Non-metallic Articulating Joint for Artifact-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiolucent anatomical positioning systems in medical imaging environments face challenges due to the use of metallic components, which cause imaging artifacts and are prone to mechanical failure under load-bearing conditions, leading to unstable and brittle structures that can degrade image quality and safety.
Innovation Solution
The development of non-metallic, articulating, and lockable interconnecting joints using high-strength laminar sheeting for variable positioning across the x, y, and z axes, eliminating the need for metal components and providing stable, radiolucent support for anatomical positioning in medical imaging technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic components are used in anatomical positioning systems, then strength and load-bearing capacity are improved, but imaging artifacts and field uniformity distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metallic components entirely from the anatomical positioning system, extracting the harmful element that causes imaging artifacts while maintaining structural integrity through non-metallic materials. The positioning system eliminates all metal parts including fasteners, joints, and support structures that previously caused field distortion and streak artifacts in MRI and radiographic imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite non-metallic materials to replace metallic components, combining materials with high strength-to-weight ratios and radiolucent properties. These composite materials provide the necessary load-bearing capacity while remaining invisible to imaging modalities, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and imaging artifact generation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If non-metallic materials are used to eliminate artifacts, then imaging quality is improved, but structural strength and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes advanced composite non-metallic materials that combine high strength, rigidity, and radiolucent properties. These composite materials maintain structural stability and reliability under load-bearing conditions while eliminating imaging artifacts, directly addressing the contradiction between imaging quality and structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into modular segments connected by articulating joints, allowing each component to be optimized for both strength and radiolucency. The segmented design distributes mechanical loads across multiple non-metallic components, maintaining overall structural reliability while eliminating metal-induced artifacts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable positioning capability is added across multiple axes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into modular segments connected by articulating joints, enabling variable positioning across multiple axes through coordinated movement of discrete components. This segmentation allows complex positioning capabilities to be achieved through simpler, standardized joint mechanisms rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating joints provide dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing the system to adapt to various anatomical configurations through controlled movement. The joints enable smooth transitions between positions while maintaining stability when locked, balancing adaptability with operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique of forming a joint employing laminar sheeting is provided. At least a portion of the laminar sheeting includes a material that is substantially artifact-free such that the joint causes little imaging artifacts when medically imaged over at least a portion of the laminar sheeting including the rotational axis of said joint, which is at least useful for variable angular articulation of at least one anatomic supporting member joined to the joint and the normal anatomic positioning of at least one anatomic supporting member during normal anatomic positioning use.