioning of mobile medical equipment is performed, then the equipment can be repositioned, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates requiring repeated X-rays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidtime for repeated X-rays

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual alignment procedures with automated optical measurement and calculation. The control unit processes sensor data from the position detecting element to calculate precise alignment parameters, eliminating the time loss associated with manual trial-and-error alignment and repeated X-rays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position detecting element continuously monitors equipment position, the control unit calculates alignment status, and the system provides guidance for correction. This closed-loop feedback enables rapid achievement of accurate alignment without repeated X-ray verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual positioning of mobile medical equipment is performed, then the equipment can be moved, but sterility is compromised due to assistant entering sterile zone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment mobilityVSAvoidsterility contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the medical equipment to self-report its position and alignment status through the position detecting element and control unit. This eliminates the need for assistants to physically enter sterile zones to verify positioning, as the automated system performs self-monitoring and self-correction guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the automated position detection and control system as an intermediary between the equipment and the medical team. This intermediary enables remote monitoring and control, allowing positioning verification without physical entry into sterile zones, thereby maintaining sterility while preserving equipment mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates quick and precise repositioning of medical equipment, reducing unnecessary X-ray exposures and maintaining sterility during interventions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one coupling element having a position detecting element and disposed between the first and second docking elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical sensing: Light

Data Source

PatentUS9468415B2Coupling unit and method for determining an alignment of the coupling unit

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

First and second equipment units are connected to a coupling unit configured with angle and/or position sensors in order to determine thereby, for example, a relative position of a first equipment unit in relation to a second equipment unit. In this manner alignment of the first and second equipment units is expedited.