Nested Vacuum Cushion Structure for Continuous Patient Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-sided vacuum cushions used in radiation and proton therapy are prone to damage, leading to increased waste, patient inconvenience, and additional radiation exposure due to the need for re-positioning and re-planning, disrupting continuous treatment.
Innovation Solution
A double-sided vacuum cushion system with a first vacuum bag and a second vacuum bag connected by connectors, where the first bag is made of tougher material and contains more beads to maintain patient positioning even if the second bag is damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-sided vacuum cushion is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor and damage rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where an inner vacuum cushion is placed inside an outer vacuum cushion. Both cushions share a common nozzle and can be independently or simultaneously evacuated. The inner cushion contains beads for positioning, while the outer cushion provides structural support and protection. This nesting arrangement allows the inner cushion to maintain positioning function even if the outer cushion is damaged, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a double pad is configured, then the reliability is improved and treatment continuity is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inner and outer vacuum cushions into a single integrated assembly that shares common components, specifically the nozzle and vacuum system. Both cushions are connected to the same nozzle, allowing simultaneous or independent evacuation. The connector integrates the two cushions structurally while maintaining their functional independence. This merging approach provides redundancy for treatment continuity while minimizing the increase in device complexity through shared components.
3Manufacturing precision
If connectors are added to connect vacuum bags, then the manufacturing precision is improved and shape consistency is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as an intermediary component that links the inner and outer vacuum cushions. It provides a standardized interface for connecting the two bags, ensuring proper alignment and sealing. The connector includes features such as sealing surfaces and structural support elements that maintain the vacuum integrity and shape consistency between the inner and outer cushions. By introducing this dedicated intermediary component, the patent achieves precise manufacturing and consistent shape maintenance while isolating the complexity into a single replaceable part.
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
Reduces waste and patient inconvenience by maintaining treatment continuity, minimizing re-examinations and re-planning, and ensuring uninterrupted therapy even if the outer bag is compromised.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum cushion includes a pad filled with air and a bead provided in the pad to fix the patient's body in a vacuum state
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cushion for fixing a patient's position. The vacuum cushion includes a first vacuum bag which forms a first space and is deformed according to a vacuum state and includes first beads accommodated in the first space. The vacuum cushion also has a second vacuum bag which accommodates the first vacuum bag, forms a second space together with the outer surface of the first vacuum bag, and is deformed according to the vacuum state. Second beads are also included and are accommodated in the second space. Nozzles are connected to the first space and the second space.