Linkage System for Radiology X-ray Step Platform Mobility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiology X-ray step platforms are cumbersome to move and transport due to the need for lifting and tilting, which poses a risk of back injury and does not allow for stable, weight-bearing imaging.
Innovation Solution
A radiology X-ray step platform with a mobility mechanism that includes a linkage system featuring an elongated member, frame member, truss, and variable length rod member, allowing the platform to transition between a retracted stable position and an erected mobile position using a foot lever, eliminating the need for lifting and tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the platform is designed to be stable for weight-bearing imaging, then imaging accuracy is improved, but mobility and ease of transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The platform employs a dynamic mobility mechanism with linkage members that can transition between extended and retracted positions. When the mechanism is retracted, the platform provides a stable, wide base for weight-bearing imaging. When extended, the linkage members lift the platform body, enabling easy movement and transport without compromising stability during either state.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform changes its structural parameters through the mobility mechanism. The base structure transitions from a compact configuration during transport to an extended configuration during imaging. This parameter change allows the platform to optimize its physical characteristics for different operational states, providing stability when needed and mobility when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the platform structure is made robust for stable imaging, then stability is improved, but weight and difficulty of transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform uses a dynamic mobility mechanism that allows a lighter base structure to achieve stability when needed. The linkage members can be extended to lift the platform body, distributing weight more effectively during transport. During imaging, the mechanism retracts to provide a stable, wide base, allowing the platform to maintain robustness without requiring excessive weight throughout.
3Ease of operation
If manual lifting and tilting mechanism is used, then mobility is achieved, but risk of back injury and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform employs a self-service mobility mechanism where the linkage members automatically lift the platform body when the base is tilted. This eliminates the need for operators to manually lift heavy components, reducing back injury risk. The mechanism uses the tilt motion itself to trigger the lifting action, making the system assist rather than resist the operator's input.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage members act as intermediaries between the base structure and the platform body. When the base is tilted for transport, the linkage members mediate the transfer of motion to lift the platform body, converting a potentially harmful manual lifting operation into a mechanical assistance operation that reduces physical strain on operators.
4Ease of operation
If the platform includes mobility mechanism components, then ease of transport is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobility mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: linkage members connected to the base structure, and a platform body. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a system. The linkage members handle the lifting function, while the base handles the tilting and rolling function, simplifying the overall design compared to an integrated monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure serves multiple functions: it provides the rolling support for mobility, houses the linkage mechanism, and acts as the operational surface when tilted. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of transport.
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
Enables effortless movement and positioning of the platform for radiological procedures, ensuring patient safety by reducing the risk of back injury and allowing for accurate weight-bearing imaging without manual lifting or tilting.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring positioned to provide a counterbalancing force
Implementation Method 2
A rotation of the frame member disposes the linkage system in a retracted position and a counter-rotation of the frame member disposes the linkage system in an erected position
Data Source
AI summary
A radiology X-ray step platform for facilitating positioning and imaging of a patient during a radiological procedure, the radiology X-ray step platform including a base structure; at least one step surface configured to support the patient during the radiological procedure, the at least one step surface is supported on the base structure; and a mobility mechanism disposed on the base structure, the mobility mechanism configured to be erectable in an erected position to facilitate transport of the base structure and retractable in a retracted position to allow the base structure to be used in a stable condition.