Radiation Therapy Table Joint Assembly for Interference-Free Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical tables for radiation therapy often have joints that interfere with treatment or imaging, or require support beams that inhibit treatment delivery, when using extension panels.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly with a spring-biased pivotable button and lever mechanism that securely connects and disconnects an extension panel to a patient support panel, allowing for easy extension and retraction without interference, using a unique locking mechanism that prevents movement and eliminates the need for support beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a releasably securable joint is used to connect extension panel to patient support panel, then the extension panel can be connected and disconnected easily, but the joint may interfere with treatment and imaging or require support beams that interrupt treatment delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly is extracted from the traditional location near the superior end of the patient support panel and repositioned to the inferior end, removing it from the treatment and imaging interference zone while maintaining its connection function
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the patient support panel by positioning it at the inferior end rather than the superior end, creating spatial separation from interference zones without compromising connection capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If support beams are used to support the extension panel, then structural stability is improved, but treatment delivery is interrupted and imaging is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
Support beams are completely removed from the system. Instead, the extension panel is supported by the joint assembly's locking mechanism (locking members, tabs, and recesses) that provides structural stability without requiring intermediate support beams that would interrupt treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism changes from rigid support beams to a spring-biased locking system that provides equivalent structural stability through engagement of locking members and tabs, eliminating treatment interruptions
3Ease of operation
If a simple locking mechanism is used for the joint assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of secure connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single actuator assembly that controls both the primary locking members and the secondary latch member through a single operational interface, maintaining simplicity while enhancing reliability through redundant locking
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by automatically resetting the latch member to the engaged position after disengagement, ensuring the joint is always ready for secure connection and preventing accidental disengagement
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 a stable, interference-free imaging and treatment area by allowing the extension panel to be easily connected and disconnected, maintaining structural integrity and reducing the risk of accidental disengagement, while automatically resetting for secure reconnection.
Implementation Method 1
The joint assembly basically comprises a first body member and a second body member. One of the first and second body members is arranged to be secured to the patient support panel and the other of the first and second body members is arranged to be secured to the extension panel. The first body member comprises an actuator assembly (e.g., a spring-biased pivotable button and an associated extendable-retractable lever)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A joint assembly for forming a two part radiation therapy treatment table is disclosed. The treatment table includes a patient support panel to which one portion of the joint assembly is secured, and a table extension panel to which another portion of the joint assembly is secured. The joint assembly self-aligns, self levels, is immediately stable, and locks automatically by its weight and downward pressure. The joint assembly also includes an automatic failsafe secondary lock that resists joint release if upward forces are applied. Disengaging the secondary lock requires and results in no displacement of the two panels. Upon separation of the two panels the lock resets automatically.