Patient Table Lock Mechanism for Emergency Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiographic apparatuses face challenges in safely and efficiently extracting the patient table gurney from the gantry, particularly in emergency situations, and in providing clear visual signals for the operational status of the radiation source, which can lead to accidental collisions and compromised patient safety.
Innovation Solution
A lock/unlock system for the table gurney that allows fast and efficient extraction and blocking, combined with a lighting system using translucent gantry housings to visually indicate the radiation source's status, enabling intuitive and rapid manual operation and ensuring safety even in the absence of electrical supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gurney is blocked in inserted position during image acquisition, then stability is improved and movement artifacts are prevented, but the ability to rapidly extract in emergency situations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static blocked state to a dynamically controllable state through the emergency release system. The gurney can be rapidly unlocked and extracted by activating the emergency release, which disengages the blocking mechanism, allowing quick removal while maintaining stability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency release mechanism extracts or removes the blocking function when activated. The release system separates the locking engagement from the gurney structure, allowing the blocking action to be selectively removed in emergency situations without compromising normal operational stability.
2Productivity
If automatic movement system is used, then productivity is improved and acquisition time is reduced, but the ability to manually control in emergencies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gurney system integrates both automatic movement capability and manual control functions into a single multi-functional platform. The emergency release mechanism enables manual override of the automatic system, allowing the same apparatus to operate in both automated high-speed mode and manual emergency mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency release acts as an intermediary mechanism between the automatic movement system and manual control. It provides a bridge that allows operators to intervene and take control when needed, while the automatic system operates during normal conditions.
3Reliability
If translucent housing with lighting is added, then safety signaling is improved and operational status is clearly indicated, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is merged with the gantry housing structure itself. The housing is made translucent and integrates light sources, combining the structural element with the safety signaling function into a single unified component rather than adding separate signaling devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The gantry housing serves dual functions: it provides structural support and containment while simultaneously acting as a safety signal indicator through its translucent properties and integrated lighting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Imaging apparatus comprising a patient table (2) intended for supporting a lying patient, comprising a gurney (6) and a base (7), wherein said gurney can slide between two extreme positions with respect to said base in a direction longitudinal to the gurney itself, there being provided an electrically supplied motoreducer (10) controlled by a control unit, in order to slide said table along at least an axis of the space, comprising an lock/unlock system (8) of said sliding, characterized in that said lock/unlock system (8) of said sliding is a mechanical system independent from the electrical supply, manually controlled by a grabbing organ like a handle (9) which is actuated by a human operator. According to a further feature which might be provided in combination with the above features, the said patient table is provided in combination with a gantry (3) in its turn comprising a housing (60; 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) transparent to light radiations for at least part of its surface extension, and a control unit of the radiographic apparatus (1), wherein to the said housing or a part of it at least a source of monochromatic or polychromatic light radiation is associated, and said control unit is configured so as to allow that, when said apparatus (1) is electrically supplied, and or another status conditions are determined by means of one or more status sensors said light radiation source is illuminated and said housing (60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) lights up in its translucent parts signalling the said status condition.