Complex spine-inspection support apparatus capable of multi posture correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient holding devices for medical imaging are inadequate in maintaining stable posture, leading to inaccurate images and discomfort, especially when observing spinal structures, as they fail to apply consistent forces and adapt to varying patient positions.
Innovation Solution
A complex spine-inspection support apparatus with a movable lower-body support unit, adjustable bed, and upper-body holding mechanisms that allow for multi-posture correction, including a non-magnetic bed plate, hydraulic cylinder for load application, and cushioning-force providing means to stabilize the patient's posture and facilitate accurate inspections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional patient holding devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the patient posture stability is poor leading to inaccurate images
Solution Approach 1:
The patient holding device is divided into multiple independent support units (head support unit, upper body support unit, lower body support unit) that can be adjusted separately. Each unit can be independently positioned and angled to maintain stable patient posture during spinal inspections, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and posture stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support units are designed with movable and adjustable components that can be dynamically repositioned to match different patient body types and inspection requirements. This dynamic adjustability ensures consistent patient posture stability while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular design.
2Measurement precision
If conventional holding devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of spinal structures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Each support unit is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its function - the head support unit has adjustable positioning for cranial stability, the upper body unit provides targeted support for thoracic region, and the lower body unit offers customizable positioning for pelvic stability. This localized optimization enhances spinal structure observation accuracy without requiring complex overall device redesign.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-posture correction capabilities are added, then the adaptability to patient positions improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support units are designed with universal adjustment capabilities that allow them to accommodate multiple patient positions and body types using the same modular components. Each unit can be independently positioned, angled, and configured to provide stable support for various inspection postures, achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity through standardized interfaces and mechanisms.
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
Enables stable patient posture maintenance across various positions, allowing for accurate and comprehensive inspections of spinal structures by applying consistent forces, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder for load application
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a complex spine-inspection support apparatus capable of multi-posture correction, which can apply various acting forces in a longitudinal direction of a spine while stably maintaining a patient's posture, can transmit a constant bending force to the left and right, thus facilitating accurate and various inspections, and can observe a spinal disc ligament varying depending on a posture. The present apparatus includes an apparatus bed configured to allow a patient to lie on an upper surface thereof; a lower-body support unit configured to allow a leg region to be seated in an “L” shape; a lower-body support unit driving means; a leg holder; an upper-body support means; and a control panel for an operation of the lower-body support unit driving means.