Segmented Patient Seat for Precise Magnetic Resonance Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance devices, particularly in smaller medical facilities, face challenges with space requirements, complex patient positioning workflows, and the need for trained staff due to conventional patient tables that are unsuitable for precise iso-centering and require large spaces.
Innovation Solution
A patient seat with variable portions connected by a mechanism allowing angled arrangements, integrated radio-frequency units, and a drive unit for precise patient positioning, enabling reduced device dimensions and simplified workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional patient tables are used, then patient positioning can be performed, but the device requires relatively large space and involves intricate workflows
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support device is divided into a patient seat with multiple movable portions (seat portion, backrest portion, leg support portion) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the device to achieve precise patient positioning while reducing the overall footprint compared to conventional patient tables, thereby resolving the contradiction between space requirement and workflow complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patient seat incorporates movable portions with adjustable positions along guide rails, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the seat, backrest, and leg support. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to different examination requirements without requiring large space or complex workflows, addressing both the space and complexity concerns
2Ease of operation
If dedicated magnetic resonance devices are used in smaller medical facilities, then imaging can be performed, but trained staff are required for accurate patient positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patient seat is designed to enable patients to perform self-positioning through intuitive manual adjustment of the movable portions, eliminating the need for trained staff to assist with positioning. The self-service capability directly addresses the contradiction by improving ease of operation while maintaining appropriate automation levels for smaller medical facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows preliminary positioning of the patient seat portions before the actual magnetic resonance imaging procedure begins. This preliminary action enables patients to adjust their own positioning, reducing the need for trained staff intervention and improving overall ease of operation
3Area of stationary object
If magnetic resonance devices are reduced in size, then space requirements are reduced, but imaging volume decreases and patient positioning accuracy demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patient seat is segmented into multiple independently adjustable portions (seat, backrest, leg support), each with its own positioning mechanism. This segmentation allows for precise positioning of each body region separately, compensating for the reduced imaging volume in smaller magnetic resonance devices and maintaining high positioning accuracy while reducing device footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multi-dimensional adjustment capabilities with movable portions that can be positioned along guide rails in different directions. This dimensional expansion allows the compact device to achieve precise positioning accuracy that would otherwise require larger equipment, resolving the contradiction between reduced footprint and maintained positioning precision
Data Source
AI summary
A patient seat for supporting a patient during a magnetic resonance examination, having a first portion, a second portion, a connecting element, a radio-frequency unit with at least one antenna element, and a drive unit, wherein the first portion and the second portion form parts of a receiving surface for the patient, wherein the connecting element mechanically connects the first portion to the second portion and is configured to enable a variable relative movement between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the at least one antenna element of the radio-frequency unit is configured to receive signals in a power and frequency range of a magnetic resonance examination, and wherein the drive unit is configured to move the patient seat variably along a spatial direction.