Patient Bed Docking Collimator Assembly Weight Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient beds with collimator assemblies require an elevation mechanism to support both the patient and the collimator assembly, leading to unnecessary weight-bearing demands when the patient is present, which increases the complexity and weight requirements of the system.
Innovation Solution
A patient bed with a platform-based elevation mechanism and self-aligning docking assemblies that selectively support the collimator assembly's weight, using guide pins and rods for secure docking and locking, allowing the platform to bear the weight when a patient is present and redistributing it to the elevation mechanism when the patient is not, thereby reducing the overall weight-bearing demand on the elevation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the elevation mechanism supports both the patient and the collimator assembly, then the patient bed can operate during patient procedures, but the weight-bearing demand on the elevation mechanism increases unnecessarily when no patient is present
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: during patient procedures, the elevation mechanism supports both patient and collimator assembly; when no patient is present, the collimator assembly is docked to the platform and supported by it alone. This dynamic reconfiguration of load-bearing responsibilities reduces unnecessary weight demands on the elevation mechanism while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform acts as an intermediary load-bearing structure that can independently support the collimator assembly when docked. This intermediary structure relieves the elevation mechanism from continuously supporting the collimator assembly's weight, reducing force demands while ensuring the patient bed remains fully functional during procedures.
2Device complexity
If the collimator assembly is fixedly supported by the bed frame, then the structure is simple, but the elevation mechanism must be oversized to handle maximum weight
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator assembly transitions from a fixed support configuration to a movable, dockable configuration. During patient procedures, it docks with the platform; during maintenance, it can be accessed independently. This dynamic approach allows the use of a smaller, more efficient elevation mechanism while maintaining structural simplicity through the docking interface.
3Reliability
If the elevation mechanism is designed for maximum weight capacity, then it can support patient plus collimator assembly, but it overcomplicates the system and increases weight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The weight-bearing function is segmented between two structures: the elevation mechanism handles dynamic positioning during procedures, while the platform handles static support of the collimator assembly when docked. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform serves as an intermediary support structure that shares the weight-bearing responsibility with the elevation mechanism. This intermediary structure enables the elevation mechanism to be smaller and less complex, as it only needs to handle the patient's weight plus partial collimator assembly weight during procedures, not the full static load continuously.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient bed is provided having an elevation mechanism resting on a platform and a collimator assembly, where the weight of the collimator assembly is selectively supported by one of the combination of the elevation mechanism and the platform when there is no patient laying on a mattress of the patient bed, and the platform alone when there is a patient laying on the mattress of the patient bed. The patient bed further includes first and second docking assemblies respectively mounted to a bed frame and the platform for docking the collimator assembly. The docking assemblies include self-aligning guide pins for maintaining a horizontal position of the collimator assembly and its collimators therein during docking and post-docking.