Movable Base Positioning for Multi-Scan Imaging Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems, such as CT scanners, are not well-suited for multiple types of scans (trauma, general, and cardiac) due to fixed base mounting configurations, leading to inefficiencies and sub-optimal use, as they require patients to be transported or scans to be cancelled, resulting in idle scanners and overloading in other centers.
Innovation Solution
A support frame system that allows the base of the subject support to move between predetermined locations based on the type of scan, enabling flexible positioning between the gantry and the subject support, thereby accommodating different scan types without the need for reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the base is mounted at a distance from the stationary gantry to accommodate trauma devices and personnel access, then ease of operation for trauma scans is improved, but the scanner becomes unsuitable for cardiac and general scans requiring closer base positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The base is made movable between different predetermined locations relative to the stationary gantry through a drive system. This dynamic positioning capability allows the base to be adjusted to optimal distances for different scan types (trauma, cardiac, general), resolving the contradiction between needing far positioning for trauma access and close positioning for cardiac/general scan stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple scan types (trauma, cardiac, general) using a single scanner. The movable base enables the same scanner to be configured for different purposes, eliminating the need for separate scanners and improving utilization across different imaging centers.
2Manufacturing precision
If the base is mounted closer to the stationary gantry to reduce tabletop bounce and deflection for cardiac scans, then image quality is improved, but the scanner becomes unsuitable for trauma scans requiring personnel and device access
Solution Approach 1:
The base positioning is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing adjustment to close positions for cardiac scans (reducing tabletop bounce and deflection) and far positions for trauma scans (allowing personnel and device access). This resolves the contradiction between image quality requirements and operational accessibility.
3Reliability
If the scanner is configured for one specific scan type, then performance for that scan type is optimized, but the scanner sits idle or requires patient transport for other scan types
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner is designed as a universal system that can perform multiple scan types (trauma, cardiac, general) by repositioning the base to predetermined locations. This multi-functionality eliminates scanner idle time and patient transport requirements, improving both reliability for each scan type and overall productivity through increased utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic base positioning system allows rapid reconfiguration between different scan types, enabling the scanner to maintain optimal performance for each specific scan type while also improving overall productivity by eliminating idle time and patient transport between specialized scanners.
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging system (100) includes a gantry (101) that defines an examination region (106) and a subject support (112). The subject support includes a tabletop (116) that supports an object or subject in the examination region for a scan of the object or subject and a base (114) that supports the tabletop. A support frame (132) supports the base. The base is moveably affixed to the support frame and moves between a plurality of predetermined locations, which are based on corresponding distances from the gantry. A support frame drive system (134) moves the base alternatively to one of the plurality of predetermined locations in response to an input signal indicative of the one of the plurality of predetermined locations, which corresponds to a location of interest for the scan of the object or subject.