Imaging System Isolation Enclosure with Air Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging equipment is at risk of contamination from pathogens during procedures, posing a health risk to healthcare professionals and subsequent users, and existing disinfection methods can damage internal components.
Innovation Solution
A pathogen impermeable imaging system isolation enclosure that includes an air filtration system to supply filtered cooling air, providing a barrier between the imaging system and the patient or imaging room, while minimizing exposure to sterilization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vaporized hydrogen peroxide or UV light disinfection is used to sterilize imaging systems, then pathogen elimination is improved, but internal components may be exposed to vaporized solutions causing corrosion or degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into an internal component zone and an external disinfection zone by introducing a transparent barrier material that separates the gantry interior from the external environment, allowing disinfection of external surfaces while protecting internal components
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent barrier material serves as an intermediary between the disinfection agent (vaporized hydrogen peroxide or UV light) and the internal components, blocking the harmful effects while allowing the disinfection process to proceed on external surfaces
2Temperature
If cooling fans are operated to prevent overheating, then thermal management is improved, but vaporized disinfection solutions can be drawn into the imaging system through air intake
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent barrier material acts as a mediator that blocks vaporized disinfection solutions from entering the air intake while allowing cooling air to flow through, protecting internal components from corrosion while maintaining thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier material is selectively applied to specific regions (air intake areas, cooling pathways) where vaporized solution intrusion is most likely, providing localized protection while maintaining overall system cooling functionality
3Reliability
If the imaging system is enclosed to prevent pathogen spread, then pathogen containment is improved, but access for servicing and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into removable or accessible sections that can be opened or detached to provide service access to internal components while maintaining pathogen containment when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure incorporates dynamic elements such as removable panels, doors, or flexible sections that can be opened or reconfigured during servicing to improve accessibility while maintaining containment during operation
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 enclosure effectively isolates medical imaging equipment from pathogens, reducing the risk of contamination and equipment degradation, while allowing for safe disinfection of the imaging suite without harming the equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an air filtration system configured to supply filtered cooling air flow to an interior of the imaging system isolation enclosure and the imaging system
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems are provided for an imaging system isolation enclosure for use with a medical imaging system includes a pathogen impermeable enclosure for use with one or more of radiation imaging systems and magnetic resonance imaging systems, the pathogen impermeable enclosure is configured to provide a barrier between the imaging system and at least one of a patient user and an imaging room, and an air filtration system including an inlet to supply a cooling air flow to an interior of the imaging system isolation enclosure and an outlet to output exhaust air from an interior of the imaging system isolation enclosure.