Radiological Examination Device for Large Animals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiological examination beds are cumbersome and difficult to use, especially for large animals, as they require the animal to be sedated and positioned lying down, which limits image quality due to the use of belts or straps over the region of interest.
Innovation Solution
A supporting device with perimeter side members that contain the animal in a horizontal plane, allowing it to stand and be positioned without sedation, using a wedge-shaped examination portion made of X-ray transparent materials that can be adjusted and moved independently to accommodate different body parts, and sliding means for mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional radiological beds are used to support the patient, then the patient can be positioned for imaging, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to use especially for large animals
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into perimeter side members that can independently contain and position different body parts. Each side member acts as an independent segment that can be adjusted and positioned separately, making the overall device easier to operate while maintaining positioning capability for large animals
Solution Approach 2:
The perimeter side members are made movable and adjustable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the containment space. This enables easy adaptation to different animal sizes and body parts while simplifying the positioning process
2Measurement precision
If the animal is positioned lying down on a flat bed, then imaging can be performed, but the quality of images is compromised due to belts or straps passing over the region of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for belts and straps by using perimeter side members that contain the animal through their geometric arrangement rather than restraining elements. This extraction of harmful restraining elements eliminates image interference while maintaining animal positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The perimeter side members act as intermediaries between the animal and the imaging system, providing containment and positioning without direct contact with the region of interest. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for restraining elements that would interfere with imaging
3Reliability
If belts or straps are used to prevent animal movement, then the animal can be kept still for imaging, but these elements interfere with the acquisition of clear images
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes belts and straps from the system, replacing them with a geometric containment structure formed by perimeter side members. This extraction eliminates the source of image interference while maintaining animal stability through the containment geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The perimeter side members create a flexible containment environment that adapts to the animal's body shape without requiring rigid restraining elements. This flexible containment provides stability while remaining transparent to X-rays and not interfering with image acquisition
4Ease of operation
If the animal is sedated to prevent movement, then positioning becomes easier, but this requires additional medication and handling procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service positioning where the animal can be placed in the correct position without sedation assistance. The perimeter side members guide and contain the animal naturally, allowing the system to achieve positioning without external chemical assistance
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
Facilitates easy and accurate radiological imaging of large animals without sedation, allowing for precise positioning and clear image acquisition without interfering elements, enhancing the examination process for both the animal and the radiologist.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge-shaped examination portion (5), protruding with respect to the containment portion (4), suitable to contain the part of the body to be examined and made of at least one material substantially transparent to X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
A device for performing a radiological examination on a patient having a part of the body examined includes a housing with an openable containment portion and an examination portion. The containment portion and the examination portion together substantially enclose the patient. The examination portion is substantially transparent to X-rays and is configured to contain the part of the body to be examined.