Insulated Head Positioning Frame to Eliminate Circuit Loop Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head positioning frames used in radiation therapy form electrical circuit loops due to conductive materials, leading to heat generation and potential burns during CT scanning and radiation therapy, and frequent connection/disconnection of insulating sleeves reduces treatment efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating insulating materials into the connecting portions of the upright rods in the head positioning frame to prevent electrical circuit loops, ensuring the frame's rigidity and resistance to magnetic fields, and using metallic sleeves for durable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conductive materials are used in the head positioning frame, then the frame maintains rigidity and structural stability, but electrical circuit loops are formed leading to heat generation and potential burns during CT scanning and radiation therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The upright rod is divided into multiple connecting portions (first connecting portion, second connecting portion, third connecting portion) with different material properties. The first and second connecting portions are made of insulating material to prevent electrical circuit loops, while the third connecting portion is made of metallic material to maintain structural rigidity. This segmentation allows the frame to achieve both electrical insulation and mechanical strength simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the upright rod are assigned different material qualities based on their specific functional requirements. The connecting portions are made of insulating material (such as insulating plastic or ceramic) to prevent electrical conduction, while other parts of the frame maintain metallic components for structural support. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between electrical insulation and mechanical rigidity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If insulating sleeves are used to prevent electrical circuit loops, then heat generation is prevented, but frequent connection and disconnection reduces treatment efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating property is integrated directly into the upright rod structure through the multi-material connecting portions, eliminating the need for separate insulating sleeves. The first, second, and third connecting portions are made of insulating and metallic materials respectively, combining the insulation function and structural function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the frequent connection and disconnection operations required for separate insulating sleeves, thereby maintaining treatment efficiency while preventing heat generation.
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
Prevents heat-induced burns and maintains treatment efficiency by eliminating electrical circuit loops and reducing wear on connections, ensuring stable patient positioning during radiation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
the upright rod comprises at least two connecting portions among which at least one is made of an insulating material, such that the upright rod, the base ring, the head nail, and a head to be positioned are incapable of forming an electrical circuit loop
Implementation Method 2
a sleeve, made of a metallic material; an upright rod, including a head nail connecting portion that is made of an insulating material; and a head nail, connected to the head nail connecting portion via the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a head positioning frame that includes an upright rod, a base ring, and a head nail. The upright rod includes at least two connecting portions, and at least one of the at least two connecting portions is made of an insulating material, such that the upright rod, the base ring, the head nail, and a head to be positioned are incapable of forming an electrical circuit loop.