U-Shaped Radiological Mask Frame With Central Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing masks for radiological diagnostics and radio-oncological treatments face issues with unstable positioning due to brittle frame materials and incorrect attachment of thermoplastic mask material, leading to frame damage and compromised patient head fixation.
Innovation Solution
A disposable mask with a U-shaped frame featuring a central locking mechanism in the legs, made from less solid but more durable polycarbonate, ensures secure attachment to the positioning device, preventing bending and lifting, and a thermoplastically deformable mask material that is firmly connected to the frame for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the frame is made from less solid but more durable polycarbonate material, then the frame becomes more resistant to damage, but the frame may bend in the central area of the legs and lift off the base plate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple sections with individual locking means at different locations (central locking means in the central region of the legs, and additional locking means at other positions). This segmentation allows each section to be independently stabilized, preventing overall frame bending while maintaining durability throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means are pre-positioned on the frame before use, with the central locking means specifically located in the central region of the legs. This preliminary placement ensures that when the frame is assembled and placed on the base plate, the central area is immediately stabilized, preventing bending and lifting before the mask material is adapted or during treatment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mask material is thermoplastically deformable to adapt to patient's head shape, then the mask provides custom fit and comfort, but incorrect attachment of mask material to frame can occur leading to unstable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The mask assembly is segmented into the frame component and the mask material component, with the frame serving as a stable structural base. The locking means on the frame provide fixed attachment points that ensure the mask material is correctly positioned and secured, preventing incorrect attachment while maintaining the ability of the mask material to deform and adapt to the patient's head shape.
3Reliability
If the entire mask is designed as disposable, then cost consequences and delivery delays from frame damage are eliminated, but the frame requires sufficient strength to prevent bending and lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable mask is segmented into a frame with multiple locking means and the mask material. The frame is designed with locking means (including central locking means in the central region of the legs) that provide enhanced structural stability, allowing the frame to maintain sufficient strength to prevent bending and lifting even though the overall design uses less material for cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame has non-uniform structural properties with locking means concentrated at critical locations (central region of legs and other key positions). This local reinforcement provides enhanced strength and stability where needed most, while the rest of the frame can use less material, maintaining the disposable cost-effective design while preventing bending and lifting.
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 solution provides a stable and motionless fixation of the patient's head and shoulder area during treatment, reducing frame damage and ensuring precise positioning without causing cost or delivery delays, while maintaining a lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
The resulting finished mask is heated until the mask material is plastically deformable
Implementation Method 2
The fitted mask is hardened by cooling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The mask (1) has a U-shaped frame (2) comprising central fixing units i.e. pins (40), in its central portion, where the frame and a thermoplastic mask material (3) are firmly connected with each other. The frame is partially manufactured from polycarbonate, and the central fixing units are attached to a control unit and to an outer surface of legs (12a, 12b) of the frame. The legs are interconnected by a connection rod (11), and a pivot (30) is arranged in a middle of the connection rod. A knuckle expands the legs of the frame. An independent claim is also included for a storage device comprising a base board.