Patient transfer support locating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient transport systems lack cost-effectiveness and improved features for accurate positioning and repositioning of patients during treatment and imaging procedures, which is crucial for ensuring precise radiation delivery and sparing healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
A patient transfer support locating device with a bar featuring top and bottom locating features, a safety stop, and a keying feature that engages with indexing features on treatment or imaging couches, allowing for precise alignment and immobilization of patients, constructed from MRI-compatible materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a patient transfer support locating device with multiple locating features is used, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device is segmented into multiple independent locating features (top locating feature, bottom locating feature, and keying feature) that can engage with corresponding indexing features on different surfaces. This segmentation allows each feature to independently contribute to positioning precision while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar structure serves as an intermediary element that connects the top locating feature, bottom locating feature, and keying feature into a single integrated device. This intermediary structure enables multiple positioning functions without requiring a complex multi-component system.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple locating features are added to ensure accurate positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locating features (top locating feature, bottom locating feature, and keying feature) are merged into a single bar structure, forming one integrated locating device. This merging achieves high positioning accuracy through multiple engagement points while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar structure is designed as a universal locating device that performs multiple functions: the top locating feature engages with the patient transfer support, the bottom locating feature engages with the couch top, and the keying feature provides lateral positioning. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive positioning accuracy without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient transfer system is provided to move a patient between modalities. The system includes a deploying modality having a top surface configured to support the patient; a patient transfer support positionable on the top surface of the deploying modality, the patient transfer support also being configured for movement from the top surface of the deploying modality to a top surface of the receiving modality; a patient transfer support locating feature positionable to limit movement of the patient transfer support relative to the top surface of the receiving modality; and a keying feature positionable to engage at least one of a surface associated with the receiving modality or a surface of the patient transfer support, the keying feature being configured to inhibit movement of the patient transfer support in at least one direction relative to the top surface of the receiving modality. The patient transfer support locating feature limits the range of movement of the patient transfer support relative to the top surface of the receiving modality when the patient transfer support is moved from the top surface of the deploying modality to the top surface of the receiving modality.