Smart Docking Module for MRI-Compatible Patient Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient transport systems lack safe and efficient mechanisms for interfacing with MRI machines, requiring manual lifting and transfer between different medical beds, which complicates patient movement from ICU to MRI machines and hinders quick scanning processes.
Innovation Solution
A smart medical transporter system with a five-way interlocking mechanism and sensor system for safe docking and undocking, featuring a non-magnetic smart docking module that automatically positions, docks, engages, locks, and releases the transporter relative to the MRI machine, along with an electronically adjustable lifting mechanism for precise patient positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual lifting and transfer between medical beds is used, then patient movement from ICU to MRI machine can be performed, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ICU bed and MRI table into a single integrated patient transport system. The MRI table is configured to be received by the ICU bed, creating a unified structure that eliminates the need for separate transfer operations between two different medical beds, thereby improving productivity while reducing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patient transport system is designed with multi-functionality to serve both ICU and MRI purposes. The system can function as a standalone ICU bed and also interface with MRI machines, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions including patient monitoring, transport, and imaging, thus eliminating the need for separate transfer processes
2Ease of operation
If rollers are used for patient support, then the bed can be moved easily, but there are no features for safely interfacing and interlocking with the MRI machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a movable bed portion with rollers for easy transportation, and a separate docking interface portion with interlocking features for safe MRI machine interfacing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function optimally while working together as an integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The docking interface acts as an intermediary between the movable bed portion and the MRI machine. It provides the necessary interlocking and alignment features that enable safe and reliable connection to the MRI system, while the bed portion maintains its mobility through rollers. The intermediary docking mechanism bridges the gap between mobility requirements and interface safety requirements
3Productivity
If the patient bed is extended into the MRI bore, then scanning can be performed, but the bed must be precisely positioned which requires complex control
Solution Approach 1:
The patient bed is pre-configured with alignment features and the MRI table is pre-positioned to receive the bed in a predetermined orientation. The docking interface includes pre-built alignment mechanisms that guide the bed into the correct position as it approaches the MRI bore, eliminating the need for complex real-time positioning control during the scanning process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning control systems with a simplified docking mechanism that uses mechanical guides and alignment features. The bed is designed to automatically align with the MRI bore through the docking interface, substituting sophisticated control algorithms with straightforward mechanical guidance that achieves precise positioning through physical constraints rather than active control
Data Source
AI summary
A medical transporter apparatus and methods, involving: a frame; at least one side-rail operably coupled with the frame; at least one lift member operably coupled with the frame; at least one actuator operably coupled with the at least one lift member, the at least one actuator configured to adjust an elevation of the frame by actuating the at least one lift member; a docking mechanism operable with the frame for facilitating docking of the frame in relation to an imaging apparatus; and a weighing mechanism, the weighing mechanism being at least one of operably coupled with the frame and integrated with the frame, whereby a patient is weighable, and whereby elevation of the frame is electronically adjustable.