Mobile Lung Scanner with Expanding Wall for Ambulance Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body screening devices, such as the BODYTOM and CERETOM, are too large and complex to be practical for use in ambulances or mobile clinic environments, limiting their ability to provide lung screening in remote locations and requiring patients to travel to hospitals or clinics for diagnostic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A mobile screening apparatus with a patient compartment and scanner that includes an expanding wall to accommodate a full-body scanner, a scanning table, and a generator for power, allowing the device to be used in remote locations and comply with Department of Transportation standards, while maintaining proper orientation and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional body screening devices (BODYTOM, CERETOM) are used, then high-quality lung screening capability is achieved, but the device size and complexity make them impractical for mobile ambulance use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential scanning function from the complex conventional CT scanner system. It uses a simplified scanning mechanism with a radiation source and detector array that can be deployed in a compact mobile platform, separating the core diagnostic capability from the bulky hospital-based equipment infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic positioning systems and movable scanning components that allow the scanning apparatus to be reconfigured within the ambulance space. The system can adapt its geometry and positioning to accommodate the limited mobile environment while maintaining screening effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional body screening devices are used, then comprehensive body scanning is achieved, but the equipment cannot be transported to remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning system into modular segments including the radiation source, detector array, positioning mechanisms, and control systems. This segmentation allows the equipment to be assembled in a compact configuration suitable for ambulance transport while maintaining comprehensive body scanning capability through coordinated operation of the modular components.
3Measurement precision
If the scanner is positioned to accommodate full-body scanning, then screening effectiveness is improved, but the device width exceeds DOT roadway load requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional wide横向 scanner layout to a longitudinal arrangement that extends along the length of the ambulance rather than across its width. The scanning system utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the mobile platform, positioning the radiation source and detector array to scan patients in the longitudinal direction, thereby maintaining full-body screening capability while complying with DOT width restrictions.
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 effective lung screening in remote areas without the need for external power and ensures compliance with DOT standards, enhancing accessibility and efficiency by allowing the device to be used in areas lacking external power supplies and accommodating full crews.
Implementation Method 1
The BODYTOM (TM) is a multi-departmental imaging solution capable of transforming any room in the hospital into an advanced imaging suite. It is a portable, full-body, 32-slice computed tomography scanner.
Implementation Method 2
The BODYTOM (TM) is a portable, full-body, 32-slice computed tomography scanner.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile screening apparatus has a patient compartment having a floor, and end wall, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The second sidewall has an expanding wall that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The mobile screening apparatus also has a scanner positioned in the patient compartment. The scanner has a length dimension extending longitudinally within the patient compartment. A scanning table is positioned within the patient compartment. The scanning table is movable in relation to the scanner. The patient compartment is positioned upon a chassis of a vehicle. A generator is connected to the scanner so as to supply power to the scanner. In particular, the scanner is a lung scanner.