Weight-Bearing Radiological Imaging Device for In-Field Leg Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dynamic CT scanning of lower limbs in weight-bearing conditions fail to keep the body part of interest within the imaging modality's field of view during movement, leading to incomplete data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base structure and counteracting structure that applies opposing loads to maintain the body part of interest within the imaging field by simulating weight-bearing movements, using radiolucent and non-ferromagnetic materials to prevent image artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the patient is positioned horizontally on the scanner bed for dynamic CT scanning, then weight-bearing conditions can be simulated using loading devices, but the legs cannot move and real-time dynamic CT data of moving anatomy cannot be acquired
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the loading function (applied to the feet) from the movement function (allowed at the hip joint). The upper leg is fixed to provide stability for load application, while the lower leg is free to move, enabling segmentation of static and dynamic components in the same system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the body are assigned different degrees of freedom: the upper leg is constrained to remain stationary to maintain loading conditions, while the lower leg is allowed to move freely to capture dynamic motion. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between maintaining load and enabling movement.
2Productivity
If the lower leg is allowed to move during dynamic CT scanning, then real-time dynamic CT data can be acquired, but the body part of interest moves out of the imaging modality's field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces longitudinal movement along the scanner bed (one dimension) while maintaining transverse positioning within the imaging field (another dimension). The lower leg can move forward and backward along the bed length while the upper leg remains positioned within the imaging field, effectively adding a movement dimension that doesn't compromise field of view coverage.
3Strength
If ferromagnetic materials are used in the loading device to provide structural support, then device strength is improved, but the device cannot be used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition of the loading device is changed from ferromagnetic to non-ferromagnetic materials. This parameter change maintains the structural strength required for load-bearing while fundamentally altering the magnetic properties to enable compatibility with MRI imaging modalities in addition to CT scanning.
4Force
If the loading device applies load to the feet, then weight-bearing conditions are achieved, but the load cannot be adjusted to match different patient weights
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The load magnitude can be modified to match different patient weights, and the loading direction can be adjusted. This dynamic capability allows the same device to accommodate various patient sizes and weight-bearing requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for use with a weight-bearing radiological imaging modality scanner. The device comprises: - a base structure (11) slidably mounted with respect to a table (10), said base structure being at one end provided with a platform (12) making an angle relative to the table, and - a counteracting structure (20) arranged to apply to the table a first load exerting force in a direction towards the one end provided with the platform from the opposite end of the base structure and to apply to the base structure a second load exerting force in a direction from the one end provided with the platform to the opposite end of the base structure.