Pneumatic Medical Imaging Probe Fixation and Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging probe fixation methods, such as strap-based and adhesive systems, are inadequate for long-term monitoring and precise adjustment, especially in emergency or resource-constrained environments, as they lack flexibility and stability, and are difficult for less trained users to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A support unit with a pneumatic positioning mechanism and air pump system that creates a suction force for secure fixation and allows for fine adjustment of the probe's position without manual manipulation, enabling easy switching between fixed and non-fixed modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strap-based fixation is used to secure the probe to the body, then the probe is held firmly in place, but the system requires large surface area coverage and prevents fine adjustment of probe position
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fixation function into two independent components: a suction attachment mechanism for secure positioning and a separate pneumatic adjustment mechanism for fine position changes. This segmentation allows the probe to be firmly held while enabling easy repositioning without releasing the fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixation (straps or adhesives that prevent movement) to dynamic fixation where the probe can be adjusted in position while remaining attached. The pneumatic actuator enables continuous position changes during the imaging session.
2Reliability
If adhesive-based probe holders are used to fixate the probe, then the probe is secured to the body surface, but fine adjustment in position is precluded and the probe may slip after fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic actuator transforms the static adhesive fixation into a dynamic system where the probe position can be continuously adjusted. The actuator applies controlled force to reposition the probe while the adhesive maintains attachment to the skin surface.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic actuator uses compressed gas to generate controlled mechanical force for adjusting the probe position. This allows precise, programmable position changes without manual manipulation, enabling the system to adapt to patient movement or changing imaging requirements.
3Measurement precision
If a trained individual manually holds the probe for long duration imaging, then accurate image acquisition is achieved, but valuable personnel resources are consumed and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-adjusting probe positioning through the pneumatic actuator that automatically repositions the probe based on pre-programmed imaging protocols. This eliminates the need for continuous manual monitoring and adjustment by trained personnel during long-duration imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment by trained personnel is replaced with an automated pneumatic actuation system. The actuator provides controlled, repeatable probe positioning without requiring human intervention, freeing personnel for other tasks.
4Reliability
If large straps are used to extend around body parts for probe fixation, then secure fixation is achieved, but the compact footprint is lost and cardiac stabilization may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The large strap structure is removed from the system and replaced with a compact suction-based fixation mechanism. This extracts the harmful large-area coverage while retaining the essential function of secure probe attachment to the body surface.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic suction mechanism provides secure fixation without requiring large straps. The suction force is concentrated at a small contact area between the device base and skin, achieving reliable attachment with minimal surface area coverage and without interfering with cardiac stabilization.
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
The pneumatic support unit provides stable and adjustable fixation of medical imaging elements, allowing for precise positioning and automatic compensation against slippage, facilitating use by less trained users and improving image quality over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
the air pump mechanism further controllable in use to create a suction force at the skin engaging area for holding the body against an incident skin surface with which it engages
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic positioning mechanism for adjusting a positioning of a received medical imaging element relative to the support body; the air pump mechanism arranged for supplying air to the pneumatic positioning mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging element support unit is for use in fixing a medical imaging element (26) releasably against a region of skin of a subject. The includes a support body (14), having a base for engaging with skin of a subject in use and having a coupling means (22) for releasably coupling the medical imaging element (26) to the support body in use. A pneumatic positioning mechanism facilitates adjustment of a position of the medical imaging element relative to the support body, this being fluidly supplied by an air pump mechanism. The same air pump mechanism facilitates releasable fixation of the support body (14) to the skin, through creation of a configurable suction force at the skin engagement surface.