Pivoting CT Body Support Board for Stable Split Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computed tomography scanners face challenges in safely and stably positioning patients in split positions between the imaging device and a patient bed, particularly during transitions, and ensuring compatibility with the mobility of both components in clinical workflows.

Innovation Solution

A body support device with a pivotably mounted board that can move between preparation, examination, and transport positions, equipped with a locking system and damper, allowing for stable positioning and mobility, and a holding device to adjust the distance between pivot and system axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the board is made mobile to accommodate patient positioning transitions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and safety of patient positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidstability and safety of patient positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The board is designed with a pivoting mechanism that allows it to rotate between a horizontal examination position and a vertical storage position. This dynamic configuration enables the board to transition from a stable support surface during imaging to a compact storage state when not in use, accommodating patient positioning transitions while maintaining stability during actual use through controlled pivoting motion around a horizontal axis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The board is pre-configured with a pivoting mechanism and locking system that allows it to be quickly positioned and secured in the examination position before patient placement. The preliminary setup of the pivoting mechanism ensures that when the board needs to be used, it can be rapidly deployed to the correct position and angle, improving ease of operation while maintaining stability through the pre-engineered support structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the board is made detachable for complete removal, then the ease of manufacture and maintenance is improved, but the time required for assembly and disassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufacture and maintenanceVSAvoidtime required for assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The board is segmented into a main board structure and a separate pivoting mechanism assembly. This segmentation allows the board to be manufactured and maintained as modular components, where the pivoting mechanism can be serviced independently from the board surface. The segmented design enables easier manufacturing and maintenance while the integrated connection reduces assembly time compared to completely detachable designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting mechanism is merged with the board structure through a integrated connection system that combines the support function and the positioning function into a single unified assembly. This merging allows the board to pivot independently while remaining structurally integrated, reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled and disassembled, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables stable and safe split patient positioning, accommodating patient-specific anatomical features, and reduces labor intensity by allowing for adjustments without complete detachment and reattachment of the board, enhancing clinical workflow efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first pivoting movement of the board about the pivot axis causes the board to lower from the preparation position to the examination position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4260808B1Computer tomography unit with body support
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • EP4260808B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4260808B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4260808B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a computed tomography device (1) comprising a gantry (20) with an opening (9) and a body support device (75) for supporting a body (15) of a person (13), wherein the body support device (75) has a board (7) and is arranged relative to the opening (9) such that a shoulder area of ​​the body (15) of the person (13) rests on the board (7) when the board (7) is in an examination position relative to the gantry (20) and a head (14) of the person (13) is inserted into the opening (9) along a system axis (SA) of the gantry (20), characterized in that the body support device (75) has a pivoting device (70) and the board (7) is pivotably mounted relative to the gantry (20) about a pivot axis (7A) by means of the pivoting device (70).that by a first pivoting movement of the board (7) about the pivot axis (7A) the board (7) can be moved relative to the gantry (20) from a preparation position of the board (7) to the examination position of the board (7).