Multi-Axis Positioning System for Thermal Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal therapy systems face challenges in precisely controlling energy delivery and positioning of therapeutic devices, such as ultrasound transducers, to ensure effective treatment of targeted tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, particularly in procedures like HIFU, where real-time image guidance is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system comprising a base member with tracks, a curved frame, and a housing that allows for linear, rotational, and radial movement of therapeutic devices, integrated with imaging devices like MRI or CT systems, enables precise positioning and control of energy transducers using actuators and processors for real-time adjustment based on thermal effect monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a positioning system with multiple tracks and pathways is used to enable precise positioning of the therapeutic device, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into multiple independent components: a base member with first tracks, a curved frame with second tracks, and a housing with third pathways. Each component provides movement along specific axes, allowing the therapeutic device to be positioned precisely through coordinated movement of segmented elements rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates movement along three distinct dimensional pathways: linear movement along the first track (x-axis), curved movement along the second track (y-axis), and radial extension along the third pathway (z-axis). This multi-dimensional approach enables precise positioning in three-dimensional space by adding degrees of freedom rather than increasing complexity within a single plane.
2Measurement precision
If actuators and processors are added for real-time control and adjustment based on thermal effect monitoring, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates processors that receive real-time thermal effect information from imaging devices and generate control signals for the actuators. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust the positioning and energy delivery based on actual thermal effects observed during treatment, improving control precision through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system operates autonomously by automatically processing thermal effect data and generating appropriate control signals without requiring constant manual intervention. The processors and actuators work together to self-regulate the therapeutic device positioning and energy delivery parameters based on real-time conditions, reducing the need for external control while improving precision.
3Reliability
If the therapeutic device is integrated with imaging devices for real-time image guidance, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is designed to be integrated with imaging devices such as MRI or CT systems, combining the therapeutic function with real-time imaging capability. This merging allows the system to simultaneously perform positioning, energy delivery, and image-guided monitoring through a unified platform, improving treatment effectiveness while sharing common control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system with its multi-axis tracks and pathways can accommodate various therapeutic devices and can be integrated with different imaging modalities (MRI, CT). This universal design allows a single system to perform multiple functions across different treatment scenarios, improving reliability through versatility rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
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
This system allows for precise and controlled thermal therapy by enabling the therapeutic device to be accurately positioned and adjusted in multiple dimensions, ensuring effective treatment of targeted tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, and can be conveniently integrated with various imaging modalities without modifying the imaging equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The energy transducer is configured to direct a signal at a selected region of the target for inducing thermal effect
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for positioning a therapeutic device relative to a target displaced on a platform. A base member has a first track extending along a length of the platform for defining a first pathway for translating the therapeutic device relative to the target. A curved frame is slidably mounted on the base member through the first track. The curved frame has a second track along an interior wall of the curved frame for defining a second pathway for translating the therapeutic device relative to the target. A housing is disposed in the second track of the curved frame and configured to receive the therapeutic device. The housing is extendible at least along a radial direction of the curved frame for defining a third pathway for translating the therapeutic device relative to the target. Applications of the systems and methods may include image-guided thermal therapy.