Radiograph Stand Integrating Weigh Scale for Weight-Bearing X-Ray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiographic equipment lacks the ability to objectively verify the weight distribution on a patient's limbs during weight-bearing x-rays, leading to potential misdiagnosis due to inadequate weight placement, which can distort images and affect the accuracy of orthopedic assessments.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a weigh scale into the radiographic equipment, allowing simultaneous measurement and recording of the weight placed on the limbs during weight-bearing radiographs, with optional audio or visual triggering mechanisms to ensure accurate weight-bearing positions are maintained during x-ray capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight-bearing radiographs are taken without objective weight verification, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the diagnostic accuracy is compromised due to inadequate weight placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a weigh scale with the radiographic equipment, merging two previously separate functions (weight measurement and x-ray imaging) into a single integrated system. This allows simultaneous acquisition of both weight data and radiographic images, ensuring accurate weight-bearing measurements without requiring separate verification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time weight information to the operator during the radiographic procedure. This feedback allows for immediate verification of proper weight placement and enables adjustments to be made before the actual imaging occurs, ensuring diagnostic accuracy.
2Reliability
If weight distribution is not monitored during radiographs, then the equipment operation is simple, but image quality and diagnostic reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated weigh scale automatically measures and records weight distribution during the radiographic procedure without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors the weight-bearing conditions and can trigger the x-ray capture automatically when proper weight placement is detected, reducing the operational burden on the technician.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual assessment of weight-bearing status with automated electronic weight sensors and digital measurement systems. This substitution of mechanical/judgment-based methods with electronic sensing and data processing enhances reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated functions.
3Measurement precision
If manual weight assessment is used during radiographs, then the equipment remains simple, but measurement accuracy is insufficient due to subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The weigh scale acts as an intermediary device between the patient's weight-bearing action and the radiographic imaging process. It objectively measures the weight distribution and provides this data to the system, eliminating the need for subjective manual assessment and ensuring accurate, quantifiable weight information is captured alongside the images.
Data Source
AI summary
A radiograph stand allowing weight placed on an injured leg/foot be measured and recorded while taking a weight-bearing radiograph. A method for taking weight bearing radiograph of a patient's foot, ankle, leg, knee, thigh, hip, pelvis, and spine.