Radiolucent Imaging Table for Unobstructed Patient Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiological imaging systems face challenges with patient access and maneuverability due to restraining straps that obstruct X-ray visualization and require multiple device changes for different analyses, leading to increased procedure time and risk.
Innovation Solution
A radiolucent imaging table with adjustable and portable features, including a bed made of materials with reduced Hounsfield units, allowing unobstructed clinician access and enabling the bed to be moved within a circular gantry for multimodality imaging, and detachable from the imaging system for transport to other locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If restraining straps are used to keep the patient still during imaging, then patient stability is improved, but X-ray visualization of adjacent portions is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining function is extracted from traditional straps and transferred to the radiolucent bed structure itself. The bed's design allows it to secure the patient through its construction (side rails, positioning mechanisms) rather than using separate opaque straps, thereby maintaining stability without blocking X-rays.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the bed are changed to be radiolucent (allowing X-ray passage) while maintaining mechanical strength for patient restraint. This parameter change in material composition enables the bed to perform both support/restrain functions without the harmful side effect of X-ray blockage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radiological imaging devices are used for different analyses, then imaging capability is improved, but procedure time and patient handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiological imaging device is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple types of analyses (e.g., CT scanning, fluoroscopy, radiography) using a single integrated system. The bed and imaging apparatus can be reconfigured for different modalities without requiring physical transfer between devices, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining comprehensive imaging capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the patient is moved between imaging device and treatment/surgical bed, then access for different procedures is improved, but patient risk and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiological imaging device is merged with treatment and surgical capabilities in a single integrated system. The bed serves multiple functions (imaging, treatment, surgery) without requiring patient transfer, thereby improving patient safety by eliminating repeated handling while maintaining adaptability for different procedures.
4Device complexity
If traditional bed structure is used for repositioning, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ease of maneuver and access to patient region of interest deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is designed with dynamic, adjustable components including height adjustment mechanisms, tilt functions, and movable sections that allow easy repositioning of the patient. These dynamic features enable operators to gain access to the patient's region of interest from multiple angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 quick and safe patient movement, reduces procedure time, and allows for unobstructed clinician access during imaging, enabling efficient performance of various analyses without the need for multiple device changes.
Implementation Method 1
the bed that includes a table that may be put through the gantry of the radiological imaging system. The area of the bed that may be in the imaging area may be radiolucent
Implementation Method 2
at least of portion of the bed is made from a material having reduced Hounsfield units (HU) such as, for instance, a composite material with a polymer matrix and fiber reinforcement
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for providing a radiological imaging system including a table for greater access to patient region of interest. The imaging system includes a gantry defining an analysis zone.. A source suitable to emit radiation and at least one detector suitable to receive the radiation are housed within the gantry. The system includes a translating component to translate the gantry in a main direction. The system includes a bed extending along the main direction and having a table top to support a patient, a base, and at least one support member connected between the table top and the base. The table top may translate along the main direction, and at least one support member is adjustable to raise and lower the table top. The table top may also be translating in a direction perpendicular to the main direction in a Y axis or tilted along the Z axis.