Mobile Radiolucent Imaging Table with Counterbalanced Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tables are not designed to accommodate mobile medical imaging devices that require attachment during surgery, limiting their use for imaging multiple patients or relocating within a surgical environment.
Innovation Solution
A surgical table top with a translatably mounted frame and counterweights, allowing configuration between fully extended and retracted positions, enabling unobstructed imaging without physical attachment to the imaging device, and facilitating easy relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile imaging device is physically attached to the surgical table for intraoperative imaging, then imaging stability and positioning accuracy are improved, but the imaging device cannot be relocated or used for multiple patients
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical table is divided into separate functional modules: a stationary table base and a movable frame assembly that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the imaging device to remain attached to the stable base while the frame provides adjustable positioning, resolving the contradiction between stability and relocation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable frame assembly acts as an intermediary between the stationary table base and the imaging device. This intermediate structure provides the necessary positioning flexibility while the fixed base maintains imaging stability, allowing the system to achieve both relocation capability and imaging stability simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the surgical table is designed with a fixed structure for patient support, then structural stability is improved, but the table cannot accommodate varying imaging requirements for different patients
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical table incorporates dynamic elements including a movable frame assembly that can be translated along the table length and adjusted to different positions. This dynamic capability allows the table to adapt its configuration for different patients and imaging requirements while maintaining structural stability through its fixed base and controlled movement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical table is designed with universal functionality through its movable frame assembly that can be positioned to accommodate various patient sizes, anatomical regions, and imaging modalities. This multi-functional design allows a single table structure to serve multiple purposes while maintaining structural integrity.
3Length of moving object
If the frame is extended to provide sufficient imaging length, then imaging coverage is improved, but the table becomes difficult to relocate and maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The table structure is segmented into a compact base and an extendable frame assembly. This segmentation allows the frame to be translated to provide sufficient imaging length when needed, while the compact base maintains ease of relocation and maneuverability during transport between patients or rooms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the surgical table is designed for easy relocation between patients, then versatility is improved, but imaging precision and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable frame assembly serves as an intermediary that enables easy relocation of the entire table while maintaining imaging precision through its controlled translation mechanism. The frame can be precisely positioned and locked, ensuring that even after relocation, the imaging measurements remain accurate and the system maintains stability during the imaging procedure.
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
Provides unobstructed imaging with increased precision and patient safety, especially for patients with deformities, and allows flexible use of mobile imaging devices across multiple patients and locations.
Implementation Method 1
The surgical table top includes an actuator configured to linearly translate the frame relative to the platform between the fully extended configuration and the fully retracted configuration
Implementation Method 2
The surgical table top includes one or more counterweights. The counterweights are translatably mounted in the platform. Projection of the front edge of the frame at least 1 meter past the front edge of the platform is balanced by the one or more counterweights. The one or more counterweights are configured to translate relative to the platform based on movement of the frame
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A mobile radiolucent table system configurable for medical imaging includes a table pedestal comprising a table base portion and a table support mounted to the table base portion; a platform supported by the table support; a frame translatably mounted to the platform and configured for positioning a patient; and an actuator configured to linearly translate the frame relative to the platform between a fully extended configuration and a fully retracted configuration, wherein in the fully extended configuration, a front edge of the frame projects from the platform at least 1 meter past a front edge of the platform and a front edge of the table base portion, wherein the fully extended configuration is configured for medical imaging.