MRI Bed System Interlocking Mechanism for Safe Electrical Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The risk of damaging the electrical system of a bed system and an MRI apparatus due to sudden separation after being mechanically and electrically connected, often caused by user error, is not adequately addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A bed system with a mechanical and electrical connection mechanism that includes a determiner to prohibit mechanical separation when the electrical connection is permitted, using a caster lock pedal and a separation pedal to ensure safe disconnection, and an interlocking system to prevent accidental power shutdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bed system is mechanically connected to the main body of the MRI apparatus, then the bed system can be moved and positioned for patient examination, but the risk of sudden separation causing electrical system damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovability of bed systemVSAvoidelectrical system safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection is established before the mechanical connection between the bed system and main body. This preliminary action ensures that the electrical systems are already connected and protected when the mechanical coupling occurs, preventing damage from sudden separation during subsequent operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An interlocking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the mechanical and electrical connection states. This intermediary ensures that the mechanical connection cannot be separated unless the electrical connection is properly disconnected first, thereby preventing sudden separation and electrical system damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the bed system allows free separation from the main body, then the ease of repositioning and maintenance is improved, but the risk of accidental separation and electrical damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning convenienceVSAvoidelectrical system damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical disconnection is performed as a preliminary action before mechanical separation is allowed. This ensures that when the bed system is repositioned or maintained, the electrical systems are already disconnected, eliminating the risk of damage from accidental separation during these operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking mechanism serves as an intermediary that controls the separation process. It ensures that mechanical separation can only occur after electrical disconnection is confirmed, thereby allowing free repositioning while preventing harmful accidental separation with electrical connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11491063B2Bed system and separation method

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a bed system that is mechanically and electrically connectable to a main body of a medical image diagnosis apparatus includes a traveling unit and an interface. The traveling unit provided between the bed system and a floor surface. The interface configured to receive an operation of locking or unlocking driving of the traveling unit. The operation on the interface of locking or unlocking driving of the traveling unit is interlocked with electrical connection between the bed system and the main body.