Membrane Imaging Phantom Assembly for Leak-Free Long Shelf Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging phantoms have long assembly times and brief shelf lives due to leakage or internal bubbles, which affect data accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A disposable imaging phantom with a top and bottom housing, a semi-permeable membrane, and optimized fluid displacement features, allowing quick assembly and long shelf life without leakage or bubble formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If existing imaging phantom designs are used, then assembly is possible, but assembly time is long (0.5 hours or more) and shelf life is brief (a few days) due to leakage or internal bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom is divided into separate modular components including a body portion, cap, and membrane assembly that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation enables pre-filling of fluid into sealed components before final assembly, dramatically reducing on-site assembly time while maintaining reliability through pre-validated sealed compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid is pre-filled into the phantom components during manufacturing before final assembly. The components are pre-sealed and pre-prepared with the required fluid volume, eliminating the time-consuming and error-prone process of manual fluid filling and sealing at the point of use. This preliminary action ensures proper fluid volume and sealing integrity before the phantom reaches the user.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing sealing methods are used, then assembly can be completed, but leakage occurs reducing shelf life to a few days
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible semi-permeable membrane is used as the sealing mechanism between the body portion and cap. This membrane can be compressed to form a reliable seal that prevents leakage while allowing for fluid diffusion across the membrane. The flexible nature of the membrane enables it to conform to the mating surfaces, creating a leak-proof seal that extends shelf life to at least six months.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted as a separate membrane assembly component rather than being integrated into the rigid housing structures. This membrane assembly can be independently optimized for sealing performance and can be easily replaced or adjusted. By separating the sealing function from the structural components, the design achieves both ease of assembly and superior sealing integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing phantom structures are used, then basic imaging function is achieved, but internal bubbles form affecting data accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom components are pre-filled with fluid under controlled manufacturing conditions that eliminate air pockets and bubbles. The pre-sealing process ensures complete fluid saturation of all internal chambers and pathways before the phantom is assembled and shipped. This preliminary degassing and sealing action prevents bubble formation during use, ensuring accurate imaging data.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane allows for complete fluid saturation and eliminates trapped air pockets by conforming to all internal surfaces and pathways. When the membrane is compressed during assembly, it forces out any remaining air bubbles and ensures complete fluid filling of the imaging chamber, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving imaging functionality.
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 phantom enables efficient and accurate data calibration and normalization, reducing assembly time and extending shelf life to at least six months while maintaining data integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane assembly may comprise a semi-permeable membrane that is configured to permit diffusion of the second fluid from the first chamber into the second chamber
Implementation Method 2
The membrane assembly may comprise a semi-permeable membrane that is configured to permit diffusion of the second fluid from the first chamber into the second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable imaging phantom including a top housing having an inlet, and outlet, and first chamber in communication with the inlet and outlet and a bottom housing having a second chamber. The bottom housing connects to the top housing. The first 2024/030553 and second chamber are configured to receive a first fluid. The first chamber is configured to receive a second fluid through the inlet to displace the first fluid through the outlet. The imaging phantom also includes a membrane assembly configured to be positioned between portions of the top and bottom housings. The membrane assembly includes a semi-permeable membrane configured to permit diffusion of the second fluid from the first chamber into the second chamber.