Telescopic CT Scanning Section for Ambulance Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT imaging devices for ambulances are large, heavy, and require leveling on uneven surfaces, limiting their use in standard ambulances and increasing costs and weight, while existing solutions like telescopic scanner components still face space and mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging apparatus with a telescopic scanning section that allows for axial movement of radiation sources and detectors within a toroidal housing, enabling compact construction and stable imaging in ambulances without extensive vehicle modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional CT imaging device is mounted in an ambulance, then imaging capability is provided, but the device becomes large and heavy, requiring extensive vehicle modifications and leveling adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The CT scanner is divided into a scanning section and a patient table, which are separated and can be independently positioned. The scanning section can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the ambulance, allowing the heavy imaging components to be decoupled from the patient support structure, thereby reducing the weight burden on the vehicle chassis and eliminating the need for extensive leveling adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning section is enabled to move along the longitudinal axis of the ambulance (third dimension relative to the patient table), transforming the traditional fixed-position scanner into a mobile imaging system that can scan multiple body regions sequentially. This dimensional addition allows compact positioning while maintaining full scanning capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional CT imaging device is mounted in an ambulance, then imaging capability is provided, but the device requires extensive vehicle modifications and leveling
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the scanning section from the patient table, allowing each component to be independently integrated into the ambulance. The scanning section can be positioned along the longitudinal axis without requiring modifications to the patient table structure, thereby reducing the overall complexity of vehicle integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning section is designed with movable positioning along the longitudinal axis, enabling dynamic adjustment during imaging operations. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different scanning requirements and patient positions without requiring fixed, complex mounting structures.
3Length of moving object
If the scanning section is made compact for ambulance use, then space and mobility are improved, but the ability to scan larger areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning section is designed with movable positioning along the longitudinal axis, enabling it to extend its scan coverage area dynamically. During imaging operations, the scanning section can be positioned at different locations along the patient table to scan head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis regions, effectively compensating for its compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system compensates for the compact transverse dimensions by adding longitudinal movement capability. The scanning section can move along the length of the patient table, transforming a two-dimensional compact scanner into a three-dimensional system that covers extensive body areas through sequential positioning.
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 and efficient CT imaging in ambulances by allowing for a compact, lightweight design that can scan larger areas, overcoming space and mobility limitations of traditional CT devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, each of which are disposed, rotably with respect to a rotation axis, inside of the scanning section housing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a medical imaging apparatus (1) for computer tomography, comprising a scanning section (2), at least a first housing frame (4) and driving means (8, 9, 10), said scanning section (2) comprising: an essentially toroidal scanning section housing (18) with at least one uncovered axial surface (31), and at least one radiation source (22) and at least one radiation detector (24), each of which are disposed, rotably with respect to a rotation axis (12), inside of the scanning section housing (18), the rotation axis (12) thereby defining an axial direction, wherein the scanning section (2) is disposed movably in the axial direction with respect to the first housing frame (4), and wherein the driving means (8, 9, 10) are configured to move the scanning section (2) along the axial direction with respect to the first housing frame (4) to perform a telescopic motion, such that: said at least one uncovered axial surface (31) of the scanning section housing (18) is moved along the axial direction, and at least a part of an axial motion of said at least one radiation source (22) and said at least one radiation detector (24) during an operation of the medical imaging apparatus (1) is provided by the telescopic motion. The invention further provides the use of such a medical imaging apparatus (1) in combination with a mobile stretcher (48), and a vehicle (56), in particular an ambulance, with such a medical imaging apparatus (1).