Interleaved U-Shaped Signal Coupling Elements for Respiratory Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting respiratory movement in patients are prone to errors and limitations, such as interference with radiation therapy and imaging, and provide insufficient sensitivity and accuracy, particularly due to the use of external sensors that can obstruct treatments or produce blurry images.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus featuring interleaved U-shaped metallic signal coupling elements and an electronic circuit that detects changes in capacitance caused by respiratory movement, allowing for accurate and sensitive monitoring without external sensors, integrated into a patient table for precise tracking of respiratory phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external sensors such as respiratory belts or pressure sensors are used to detect respiratory movement, then respiratory movement can be detected, but the sensors may enter the beam path, obstruct interventional procedures, and have limited sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensors (respiratory belts, pressure sensors) with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The system uses capacitive coupling between signal coupling elements and the patient's body to detect respiratory movement, eliminating the need for physical contact or mechanical components that could obstruct treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the detection system and the patient's respiratory movement. The signal coupling elements create an electromagnetic field that interacts with the patient's body capacitance, allowing indirect detection of respiratory movement without physical obstruction.
2Reliability
If respiratory belts or breathing detectors are used to detect respiratory movement, then respiratory movement can be detected, but they may enter the beam path or obstruct an interventional procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical respiratory detection devices with a capacitive coupling-based electromagnetic detection system. This eliminates physical devices that could interfere with radiation therapy beams while maintaining reliable detection of respiratory movement through changes in electrical capacitance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from physical mechanical devices and transfers it to an electromagnetic field-based system. By removing the need for physical sensors in the treatment area, the system eliminates interference with radiation therapy while preserving detection reliability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then respiratory movement can be detected, but the detection accuracy and sensitivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the same signal coupling elements can both transmit electromagnetic signals and detect respiratory movement through capacitive coupling. This universal approach improves detection accuracy without requiring separate specialized sensors, thereby managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects respiratory movement by measuring changes in electrical capacitance parameters caused by respiratory-induced movements. By monitoring parameter changes in the electromagnetic field rather than using complex mechanical sensor arrays, the system achieves high detection accuracy with controlled complexity.
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 apparatus achieves improved accuracy and sensitivity in detecting respiratory movement, enabling targeted irradiation and clearer imaging by minimizing external interference and providing a compact, high-resolution detection system that synchronizes with patient breathing cycles.
Implementation Method 1
detect a change in a received signal. The change indicates, i.e., signifies or represents, or characterizes the respiratory movement. Coupling a signal given for one of the signal coupling elements that is acting as a transmitter into a second of the signal coupling elements produces the received signal. The second of the signal coupling elements acts as a receiver and is located in a near-field region of the first signal coupling element
Implementation Method 2
Coupling a signal given for one of the signal coupling elements that is acting as a transmitter into a second of the signal coupling elements produces the received signal
Data Source
AI summary
A detection apparatus and a method are provided for detecting a respiratory movement of a patient. The detection apparatus includes at least two metallic U-shaped signal coupling elements that are interleaved so that between the signal coupling elements arises at least one coupling point at which a signal may be transferred between the two signal coupling elements. Analysis electronics are configured to detect a change in a received signal produced in a second of the signal coupling elements that is acting as a receiver in the near-field region of the first signal coupling elements as a result of a signal given for one of the signal coupling elements that is acting as a transmitter being coupled into the second of the signal coupling elements, which change indicates the respiratory movement.