Integrated Collimator Storage for Faster Nuclear Imaging Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of heavy, bulky collimators in nuclear medicine imaging systems poses challenges such as risk of damage to the gamma camera system or medical technicians, increased setup time, reduced patient throughput, and space requirements, with existing solutions failing to adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular patient support system with integrated automated collimator changer and storage unit, utilizing vertical support structures with drive motors and pulley systems to facilitate easy collimator exchange and storage, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If collimators are made of high density and high atomic number materials to effectively stop imaging photons, then the collimators can effectively stop imaging photons, but the collimators become very heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collimator storage function with the patient support structure by integrating a storage unit that can hold multiple collimators. This merging eliminates the need for separate heavy storage structures and allows the patient support to serve dual purposes: supporting patients during scans and storing collimators when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the collimator management system into modular components: a patient support structure, an integrated storage unit, and automated exchange mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall weight compared to a single integrated heavy structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If collimators are made mountable to enable different geometries for different situations, then image quality can be optimized for different conditions, but the risk of damage to the gamma camera system or medical technicians increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated collimator exchange system where the collimator storage unit automatically loads and unloads collimators onto and from the patient support. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual handling of heavy collimators, thereby reducing the risk of damage to both the gamma camera system and medical technicians while maintaining the ability to use different collimator geometries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual removal and mounting of collimators is performed to enable collimator exchange, then different collimators can be used for different patients, but the time required for these procedures increases setup time and reduces throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the storage unit to be continuously available with multiple collimators pre-loaded, allowing for rapid sequential exchanges without interruption. The automated mechanism ensures continuous readiness for the next patient scan, eliminating downtime associated with manual collimator preparation and exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling of collimators with an automated exchange system that uses motorized mechanisms to transfer collimators between the storage unit and the patient support. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required for collimator exchange and improves patient throughput.
4Quantity of substance
If separate storage location for collimators is provided to enable collimator storage, then multiple collimators can be stored for future use, but additional floor space is required and transfer time increases setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collimator storage function into the patient support structure itself, eliminating the need for separate floor-based storage locations. The storage unit is integrated above or within the patient support framework, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal floor space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal floor-based storage to vertical integration within the patient support structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension and the space above the patient support, the system achieves collimator storage capacity without requiring additional floor space, thereby reducing the footprint of the imaging system.
5Adaptability or versatility
If heavy collimators are manually handled for mounting and removal, then collimator exchange is possible, but the risk of damage to the collimator itself increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated exchange system handles collimator transfer operations, eliminating manual handling of the heavy collimators. The motorized mechanism carefully transports collimators between the storage unit and patient support, reducing the risk of damage through controlled, precise movements rather than manual manipulation.
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
This solution reduces the risk of damage, decreases setup time, enhances patient throughput, and optimizes space usage by automating collimator changes and storage, while maintaining minimal weight and cost additions to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing vertical support structures with drive motors and pulley systems to facilitate efficient collimator exchange and storage
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a patient support system for a nuclear medical imaging system is provided that includes: a patient support; a collimator storage unit located under the patient support; a first support means for supporting substantially all of the weight of the collimator storage unit; and a second support means for supporting the patient support at least at a position distal from a gantry of the nuclear medical imaging system. In some embodiments, the first support means includes means for supporting the patient support at a position proximate a gantry of the nuclear medical imaging system and the second support means includes two vertical support structures. In addition, the system preferably includes at least one laterally extendable frame member mounted between the two vertical support structures.