Modular Diagnostic Imaging Kiosk for Remote Deployment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The availability of diagnostic imaging services is limited by the requirement for trained professionals, making it difficult for impoverished or remote locations to access these services without on-site expertise.

Innovation Solution

A modularly deployable diagnostic imaging kiosk that can be shipped and assembled without radiological experts, featuring a first housing module for the imaging system and a second housing module for electronics, allowing remote control and operation through a packet-switched network, enabling professionally supervised imaging procedures in remote areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If diagnostic imaging equipment is deployed in remote locations, then access to diagnostic imaging services is improved, but the requirement for trained radiological professionals on-site increases device complexity and operational difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to diagnostic imaging servicesVSAvoidoperational complexity requiring trained professionals

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A remote control system acts as an intermediary between the diagnostic imaging equipment in remote locations and trained radiological professionals at centralized locations. The system transmits control signals and image data through communication networks, allowing professionals to operate equipment remotely without being physically present at the remote site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical presence requirement (physically having a trained professional at the equipment location) with an electronic/telecommunication system. Control interfaces, cameras, and communication networks substitute for the physical presence and manual operation previously required on-site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If trained radiological professionals are required on-site, then imaging quality and safety are improved, but the availability of services in remote or impoverished locations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging quality and safetyVSAvoidavailability in remote locations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control system serves as an intermediary that connects trained professionals to remote equipment, maintaining professional oversight and quality control while eliminating the need for professional presence at remote sites. This enables reliable imaging services in locations that previously could not support them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including cameras that transmit real-time images to remote professionals, allowing them to monitor patient positioning, equipment operation, and image quality. This feedback loop ensures imaging safety and quality standards are maintained despite remote operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If diagnostic imaging equipment is made portable and modular, then deployment flexibility is improved, but radiation protection and electronics isolation become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidradiation protection and electronics isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic imaging system is divided into separate modular components: a portable imaging module containing the X-ray source and detector, and a separate control module housing the electronics. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module, with lead shielding concentrated where needed and electronics housed in protected compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of radiation by using lead-lined shielding that contains and directs radiation only where needed for imaging, while protecting sensitive electronics. The shielding structure, while adding weight, is strategically placed to protect only the electronics compartment and control areas, not the entire portable unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS9730670B2Remote diagnostic imaging

Publication Date: 2017.08.15 MERATIVE US LP

AI summary

Systems and methods for performing remote diagnostic imaging. One system includes a stand-alone imaging station including a housing that includes a first housing module and a second housing module, a diagnostic imaging device, and a door. The first housing module and the second housing module are separate and configured to be assembled together. The diagnostic imaging device is contained within the housing and includes a radiation source and a radiation detector. The door is coupled to the housing and is configured to allow a patient to enter the housing. The door includes a lock configured to maintain the door in a locked state at least while the diagnostic imaging device captures the diagnostic image.