Folding Shielding Element for Patient Table Radiation Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation protection devices for angiographic workstations, such as lower body protection arrangements, often impede access to the patient table and complicate workflows due to their design, which includes an upper part that must be frequently removed and replaced, posing a risk of injury and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A radiation protection device with a shielding element mounted on a carrier using double joints, allowing it to be easily folded down when not in use, thus not obstructing access to the patient table, and featuring adjustable height and pivotable design for optimal protection without additional fixing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an upper part is added to the lower body protection arrangement to provide additional protection above the patient table, then radiation protection is improved, but access to the patient table is blocked and workflow is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding element is designed with a folding mechanism that allows it to transition between a folded-up position (providing radiation protection) and a folded-down position (allowing access to the patient table). This dynamic design enables the protection device to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between providing protection and maintaining access.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding element is divided into multiple segments or panels that can be independently folded and positioned. This segmentation allows the protection device to be configured in different arrangements - providing full protection when needed and being retracted to allow access when required, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the upper part is made removable and replaceable to allow access when needed, then access to the patient table is improved, but workflow is complicated by frequent removal and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the upper part removable and replaceable, the invention uses a dynamic folding mechanism that allows the shielding element to be easily retracted and deployed without removal. This eliminates the complexity of removal and replacement operations while maintaining the ability to access the patient table, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and workflow simplicity.
3Reliability
If the shielding element is made fixed to provide continuous protection, then radiation protection is improved, but access to the patient table is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding element is designed with a folding mechanism that allows it to transition between a folded-up position (providing radiation protection) and a folded-down position (allowing access to the patient table). This dynamic design enables the protection device to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between providing protection and maintaining access.
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
The device provides effective radiation protection while allowing for unobstructed access to the patient table, reducing workflow complications and minimizing the risk of injury or contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding element (12) mounted on the carrier (11) by means of at least one double joint (15) in such a way that the shielding element (12) can be moved at least between a folded-up position and a folded-down position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a radiation protection device for attachment to a patient table. The radiation protection device comprises a carrier and a shielding element that is provided on the carrier, wherein the shielding element is mounted to the carrier by means of at least one double joint such that the shielding element can be moved at least between a folded-up position and a folded-down position.