Mobile Control Device for Medical Imaging Transfer Plate Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Medical imaging devices, such as CT and MR devices, face challenges in patient positioning due to the need for precise alignment of the transfer plate with the gantry, which is often limited by the fixed control elements on the gantry, restricting user mobility and flexibility, especially in emergency situations or culturally sensitive contexts.

Innovation Solution

A mobile control device with an electromechanical switching element, a control unit, and a pose determination unit that allows for remote and flexible control of the transfer plate's movement, enabling users to position the plate from various angles and distances, using a touch-sensitive surface and audio interface for user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If controls are permanently mounted on the gantry, then precise positioning of the transfer plate can be achieved, but user mobility and flexibility are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiduser mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control elements are extracted from the fixed gantry structure and implemented as a mobile control device that can be moved freely throughout the examination room, eliminating the restriction of fixed positioning while maintaining control functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A mobile control device serves as an intermediary between the user and the transfer plate positioning system, receiving user input and transmitting control signals to position the transfer plate precisely without requiring the user to be adjacent to the gantry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If controls are distributed across multiple locations on the gantry, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile control device consolidates multiple control functions into a single portable unit that can be positioned anywhere in the examination room, providing universal access to all transfer plate positioning controls without requiring multiple fixed control stations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple control elements that would traditionally be distributed across the gantry are merged into a single mobile control device, reducing system complexity while maintaining accessibility through the device's mobility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If controls are fixed on the gantry, then system simplicity is maintained, but response time in emergency situations is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidpositioning response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control system transitions from a static fixed-gantry configuration to a dynamic mobile control device that can be rapidly repositioned, enabling faster response to emergency situations while maintaining operational simplicity through the unified control interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3229161B1System with a mobile control apparatus and method for issuing a control signal to a component of a medical imaging device
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
  • EP3229161B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3229161B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3229161B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a system comprising: - a component of a medical imaging device, - a mobile control device with an operating element designed as an electromechanical switching element, - a control unit designed to output a control signal to the component, - wherein in an operating state of the system the mobile control device and the control unit are coupled in such a way that actuation of the operating element causes the control signal to be output to the component by means of the control unit.