Custom Immobilization Mold for Medical Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for restricting movement during medical treatments, such as radiation therapy, often lead to suboptimal treatment efficacy due to incorrect positioning and discomfort, and can induce adverse effects like claustrophobia.
Innovation Solution
Custom immobilization molds are designed and manufactured using 3D scanning and image processing techniques to create personalized molds that accurately fit the subject, allowing for precise positioning and integration of accessories like probes, while being manufactured using subtractive or additive manufacturing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If enveloping receptacle is used to enclose the subject, then movement restriction is achieved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The immobilization device is divided into a receptacle portion for movement restriction and a mold portion with custom-fit surfaces for precise positioning. The mold portion includes segmented features like recesses and protrusions that interface with specific anatomical landmarks to achieve accurate positioning while the receptacle provides overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold portion features locally varied geometries including recesses, protrusions, and custom-fit surfaces that are specifically designed to match the subject's anatomy at critical positioning points. These localized features provide precise positioning without requiring the entire receptacle to be custom-shaped.
2Stability of the object's composition
If enveloping receptacle is used to enclose the subject, then movement restriction is achieved, but subject comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mold portion includes locally varied features such as recesses, protrusions, and custom-fit surfaces that distribute contact pressures at specific anatomical points. This localized customization improves comfort by adapting to the subject's unique anatomy rather than forcing a uniform fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates preliminary positioning features during manufacturing, including pre-formed recesses and protrusions that automatically guide and accommodate the subject's anatomy. This preliminary design consideration eliminates the need for uncomfortable adjustments during the procedure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If enveloping receptacle is used to enclose the subject, then movement restriction is achieved, but treatment efficacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the movement restriction function (receptacle) from the positioning function (mold portion with custom-fit features). This segmentation ensures that the mold portion can provide precise, reproducible positioning for treatment accuracy while the receptacle maintains stability, thereby improving treatment efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold portion features locally customized geometries including recesses, protrusions, and surfaces designed to match specific anatomical landmarks. These localized features ensure accurate and reproducible positioning of the subject relative to the treatment target, directly improving treatment efficacy.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and methods of processing immobilization molds for application of treatment, A computing system may generate a three-dimensional mold model of immobilization mold within with a subject is to be positioned for application of a treatment. The computing system may subtract a three-dimensional scan of at least a portion of the subject from the three-dimensional mold model to define an opening therein. The computing system may remove, from the three-dimensional mold model, a first portion to define an imprint in the opening from a first axis along which the subject is to enter. The computing system may remove, from a second portion of the three-dimensional mold model remaining with the removal of the first portion, inward protrusions into the imprint of relative to the second axis intersecting the first axis.