Patient Table Positioning Unit for Medical Imaging Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient positioning methods for medical imaging examinations, such as magnetic resonance, are either risky due to the use of positioning lasers or inefficient due to distant and rough displays, leading to potential incorrect positioning and increased preparation time.
Innovation Solution
A patient positioning device with a movable patient table and integrated position input and output units, allowing direct control and feedback at the patient's side, ensuring accurate positioning within the medical imaging device's isocenter without requiring the user to manually move the table into a defined position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a positioning laser is used to mark the patient area, then positioning can be achieved, but patient safety is compromised due to risk of laser projection onto sensitive areas like eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the positioning laser from the system entirely and replaces it with a mechanical positioning system using scale markings and a position indicator on the patient table. This extracts the harmful laser element while preserving the positioning function through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a position indicator as an intermediary element between the user and the positioning system. This indicator, visible in the user's field of vision, mediates the positioning process by providing visual feedback about the patient table position without requiring direct laser projection onto the patient.
2Loss of information
If a display mounted on the scanner is used to show position information, then position can be determined, but user accessibility is poor because the user is too far away and the representation is rough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the position information display from a distant scanner-mounted screen to the immediate vicinity of the user by placing it on the patient table itself. This spatial relocation in another dimension makes the information directly accessible and visible in the user's field of vision during patient positioning.
3Ease of operation
If manual positioning by moving the patient table is required, then positioning control is possible, but preparation time increases due to manual adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position indicator provides real-time visual feedback about the patient table position relative to the isocenter. This feedback allows users to make quick, accurate adjustments without time-consuming trial and error, thereby reducing preparation time while maintaining positioning control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a patient positioning device with a movable patient table, wherein the movable patient table is designed to be moved into a patient reception area of a medical imaging device, and a positioning unit with a position input unit which is arranged on a lateral edge area of the patient table, wherein the positioning unit comprises a position output unit which is arranged on the lateral edge area of the patient table.