Locating Bar With Resilient Locking for MRI Patient Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support systems in radiotherapy and MRI systems face challenges in securely positioning equipment and accommodating different patients, while ensuring compatibility with MRI systems.
Innovation Solution
A locating bar system with resilient end fittings and grooved tracks allows for secure, repositionable, and MRI-compatible patient support, featuring a rigid bar structure with end fittings that engage with grooves in the tracks and include resilient locking formations for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locating bar system with resilient locking formations is used to securely position equipment on the patient support, then the reliability of equipment positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional locking mechanisms and grooved tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking formations automatically engage with the grooves in the locating tracks when the bar is inserted, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to both position and secure the bar simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking formations act as intermediaries between the locating bar and the grooved tracks, providing a simple mechanical connection that achieves reliable positioning through elastic deformation and geometric interlocking rather than complex fastening mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locating bar system is designed to be repositionable to accommodate different patients, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability of the positioning may be compromised during treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic repositionable design where the bar can be moved along the locating tracks and secured at multiple discrete positions using the resilient locking formations, allowing adaptation to different patient sizes while maintaining stability at each positioned state.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating tracks are segmented into discrete positions marked by grooves, allowing the bar to be positioned at specific intervals rather than continuously. This segmentation provides both adaptability through multiple position options and stability through precise discrete positioning with mechanical locking.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-metallic materials are used to ensure MRI system compatibility, then the MRI compatibility is improved, but the strength and rigidity of the locating bar may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses composite construction with a rigid non-metallic bar structure combined with resilient locking formations made from elastomeric material. This composite approach provides both MRI compatibility through non-metallic composition and adequate strength through the combined rigid-flexible material system.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the material parameters by selecting non-metallic materials with appropriate mechanical properties, specifically using rigid plastics for the bar structure and elastomeric materials for the locking formations, achieving both MRI compatibility and sufficient structural strength.
4Ease of operation
If the end fittings include resilient locking formations that engage with grooves, then the ease of operation for securing the bar is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The design uses parameter changes in the form of elastic deformation of the resilient locking formations to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. The elastic material allows for dimensional variations in the grooves and locking formations while maintaining functional engagement, reducing the stringency of precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking formations function as flexible elastic elements that can deform to accommodate variations in groove dimensions and positioning, providing tolerance compensation that simplifies manufacturing requirements while ensuring reliable engagement.
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 system provides reliable, secure, and adjustable positioning of patient support equipment, ensuring compatibility with MRI systems by using non-metallic materials and allowing for easy repositioning and secure engagement with the patient support surface.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient locking formation configured to engage in one of the grooves in the respective locating track
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a patient support including an elongate patient support surface; a pair of locating tracks, each locating track having an inward facing surface, and an outward facing surface in which a series of spaced grooves are defined, the locating tracks being arranged such that a space for a locating bar is defined between the inward facing surfaces, and respective grooves of the outward facing surfaces of the pair of locating tracks are aligned with each other; and a locating bar. The locating bar comprises: a substantially rigid bar structure dimensioned to fit between the inward facing surfaces of the locating tracks; and an end fitting provided at each of opposing ends of the bar structure, each end fitting including an abutment surface, and a resilient locking formation configured to engage in one of the grooves of the respective locating track.