Vacuum Positioning Cushion With Integrated Knee and Thigh Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cushions for radiation therapy struggle to correctly position body parts like thighs and knees without over-filling, which complicates the positioning of other body elements like the torso, often requiring external positioning devices.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum patient positioning cushion with an integrated rigid or semi-rigid positioning element within a gas-impermeable outer cover, allowing for internal support and adjustment to conform to the patient's anatomy without external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the cushion is over-filled with polystyrene beads to elevate body parts like thighs and knees, then the positioning of those body parts is improved, but the positioning of other body elements like the torso becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented between the filler material (for general body contouring) and the integrated rigid positioning element (for specific body part elevation). This allows independent adjustment of different body regions without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated rigid or semi-rigid positioning element acts as an intermediary structure within the cushion that provides focused support for specific body parts like thighs and knees, while the filler material provides overall body contouring support.
2Manufacturing precision
If external positioning devices are used to properly elevate and position knees and thighs, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element is merged into the cushion structure itself, combining the support function into a single integrated device rather than requiring separate external positioning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum cushion is designed to perform multiple functions: general body positioning through vacuum evacuation and specific body part elevation through the integrated positioning element, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
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 precise and efficient patient positioning for radiation therapy and other procedures by integrating a movable or fixed rigid element that supports desired body parts, eliminating the need for external positioning aids.
Implementation Method 1
A source of vacuum, usually a vacuum pump, is attached to the closeable valve. As the cushion is evacuated, the expanded polystyrene beads are forced together to form a rigid support that conforms to the body contour of the patient.
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum patient positioning cushion includes an integrated rigid or semi-rigid positioning element located within a gas-impermeable outer cover, making it possible to easily and correctly position a patient for a radiation therapy or other procedure without the need or use of external positioning devices. The gas-impermeable outer covering defines an airtight enclosure having a valve stem and closeable vacuum control valve in selective fluid communication with the enclosure. The enclosure houses a filler material and a rigid or semi-rigid positioning element. A method of positioning a patient using the vacuum patient positioning cushion is also provided.