Telescopic Support Unit for MRI Table Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance devices require a longer table top to image a patient's entire length, but this results in increased installation space and costs, and compromises maneuverability and transportation due to the larger size of the device.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with a base unit, a support unit, and a bracket unit that allows the support unit to travel beyond the base unit, using a motor-driven system with guide rails and a telescopic bracket to extend the table top's reach, enabling whole-body imaging with a shorter table top.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the table top is made longer to image a patient's entire length, then the imaging capability is improved, but the installation space and device length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is divided into a base unit and a support unit that can be separated. The support unit with the table top can be extended beyond the base unit using a bracket unit, allowing the table top to reach further into the examination space without increasing the permanent installation space of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket unit is designed to be movable, allowing the support unit to travel beyond the base unit during imaging operations. This dynamic extension enables the table top to achieve the necessary length for whole-body imaging while the device maintains a compact form when not in use.
2Measurement precision
If the table top is made longer to cover entire patient length, then imaging coverage is improved, but maneuverability and transportation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the support apparatus into a base unit and a movable support unit, the table top can be extended only when needed for imaging, rather than being permanently long. This allows the device to maintain compact dimensions for easy transportation while providing extended imaging coverage during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable bracket unit allows the table top to dynamically extend into the examination space during imaging operations and retract when not needed, providing the necessary imaging coverage only when required and maintaining maneuverability otherwise.
3Measurement precision
If the table top is made longer to image entire patient length, then imaging capability is improved, but costs increase due to larger HF shielding cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the base unit and support unit allows the HF shielding cabinet to be sized according to the actual imaging requirements rather than accommodating a permanently long table top. The support unit can be extended into the examination space without requiring proportionally larger shielding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic extension mechanism allows the table top to achieve necessary length for imaging without requiring the HF shielding cabinet to be permanently oversized. The shielding cabinet can be sized for the base unit, with the support unit extending into the examination space only when needed for imaging.
Data Source
AI summary
A module of a support apparatus (5) of a medical examination and treatment device, in particular of a magnetic resonance device (3), comprises the following features:a base unit (52) and a support unit (54) to support an examination object (1), which can travel in the horizontal direction in respect of the base unit (52), anda bracket unit (70) acting between the base unit (52) and the support unit (54), it being possible to move said bracket unit (70) against the base unit (52) and the support unit (54) and with which the support unit (54) can travel beyond the base unit (52).