Mobile Medical Platform With Sensor-Guided Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile medical devices offer limited functionality and efficiency compared to stationary devices, requiring manual positioning and adjustment, which is complex and time-consuming, especially for patients in wheelchairs or non-standard positions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile platform with a chassis, sensor module, and holding device that allows for automated, spatially flexible positioning of medical devices, using orientation sensors to adapt to the movement of a second medical device and prevent collisions, enabling autonomous movement and dynamic imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mobile medical devices are used to improve mobility and flexibility, then adaptability to different locations and patient positions is improved, but positioning precision and imaging quality deteriorate due to manual positioning limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different locations and patient positionsVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated robot system comprising a mobile platform, holding device, and control unit. The robot automatically positions medical devices (X-ray tubes, detectors, ultrasound heads) based on sensor input from wheelchairs or patient tables, eliminating manual intervention and achieving both mobility and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service positioning where the robot autonomously navigates to required locations and adjusts device positions without operator intervention. The control unit processes sensor data and automatically controls the motor drives to position medical devices accurately in various locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual positioning methods are used for mobile devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but operation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system performs self-positioning and self-adjustment automatically. The control unit receives position data from sensors on wheelchairs or patient tables and autonomously controls the motor drives to position medical devices, eliminating the need for manual positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensor modules that detect the position of wheelchairs, patient tables, or other reference objects. This feedback information is processed by the control unit to automatically adjust robot positioning, ensuring accurate device placement without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated positioning systems are implemented, then positioning efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into modular components: a mobile platform for navigation, a holding device for securing medical equipment, sensor modules for detection, and a control unit for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently while working together to achieve automated positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robot system is designed as a universal platform that can position various types of medical devices (X-ray tubes, detectors, ultrasound heads) and work with different patient support systems (wheelchairs, patient tables). This multi-functionality achieves high positioning efficiency across diverse applications without requiring separate systems for each task.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3851050B1Mobile platform
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • EP3851050B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3851050B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3851050B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile platform (1, 1.1, 1.2) comprising a chassis (13), a sensor module and at least one holding device (12), wherein the holding device is designed to guide a first medical device (4, 4', 7, 8, 9) and the holding device is designed to position the first medical device within an adjustment range in at least one working position.