Smart MRI Docking Mechanism for Automated Patient Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient transport systems lack the ability to safely and efficiently interface with MRI machines, requiring manual lifting and transferring patients between different medical beds, which is cumbersome and increases the risk of errors during scanning procedures.
Innovation Solution
A smart docking system with a five-way interlocking mechanism and sensor system that allows for safe and automated docking and undocking of a patient transporter with an MRI machine, using a non-magnetic material and a controller to perform various operations such as positioning, docking, and releasing the transporter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual lifting and transferring of patients between medical beds is used, then the system is simple and requires no complex interface mechanisms, but the risk of errors increases and scanning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient transporter is merged with the MRI machine through a docking interface that combines mechanical coupling (latches, couplers) with sensor systems and control mechanisms. This integration allows the transporter to become part of the MRI system, enabling automated patient transfer and positioning while maintaining safety and reliability without requiring manual lifting and transferring operations
Solution Approach 2:
The docking interface incorporates sensor systems that automatically detect the presence and position of the patient transporter, and control systems that automatically activate the MRI scanner when the transporter is properly docked. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention and reduces the risk of human error in the interfacing process
2Productivity
If automated docking and undocking mechanisms are implemented, then scanning efficiency improves and patient transfer becomes seamless, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking interface is designed with pre-positioned couplers, latches, and sensor systems that are ready to engage automatically when the patient transporter approaches the MRI machine. The preliminary arrangement of these components enables rapid automated docking and undocking operations, improving scanning efficiency without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the transfer process
Solution Approach 2:
The docking interface is designed as a universal connection system that can accommodate different patient transporter configurations while providing the same automated docking and undocking functionality. The multi-functional design includes mechanical coupling, sensor detection, and control activation all within a single integrated interface, reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If non-magnetic materials and safety interlocking features are used, then patient safety during MRI scanning is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional docking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The docking interface incorporates sensor systems that provide real-time feedback on the docking status, detecting when the patient transporter is properly positioned and coupled with the MRI machine. This feedback mechanism automatically activates safety interlocks and confirms proper docking, ensuring patient safety without requiring complex manual verification procedures. The sensor feedback simplifies the operator's task by providing clear status information and automatic safety activation
Data Source
AI summary
A smart system and methods for coupling a medical transporter apparatus with an imaging apparatus, involving: a smart docking module comprising at least one coupler responsive to a controller operable by a set of executable instructions, the smart docking module comprising a non-magnetic material; and the smart docking module configured by the controller to automatically perform at least one of: position, dock, engage, latch, lock, interlock, release, emergency-release, quick-release, disengage, emergency-disengage, and quick-disengage the medical transporter apparatus in relation to the imaging apparatus.