Patient Head Protection Shield with Adjustable Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices, such as X-ray imaging systems, pose a risk of collision with patients' heads due to the movement of their parts, especially during rapid rotations, which can lead to injuries and a stressful environment.
Innovation Solution
A patient head protection device comprising a support platform and a head protection shield that can be adjusted vertically to fit different head sizes, with a hinge allowing pivotable movement over the face and attachment means for secure coupling to a patient head platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sensors are mounted on the X-ray detector and collimator to detect collisions, then collision detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and protection efficiency is insufficient at high rotation speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into multiple independent sensor units distributed at different locations (on the C-arm, detector, and collimator). Each sensor independently monitors its local area, allowing the system to detect collisions from multiple perspectives simultaneously, thereby improving overall detection reliability without requiring a single complex sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
A control unit serves as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple sensors and coordinates the shutdown response. This central mediator integrates information from distributed sensors and manages the protective action, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high detection capability
2Productivity
If the C-arm rotation speed is increased to improve productivity, then imaging efficiency is improved, but the risk of collision with patient head increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are positioned in advance at critical locations along the C-arm path to detect potential collisions before they occur. The system proactively monitors the space between the moving C-arm and patient head, enabling early detection and shutdown before high-speed contact can happen, thus maintaining safety even at high rotation speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system continuously provides feedback about the position and proximity of the C-arm to the patient head during rotation. This real-time feedback loop allows the control system to monitor collision risk dynamically and trigger shutdown when threshold values are approached, enabling safe operation at high speeds through continuous monitoring and responsive control
3Reliability
If a fixed protective shield is used to protect the patient head, then collision protection is improved, but adaptability to different head sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow it to dynamically adapt to different patient head sizes and positions. The shield can be moved closer to or farther from the patient head, and its angle can be adjusted, transforming a static protective barrier into a dynamic system that maintains optimal protection across varying anatomical conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shield is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various patient head sizes and positions through adjustment mechanisms. A single shield design serves multiple functions: it provides collision protection for different anatomies, can be positioned at various distances, and adjusts to different angles, eliminating the need for multiple fixed shields for different patient types
4Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned close to the patient head to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and potential for false activation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensors are positioned at different distances and locations based on their specific detection functions. Sensors closer to the patient head monitor for immediate collision threats with higher precision, while sensors at farther positions monitor general proximity and movement patterns. This localized positioning strategy optimizes detection accuracy for each sensor's specific role without requiring all sensors to be positioned identically
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates, in some embodiments thereof, to devices and methods for protecting a patient's upper body portion from collision with medical instruments, such as an X-ray imaging system and/or an X-ray radiation protection apparatus. In some embodiments, the invention provides a head protection device comprising a support platform for supporting a patient's head; and a head protection shield connected to the support platform. In some embodiments, the shield is pivotally connected to the support platform to allow a relative pivotal movement between the support platform and the shield. In some embodiments, the device includes an adjuster unit allowing to vertically adjust the distance between the head protector shield and the support platform, thereby allowing to fit various head sizes.