Patient Transfer Board Alignment for Accurate Image Co-Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems face challenges in accurately co-registering images when patients are transferred between different imaging modalities due to movement and spatial constraints, requiring large spaces for transporters and tables, and posing difficulties for single-person patient handling, especially with heavy patients.
Innovation Solution
A patient transfer board with an elongated design featuring alignment slots and inflatable membranes to facilitate precise positioning and reduced friction during lateral movement, allowing for smooth transfer between imaging systems and accommodating various patient sizes and weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transporter and table are positioned end-to-end for docking, then the patient transfer is enabled, but the room space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer board enables patient movement from a longitudinal arrangement (transporter end-to-end with table) to a lateral arrangement (transporter beside table). The board slides perpendicular to the table length, utilizing lateral space instead of longitudinal space, thus reducing the required room footprint while maintaining transfer functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer board acts as an intermediary device between the transporter and imaging table. It provides a sliding interface that allows patient transfer without requiring direct end-to-end docking, thereby reducing space requirements while enabling seamless patient movement between positions.
2Productivity
If manual patient transfer is performed without assistance, then staff efficiency is improved, but the ability to transfer heavy patients is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual lifting and positioning mechanics with a pneumatic system. Inflatable membranes provide upward force to support and elevate the patient on the transfer board, eliminating the need for staff to physically lift heavy patients while maintaining single-operator capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic system with inflatable membranes is integrated into the transfer board. These membranes can be inflated to provide lifting force, enabling a single operator to transfer patients of any weight by controlling the pneumatic assistance rather than relying on manual strength.
3Device complexity
If the transfer board is positioned without precise alignment mechanisms, then the setup is simpler, but image co-registration accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system uses feedback from reference elements detected by sensors to automatically adjust and position the transfer board. The system monitors the position of reference elements on the imaging table and provides feedback to motors that adjust the board's position, ensuring precise alignment without complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer board incorporates automatic alignment capabilities where reference elements on the board and table work together with sensors and motors to self-position the board correctly. This self-aligning mechanism achieves high precision without requiring complex external alignment equipment or procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances image co-registration accuracy, reduces spatial requirements, and enables single-person patient handling by ensuring precise alignment and reduced friction during transfers between imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable membrane is configured to inflate when a flow of air is provided to the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The sidewalls are configured to engage the corresponding reference elements and direct the transfer board toward a designated position
Data Source
AI summary
A patient transfer board including an elongated board body that extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis between leading and trailing ends of the board body. The transfer board has a top side and an underside of the board body. The underside includes first and second side edges that extend along the longitudinal axis. The underside includes alignment slots having respective openings at the first side edge. The alignment slots are defined by interior sidewalls. The alignment slots are configured to receive reference elements of the patient table through the respective openings when the transfer board is moved in a lateral direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The sidewalls are configured to engage the corresponding reference elements and direct the transfer board toward a designated position.