Modular Medical Phantom with Interlocking Unit Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical phantoms, such as those using LEGO blocks, face limitations in size, shape, and functionality for medical imaging due to empty internal spaces requiring assembly in containers and lack of versatility for image quality evaluation and dosimetry, leading to restricted freedom and complex simulations.

Innovation Solution

A unit-of-module mapping phantom system comprising hexahedral and differently shaped blocks with stud-and-tube coupling, allowing for various combinations and medium injection through lateral holes, using semi-transparent polycarbonate materials and diverse media for imaging, dosimetry, and interventional training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If LEGO blocks are used to create a phantom, then various shapes and assemblies are possible, but the blocks require placement in containers with signal sources and have limited freedom

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape variabilityVSAvoidoperation freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The phantom is divided into multiple independent unit blocks that can be assembled in various configurations. Each block contains its own signal source and can be independently filled with imaging media, eliminating the need for external containers while maintaining shape variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The unit blocks are designed with universal coupling structures (ridges and furrows) that allow them to be assembled in multiple configurations. Each block simultaneously serves as a structural element, a signal source container, and an imaging media reservoir, providing multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If LEGO blocks with ridges and furrows are combined, then assembly is enabled, but the blocks create complicated shapes that are disadvantageous for medical imaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidshape complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The phantom is segmented into standardized unit blocks with simple hexahedral geometry. The coupling ridges and furrows are integrated into the block structure but do not protrude externally, maintaining simple overall shapes while enabling easy assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling structures (ridges and furrows) are merged with the block body rather than being separate components. This integration allows assembly capability while maintaining simple external shapes suitable for medical imaging applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the inside of blocks is empty space, then various assemblies are possible, but the blocks need to be assembled in containers and require additional signal sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each unit block is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides structural support, contains its own signal source, and serves as a container for imaging media. This eliminates the need for separate external containers and signal sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The signal sources and media filling structures are pre-integrated into the block design during manufacturing. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for additional assembly steps involving external containers and signal source placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If a medium is required inside blocks for imaging and dosimetry, then image quality evaluation is enabled, but the degree of freedom is limited by container size and shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality evaluationVSAvoidconfiguration freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The phantom is segmented into multiple independent unit blocks, each capable of being filled with different imaging media. This segmentation allows each block to be optimized for specific imaging modalities while maintaining overall configuration freedom through selective assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10327731B2Unit-of-module mapping phantom for multiple purposes and multiple fusion images

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 KOREA RES INST OF STANDARDS & SCI

AI summary

A medical phantom is an object that models at least a part of the human body by using unit blocks, wherein the unit blocks include: a first unit block having a hexahedral shape of which the inside is empty; and a second unit block. The second unit block has a shape, of which the inside is empty, different from the hexahedral shape The second unit block also has ridges formed at the upper end thereof for stud-and-tube coupling, and has furrows formed at the lower end thereof and enabled to be coupled to the ridges.