Patient Bed Interface Module for Parallel Imaging Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging systems face challenges in parallel preparation of multiple patients due to long preparation times, manual connection of coils and sensors, and increased latency, which affect patient throughput and workflow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A patient bed with an interface module allowing for automatic connection of medical devices to a control unit, enabling parallel preparation and functionality testing of multiple patients before scanning, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection of coils and sensors is performed at the scanner, then device functionality can be verified, but preparation time increases and patient throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary connection and verification of coils and sensors at the patient bed before patient transfer to the scanner. The interface module enables automatic connection of medical devices to the control unit in advance, allowing functionality testing to be completed during patient preparation rather than at the scanner, thus eliminating waiting time and improving throughput while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automatic connection capabilities where the interface module autonomously connects medical devices to the control unit without requiring manual intervention at the scanner. This automated process verifies device functionality independently, reducing dependency on manual operations and accelerating the preparation workflow
2Reliability
If sequential patient preparation is performed, then device resources are not overwhelmed, but preparation latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the patient preparation process by implementing independent interface modules at multiple patient beds, allowing parallel preparation of multiple patients simultaneously. Each bed can independently connect and verify medical devices without interfering with other beds, enabling concurrent processing that reduces overall preparation latency while maintaining resource management through controlled access to the scanner
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module acts as an intermediary between medical devices and the control unit, enabling automatic connection and verification processes that can occur in parallel across multiple patient beds. This intermediary layer manages device resources efficiently while allowing simultaneous preparation activities, reducing preparation latency without overwhelming the scanner system
3Productivity
If automatic connection is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module is designed as a universal component that can be integrated into multiple patient beds with the same functionality. It handles automatic connection, device verification, and communication with the control unit through standardized protocols, enabling operational efficiency across the system without requiring complex custom solutions for each bed
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical connection processes with automated electronic connection through the interface module. The automatic connection capability uses software-controlled interfaces and digital communication protocols to establish connections and verify devices, eliminating the need for manual plugging and testing while managing complexity through software-based solutions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a patient bed for accommodating a patient in a medical imaging system. The patient bed comprises a table top configured for receiving the patient and an interface module comprising a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is configured to be communicationally connected to at least one medical device attached to the patient, and the second interface is configured to be communicationally connected to a control unit for communicating with the at least one medical device. Thus, it is possible to prepare multiple patients in parallel on multiple patient beds before transporting the patients to the medical imaging apparatus. Sensors and coils can be attached to the patient and there functionality can be tested in advance before entering the scanner room for medical imaging.