CT Scanner Infant Support with Vertical Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT scanner tabletops are not well-suited for comfortably and safely immobilizing infants during scanning, as they are designed for adults, and existing infant supports are difficult to install and limit the scanning region.
Innovation Solution
A subject support accessory with a securing mechanism that can be vertically lowered onto the tabletop, featuring pivotable arms with slots to engage and lock onto the tabletop, allowing the accessory to be securely positioned anywhere along the tabletop's axis, including cantilevering over the edge, thereby reducing radiation attenuation and improving scanning flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a horizontal infant support is used, then infant support is provided, but installation is difficult and scanning region is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal attachment to vertical attachment. The arms pivot from a horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration, allowing the infant support to be attached to the top surface of the tabletop rather than the side. This dimensional change enables easier installation by simply lowering the support onto the tabletop while maintaining infant support functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a horizontal infant support is used, then infant support is provided, but scanning region is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from horizontal to vertical attachment, the support structure moves away from the tabletop surface, preserving the horizontal scanning area. The vertical arms attach to the top surface but extend upward rather than outward, allowing the full length of the tabletop to remain available for positioning the infant and scanner.
3Ease of operation
If the securing mechanism is lowered onto the tabletop, then installation is simplified, but secure engagement must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable arms incorporate self-latching functionality through slots that engage with the tabletop. As the arms pivot downward under gravity, the slots automatically engage with the tabletop surface, and the arms' own weight and geometry provide the locking action without requiring separate fastening operations. This self-service mechanism simplifies installation while ensuring reliable engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A subject support accessory (126, 200) includes a securing mechanism (300) configured to secure to a tabletop of the subject support anywhere along a long axis of the tabletop by lowering the securing mechanism onto the tabletop. A method of securing a subject support accessory (126, 200) to a subject support (116) of an imaging system (100) includes receiving, via slots (316, 318) in pivoting arms (304, 310) of the accessory, the tabletop, wherein the accessory is vertically lowered onto the subject support and the slots physically engage the tabletop, and releasably locking the arms, in response to receiving a force, so that the arms no longer pivot, thereby securing the subject support accessory to the subject support.