Modular Radiological Imaging Device for Single Limb Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiological imaging devices for limbs are limited in their ability to perform tomography or imaging of a single limb from any angle, are unsuitable for large animals due to size and weight constraints, and require unnatural patient positions, leading to discomfort and difficulty in maintaining position during long procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular radiological imaging device with a platform supporting a source and detector module, where the modules are moved along distinct circular paths by a drive unit, allowing for independent positioning and rotation, and featuring a pressure sensor system to ensure stable patient positioning and comfortable alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gantry with annular casing and horizontal bed is used for radiological imaging, then the device can perform standard tomography imaging, but the patient's limbs are both located within the area of analysis making it impossible to perform tomography or other imaging only of the limb concerned from any angle
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a movable platform for positioning the limb, independent source and detector units that can be positioned separately, and a control system. This segmentation allows the limb to be imaged independently from other body parts while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform and imaging components are made dynamically positionable rather than fixed. The platform can move to position the limb, and the source/detector can be independently positioned, allowing flexible imaging angles and single-limb imaging without requiring the entire gantry structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If supports are designed to rest only the limb to be analyzed while leaving the other limb outside the gantry, then single limb imaging is possible, but the significant weight and size of large animals cause considerable positioning difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to support the animal's weight evenly and provide stable positioning. The movable platform can be positioned at appropriate heights and angles to accommodate large animals comfortably, reducing positioning difficulties associated with their weight and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform acts as an intermediary between the animal and the imaging system. It provides a stable, adjustable support surface that can accommodate large animals, making positioning easier while still enabling single-limb imaging capability.
3Device complexity
If supports impose unnatural positions of the limbs on the patient, then the device structure is simplified, but the positions are uncomfortable to maintain for the entire acquisition time especially in tomography
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed in an unnatural position. The platform can be positioned and oriented to support the limb in more natural, comfortable positions while still enabling the required imaging angles and tomography acquisition.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device has large dimensions to perform standard tomography imaging, then the imaging capability is comprehensive, but the device is impossible to transport and thus requires that the animal be brought to the appropriate facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into modular components (platform, source unit, detector unit) that can be independently positioned and moved. This modular segmentation reduces the overall device footprint and enables transportability while maintaining comprehensive imaging capability through coordinated positioning of the separate modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed three-dimensional gantry structure to a more flexible configuration where components can be positioned in different spatial arrangements. This dimensional flexibility allows the device to be compact for transport while still achieving the necessary imaging geometry when deployed.
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 high-quality radiographic imaging of limbs from any angle, suitable for both human and veterinary use, including large animals, with improved patient comfort and ease of use, and facilitates transportation due to reduced device size.
Implementation Method 1
a first module (2) having a source (21) suitable to emit radiation defining an emission axis (21a)
Data Source
AI summary
A radiological imaging device configured to analyze a limb includes a first module that includes a source configured to emit radiation, a second module that includes a detector configured to receive radiation from the source that has passed through the limb, a control station connected to the first and second modules for controlling movement of the first and second modules and acquiring images from the second module, and a platform having an outer support surface to support the first and second modules. The control station includes a casing and a connecting member that is connected to the casing to attach the platform. The platform is suitable to rotate around an axis approximately parallel to the outer surface.