Removable Patient Pallet With Runway for Multi-Modality Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical imaging systems often require patients to be transferred between different imaging modalities with uniquely designed patient tables, leading to increased costs and space requirements due to the need for multiple tables with different configurations.

Innovation Solution

A removable pallet configured to be mounted on patient tables, featuring a runway to slidably engage transfer boards, allowing for secure and efficient transfer of patients between imaging systems while enabling standard imaging sessions without the need for multiple specially designed tables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If patient tables are specially designed to receive transfer boards for multi-modality imaging, then patient transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to needing multiple differently configured tables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient transfer capabilityVSAvoidtable configuration variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patient table is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both standard patient positioning and transfer board reception. The table includes a standardized docking station with coupling mechanisms that work with different transfer board configurations, allowing one table design to serve multiple imaging modalities without requiring modality-specific table variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer board interface is segmented into modular components including removable coupling devices and adjustable support elements. This segmentation allows the same table design to be configured for different transfer board types by simply adjusting or replacing modular components rather than redesigning the entire table for each modality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specially designed patient tables are used for different imaging modalities, then patient transfer functionality is improved, but space requirements and storage costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-modality supportVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single patient table design with universal coupling mechanisms replaces the need for multiple modality-specific tables. The table's docking station can interface with transfer boards from different imaging modalities (CT, MRI, x-ray), eliminating the space requirements for storing and managing multiple different table configurations in the facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If standard patient tables are used without special transfer board interfaces, then device simplicity is maintained, but patient transfer capability and security are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable design simplicityVSAvoidpatient transfer security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A standardized docking station acts as an intermediary component between the simple patient table design and the transfer board. This intermediary provides secure mechanical coupling and positioning features that ensure reliable patient transfer, while maintaining the overall simplicity of the base table design through a standardized interface rather than complex integrated solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If transfer boards are manually positioned onto patient tables, then device complexity is reduced, but transfer time and operational efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer mechanism complexityVSAvoidpatient transfer speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station incorporates self-aligning features and automated coupling mechanisms that guide the transfer board into the correct position and secure it automatically. The interface includes guide rails, positioning pins, and snap-fit couplings that enable rapid automatic engagement without requiring manual adjustment or complex positioning procedures by operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8166586B2Removable pallets and patient tables for medical systems

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A removable pallet configured to be mounted to a patient table. The patient table has a table surface adapted to support patients thereon during a medical procedure or imaging session. The removable pallet includes a support body having a runway configured to slidably engage a transfer board carrying a patient. The support body extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to be mounted over the table surface of the patient table. The removable pallet also includes a coupling device that is configured to removably couple the support body and the patient table. The coupling device secures the support body over the table surface to permit the transfer board to be moved onto the patient table.