Modular Patient Support with Telescopic Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning systems lack the necessary accuracy, flexibility, and ease of use, particularly in radiation therapy and medical imaging, where precise positioning and quick adaptation to different treatment or imaging modalities are required, often leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of positioning errors.
Innovation Solution
A patient positioning system with multiple degrees of freedom, incorporating turrets and telescopic arms that allow for precise movement and adjustment, combined with a patient support system that enables quick changes in patient supports, using load cells and detection systems for accurate weight and center of gravity measurement, and a control system for remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional patient positioning systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient and the range of movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into multiple independent modules including turrets, telescopic arms, and patient support sections. Each module can be adjusted independently to achieve precise positioning while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple degrees of freedom with movable turrets and telescopic arms that can dynamically adjust position and orientation. This dynamic capability enables high positioning accuracy and adaptability to different treatment configurations without requiring an overly complex fixed structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patient positioning system has limited range of movement, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different treatment or imaging modalities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple imaging modalities (CT, MRI, PET) and treatment machines. The multi-degree-of-freedom motion system with adjustable turrets and telescopic arms provides the versatility needed to accommodate different treatment volumes and imaging requirements across various medical modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds dimensional flexibility through multiple degrees of freedom including vertical movement, horizontal extension via telescopic arms, and rotational adjustment of turrets. This multi-dimensional capability enables adaptation to different treatment configurations and imaging angles without requiring separate specialized systems for each modality.
3Manufacturing precision
If the patient positioning system has high positioning accuracy, then the treatment precision is improved, but the setup time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual positioning mechanisms with automated motorized actuators and electronic control systems. Transducers and feedback devices enable automatic position adjustment and verification, achieving high positioning accuracy (0.1 mm or smaller) while reducing setup time through automation rather than manual calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system incorporates transducers and feedback devices that continuously monitor position and provide real-time feedback to the control system. This closed-loop control enables automatic correction of positioning errors and verification of accurate placement, achieving high precision while minimizing setup time through automated feedback-based adjustment.
4Productivity
If the patient support structure is fixed, then the system is simpler, but the ability to quickly change supports for different treatments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support system is divided into separate, interchangeable support structures that can be quickly attached and detached from the positioning system. This segmentation allows different support configurations to be rapidly changed between treatments while maintaining a simple base positioning system, improving workflow efficiency without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from fixed to dynamic and interchangeable configurations. Multiple patient support structures can be quickly swapped to accommodate different treatment requirements, body positions, and imaging modalities, enabling rapid adaptation to changing treatment protocols while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces.
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
The system achieves high positioning accuracy (0.1 mm or smaller) and flexibility, reducing setup time and the risk of machine collisions, while allowing for efficient workflow and safe handling of patients, supporting weights up to 255 kg with minimal height requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Load cells which can measure the weight and center of gravity of the patient support and feed this information to a control system
Implementation Method 2
A positioning accuracy of 0.1 mm or smaller can be achieved using transducers or other feedback devices in the positioning system
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support system includes a first section and a second section which can be removably coupled to the first section. The first section is configured for attachment to a positioning system, thereby providing an interface between the removable second section and the positioning system. A combined support surface is formed when the second section is coupled to the first section.