Segmented Scanning Table for CT Patient Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT imaging systems face challenges in adjusting patient alignment relative to the scanning axis without repositioning the patient and in minimizing the length of motorized scanning tables, which can be cumbersome and unstable, especially for patients who are unconscious, physically handicapped, or elderly.
Innovation Solution
A novel scanning table that allows precise movement of the patient support platform along the X-axis and a motorized scanning table that moves simultaneously along the Y-axis and Z-axis, reducing the cantilevered distance and enhancing stability, using a scissor mount with interconnected arms for improved support and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the patient support platform is moved along the X-axis, then patient alignment precision is improved, but the scanning table structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning table is divided into multiple independently movable components: a base, a table top movable along the X-axis relative to the base, and a patient support platform movable along the Z-axis relative to the table top. This segmentation allows precise alignment control while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces X-axis movement capability to the traditional Z-axis movable scanning table, adding a new dimension of movement. This dimensional enhancement enables precise lateral alignment of patients without requiring complex repositioning mechanisms, as alignment can be achieved through simple lateral translation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the scanning table length is reduced, then stability is improved, but the patient support range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning table is segmented into a base and a separately movable table top. The base provides a stable, shortened support structure, while the table top can be moved along the X-axis to extend the effective support range. This segmentation allows the physical table length to remain short for stability while the movable table top provides extended positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The table top is designed to be dynamically movable along the X-axis rather than being a fixed, long structure. This dynamic capability allows the scanning table to adapt its support range as needed while maintaining a short, stable base structure. The movable table top can be positioned at different locations to provide support where needed without requiring the entire table to be long.
3Ease of operation
If the scanning table is made shorter, then ease of access for patients is improved, but the imaging coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system is segmented into a short, accessible base and a movable table top that can be positioned at various locations. This allows patients to easily access the short base while the movable table top can be extended to provide full imaging coverage when needed. The segmentation separates the access function (handled by the short base) from the imaging coverage function (handled by the movable table top).
Solution Approach 2:
The table top's dynamic movability along the X-axis enables it to adapt between providing easy patient access (when retracted to create a short configuration) and providing full imaging coverage (when extended). This dynamic adjustment allows the same structure to serve both purposes at different times, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel scanning table for use with a scanning machine, the novel scanning table being movable along the X-axis and/or movable along the Y-axis and the Z-axis.