Rotatable Subject Support Linkage for Pinch-Safe Patient Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiotherapy apparatuses face challenges in safely positioning patients due to the use of numerous moving parts, which can pinch or trap limbs and cables, leading to safety risks and equipment compromise.
Innovation Solution
A subject support apparatus with a linkage system that transitions between extended and retracted poses, featuring a base with a recess to receive the linkage, and a tiltable platform with inclined walls and liquid directing features to minimize pinching and fluid ingress, while maintaining patient safety and apparatus integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of moving parts are used to enable patient positioning, then the positioning capability and adaptability are improved, but the safety risks increase due to pinching and trapping of limbs and cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic linkage mechanism from the base structure entirely. Instead of having moving parts at the base, the base is designed as a stationary support structure with a recess that receives the linkage when it is not in use. This extraction of the harmful element while preserving the functional capability resolves the contradiction between positioning capability and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage is designed to nest within the base when not in use, with the base comprising a recess configured to receive the linkage. This nesting arrangement eliminates the pinching and trapping risks associated with exposed moving parts at the base, while still allowing the linkage to be deployed for positioning when needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If a linkage mechanism is used to move the platform, then the positioning precision is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into two distinct parts: a simple stationary base and a movable platform with the linkage mechanism. The base is segmented from the linkage, allowing the base to remain simple and stationary while the linkage handles the complex positioning functions. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the linkage is fully retracted into the base, then the safety and compactness are improved, but the available space for patient access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage is designed with dynamic capability to transition between a retracted state (when not in use) and an extended state (when positioning is needed). The base comprises a recess that receives the linkage when retracted, providing safety and compactness, while allowing the linkage to extend when patient access and positioning space are required. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between safety/compactness and patient access space.
Data Source
AI summary
A subject support apparatus (1400, 1600) for a radiation therapy device. A subject support apparatus (1400) comprises a subject support (1410), a subject support receiving portion (1420) and a deformable guide (1418). The subject support (1410) is configured to tilt relative to the subject support receiving portion (1420). The deformable guide (1418) comprises a first face (1431) and a second face (1433), wherein, throughout a range of tilt configurations, the first face (1431) is arranged to be in contact, at least in part, with a longitudinal side wall of the subject support (1410). A subject support apparatus (1600) comprises a platform (1618), a subject support movable relative to the platform (1618) and an interface board (1646) movable relative to the platform (1618), wherein the interface board (1646) is physically coupled to the subject support such that a translation of the subject support relative to the platform (1618) causes a translation of the interface board (1646), and wherein the interface board (1646) is configured to electrically connect the subject support to an electrical cable. A device for a subject support apparatus (114) comprises a linkage (220) for moving a platform (214), a base (228) movably coupled to the linkage (220), wherein the base (228) comprises a linkage receiving region configured to receive at least a portion of the linkage (220) when the linkage (220) is in the retracted pose, and wherein said portion of the linkage (220) extends beyond the base (228) when the linkage (220) is in the extended pose.