Multi-purpose Echocardiography Table with Integrated Ergometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current echocardiography examination tables are inadequate for patients with physical difficulties, such as the elderly and obese, as they are uncomfortable and inefficient, failing to facilitate complete heart examinations in a short time, and are difficult to maneuver for multiple examination types.
Innovation Solution
A versatile examination tray with a semi-hard medical mattress platform featuring an asymmetrical headrest with an oblong orifice for neck hyperextension, variable shoulder support, automatic hip wedging, a retractable ergometer, and a reversible side handle, allowing for comfortable and precise echocardiography and stress echocardiography examinations, with motorized adjustments for optimal positioning and reduced transfer times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ultrasound examination tables are used for resting echocardiography, then the examination can be performed through the chest, but patients with physical difficulties (elderly, obese, post-operative) experience discomfort and the apex of the heart is difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The examination table incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with adjustable backrest and leg rest angles, allowing the table to adapt to different patient positions (supine, left lateral decubitus, Trendelenburg) and examination requirements, thereby improving both patient comfort and accessibility to various cardiac regions
Solution Approach 2:
The table is designed as a multi-functional platform that can accommodate multiple examination types (resting echocardiography, stress echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, angiology) and patient conditions through integrated features including handgrips for stability, adjustable positioning for different body types, and compatibility with various ultrasound machine positions
2Reliability
If examination tables with ergometers for stress echocardiography are introduced, then ventricular function during exercise can be analyzed, but the procedures become lengthy and uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The ergometer is integrated directly into the examination table structure, merging the exercise testing function with the positioning function. This allows seamless transition between resting and exercise phases without patient transfer, reducing examination duration and improving comfort while maintaining reliable ventricular function analysis
3Adaptability or versatility
If examination tables equipped with ergometers are used, then stress echocardiography can be performed, but the tables become difficult to maneuver and cannot accommodate multiple examination types efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The table employs motorized or gas-spring assisted positioning mechanisms that enable easy adjustment of backrest and leg rest angles, allowing rapid reconfiguration between different examination types (resting, stress, transesophageal, angiology) and improving maneuverability despite the integrated ergometer
4Measurement precision
If the ultrasound machine is positioned close to the patient for rest examination, then examination quality is improved, but the machine may be damaged during platform raising and lowering operations
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetrical headrest design creates an intermediate spatial relationship between the ultrasound machine and patient, allowing the machine to be positioned optimally for examination quality while the headrest structure and positioning mechanism protect the machine during platform movements by maintaining safe clearance distances
Data Source
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AI summary
Multi-purpose examination table suitable for stress echocardiography or pharmacological stress echocardiography, for echocardiography at rest, for transesophageal echocardiography, for angiology and for examinations at rest, making it possible, in a very short time, to change from one examination sequence to another examination sequence, as quickly as possible and under improved conditions of comfort, speed and examination quality, characterized in that it comprises, on the headrest part (1): an oblong orifice (3) suitable for securing the head and being able to be filled by a component of identical shape. Towards the heart, a support (4) of cylindrical shape with three positions. On the part of the table (2) intended to receive the buttocks and the lower limbs, a rest (5) composed of two vertically mounted cylinders which are inclined towards the outside, this rest being rigidly connected to the fixed chassis of the table (2) for its synchronization during its inclination. A support (6) for receiving an ergometer (7) and the accessories thereof. This support bears on a transverse shaft (8) mounted on the chassis of the table (2) and situated at the end thereof. A buttocks rest (9) of rectangular shape and curved on the top. A reversible lateral handle (10) fixed to the right-hand side of the chassis of the table (2), a control box support (17) fixed to the chassis of the table (2).