Projected Safety Zone Marking for Mobile Radiography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to provide a simple and reliable method for determining the safety zone around mobile radiology apparatus during bedside radiography, leaving healthcare professionals and others unprotected due to reliance on technician estimation and complex systems.
Innovation Solution
A device that emits a light beam to project a predetermined safety zone on a projection surface, using distance measurement and control units to ensure the zone's dimensions are accurately visible, regardless of the room's dimensions or distance from the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a technician provides only verbal warnings and estimates the safety zone distance, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of safety zone determination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser line emitter as an intermediary visual indicator between the radiation source and the safety boundary. This mediator projects a visible laser line on the ground that clearly marks the safety zone perimeter, eliminating the need for complex calculations or verbal communication while providing reliable, intuitive guidance for maintaining safe distances during mobile radiography procedures.
2Measurement precision
If the safety zone is defined by technician estimation in cluttered rooms, then the device complexity remains low, but the measurement precision of the safety zone dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical method of technician estimation and manual measurement with an optical system. The laser line emitter projects a precise visual boundary that automatically defines the safety zone dimensions, eliminating estimation errors and providing consistent, accurate marking regardless of room clutter or technician experience level.
3Reliability
If complex safety zone systems are implemented, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the laser line emitter automatically projects the safety zone boundary without requiring manual measurement, calculation, or adjustment by the technician. The system self-configures to provide accurate safety zone marking, eliminating complex setup procedures while maintaining high reliability and precision in the safety indication.
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 easy visualization of a safety zone, protecting individuals by ensuring they move outside the radiation area, reducing unnecessary exposures and optimizing care organization during bedside X-rays.
Implementation Method 1
emission means for emitting a light beam toward a projection surface so as to form a light image thereon
Implementation Method 2
means for measuring the distance between the emission means for emitting the light beam and the projection surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device for signaling a zone having predetermined dimensions around the device, the device includes emission structure for emitting a light beam towards a projection surface so as to form a light image thereon; measuring structure for measuring the distance between the emission structure for emitting the light beam and the projection surface; and a control unit for determining, on the basis of the measured distance and the predetermined parameters of the zone to be signaled, the arrangement of the emission structure so as to emit a light beam whose light image on the projection surface visibly defines a zone whose dimensions correspond to the zone to be signaled having predetermined dimensions around the device.