Operating Table Radiation Shield with Vertical Sliding Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical personnel in hybrid operating rooms are exposed to harmful radiation due to inadequate shielding solutions, which are often cumbersome, inflexible, or not adapted to changing radiation patterns during procedures, leading to unnecessary and dangerous exposure, especially for anesthesiologists.

Innovation Solution

A shielding system that includes a frame attachable to an operating table with foldable and vertically slidable shields, allowing for easy reconfiguration and movement without obstructing imaging systems, providing protection in various positions around the operating table and accommodating different radiation sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed shieldings are used to protect medical personnel from radiation, then radiation protection is improved, but the shielding becomes unwieldy and unable to adapt to changing radiation patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protectionVSAvoidadaptability to changing radiation patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding system employs movable shields that can be dynamically repositioned along the operating table and adjusted in height. The shields are mounted on sliding mechanisms allowing them to move horizontally and vertically, enabling continuous adaptation to changing radiation patterns during procedures while maintaining reliable protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If mobile wheeled shields are used to provide radiation protection, then adaptability is improved, but the shields limit patient access and are frequently moved out of the way losing functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility and repositioningVSAvoidradiation protection continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding system is integrated directly with the operating table structure, merging the shield functionality with the table itself. This combination ensures that shields remain in protective positions during patient access operations and are not moved out of the way, eliminating the reliability issues of separate mobile shields while maintaining adaptability through coordinated movement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If ceiling-mounted shielding is used to reduce floor footprint, then space efficiency is improved, but it takes away space from other ceiling-mounted equipment increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor footprintVSAvoidceiling equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding system utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting shields on the operating table structure rather than the ceiling. This allows the shields to extend vertically to provide comprehensive radiation protection while maintaining a small floor footprint, avoiding conflicts with ceiling-mounted equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If shields are positioned to provide maximum radiation protection, then radiation exposure reduction is improved, but access to the operating table is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protectionVSAvoidaccess to operating table

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shields are designed with movable mounting mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of their positions. During patient access operations, shields can be temporarily repositioned or lowered to clear the access path, then returned to protective positions when access is not needed, maintaining both protection efficacy and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The shielding system effectively reduces radiation exposure for medical personnel by allowing flexible positioning and quick reconfiguration, minimizing downtime during procedures and ensuring protection without obstructing access or movement of imaging equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a shield (101, 102) comprising material for blocking ionizing radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20220262533A1Radiation shield for operating table

Publication Date: 2022.08.18 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A shielding system of an operating table is provided for shielding a body from scatter radiation during a medical intervention. The shielding system comprises a frame attachable to an operating table, and a shield comprising material for blocking radiation, the shield being configured for being mounted on the frame, wherein the shielding system is adapted to be collapsed by displacement of at least part of the shield or parts thereof in a vertical direction. An operating table including such shielding system is also provided. The system is further including an articulated mechanism, wherein the frame is attachable to the operating table via the articulated mechanism for allowing movement of the frame and repositioning of the shield in a substantially horizontal direction.