Respiration Sensor with Force Sensing Resistor for Motion Minimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Respiration monitoring during treatments like radiotherapy and imaging applications is challenging due to tumor movement with surrounding tissue, causing artifacts in 3D representations, as existing methods either prompt or detect the respiration cycle, which are not effective in minimizing respiratory motion.
Innovation Solution
A radiolucent patient support frame with a flexible fixing means and an abdominal compression plate equipped with a force sensing resistor to minimize respiratory motion and accurately detect the respiratory cycle, allowing for precise positioning and reduced artifacts in imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion detection methods are used to detect the respiration cycle, then the respiration cycle can be detected, but respiratory motion cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
A force sensor is introduced as an intermediary device placed between the compression plate and the patient's abdomen. This mediator directly measures the force variations caused by respiration, providing accurate detection while the compression plate simultaneously minimizes respiratory motion through mechanical compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a compression plate for minimizing motion, a force sensor for detecting respiration, and a processor for analyzing data. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
2Manufacturing precision
If abdominal compression is applied to minimize respiratory motion, then tumor localization accuracy improves, but patient comfort may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The compression plate applies partial compression - enough to minimize respiratory motion and improve tumor localization, but not excessive force that would cause patient discomfort. The force sensor monitors the applied force to ensure it remains within acceptable limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor provides real-time feedback on the compression force applied to the patient's abdomen. This feedback allows the system to adjust the compression level to maintain optimal balance between motion minimization and patient comfort.
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 effectively minimizes respiratory motion, enabling accurate tumor localization and improved image quality by detecting the respiratory cycle and reducing artifacts in 3D representations, thus enhancing the precision of treatments and imaging results.
Implementation Method 1
abdominal compression plate equipped with a force sensing resistor to minimize respiratory motion and accurately detect the respiratory cycle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
A respiration sensor comprises a frame that is adapted to extend from a first point of contact on one side of a patient to a second point of contact on an opposing side of the patient, including a force sensor in the first point of contact. The second point of contact can comprise a patient support, which will usually support the patient in a generally horizontal state. The frame is preferably as shown in US 5,681,326 with an arch extending over an area adapted to receive a patient. The first point of contact can include a plate which abuts the patient. The sensor is ideally located between the plate and the remainder of the frame.