Zonal pressure control (ZPC) in imaging rooms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gantries in medical imaging systems obstruct airflow, creating turbulent zones and potentially adverse effects for patients during prolonged procedures.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a gantry cover with adjustable diffuser perforations and dampers to control airflow, providing laminar airflow through vents in the gantry and imaging head, maintaining unidirectional airflow even when the gantry is positioned over the patient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional gantry is used to support imaging devices, then the gantry can provide structural support and stability, but it blocks airflow to the patient creating turbulent airflow zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidairflow obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gantry is segmented into multiple components with integrated airflow channels. The gantry structure is divided into sections that allow airflow to pass through, rather than forming a continuous solid barrier. This segmentation enables both structural support and airflow penetration simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gantry incorporates porous or perforated surfaces that allow air to pass through while maintaining structural integrity. These porous sections enable laminar airflow to continue underneath the gantry, reducing turbulence and preventing airflow obstruction while preserving the gantry's load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Productivity

If the gantry is positioned over the patient during imaging procedures, then imaging can be performed, but airflow to the patient is disturbed or blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidairflow quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Airflow channels are integrated into the vertical structure of the gantry, allowing air to flow in multiple dimensions - both horizontally and vertically through the gantry components. This dimensional approach enables imaging operations while maintaining airflow quality by routing air through the gantry's three-dimensional structure rather than allowing complete blockage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Airflow guides or channels act as intermediaries between the air supply system and the patient area. These intermediary structures are integrated into the gantry and direct airflow around or through imaging components, ensuring that the gantry's presence does not completely obstruct airflow while still enabling imaging procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If dampers with diffuser perforations are added to control airflow, then laminar airflow can be maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow turbulenceVSAvoidgantry structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dampers and diffuser perforations are merged directly into the gantry structure rather than being separate add-on components. This integration combines airflow control functionality with the existing gantry framework, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to provide laminar airflow and reduce turbulence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gantry components are designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, imaging platform mounting, and airflow control. The same gantry elements that provide mechanical support also incorporate diffuser perforations and damper mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate dedicated airflow control devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures consistent, unobstructed laminar airflow to the patient, reducing turbulence and potential adverse effects, while allowing for controlled pressure zones and improved patient comfort and safety.

Implementation Method 1

provide laminar airflow in obstructed areas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaminar airflow: Laminar Flow

Data Source

PatentUS20260083610A1Zonal pressure control (ZPC) in imaging rooms

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 SLD TECH INC

AI summary

An apparatus for airflow control includes a gantry configured to couple to an imaging system and a gantry cover coupled to the gantry. The gantry cover includes a first damper having a first plurality of diffuser perforations, and a second damper having a second plurality of diffuser perforations. An alignment of the first plurality of diffuser perforations with respect to the second plurality of diffuser perforations is adjustable to define different airflow rates from a surface of the gantry toward a patient table to provide laminar airflow in obstructed areas.