Weight-Bearing Radiological Imaging Device for Dynamic Field Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dynamic CT imaging of lower limbs in weight-bearing conditions fail to maintain the body part of interest within the imaging modality's field of view during movement, and are not compatible with magnetic resonance imaging due to ferromagnetic materials.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base structure and counteracting structure that applies opposing loads to a table and platform, keeping the body part of interest within the imaging field using radiolucent and non-ferromagnetic materials, allowing dynamic or static weight-bearing imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a loading device is used to apply weight-bearing load to the lower limb, then weight-bearing imaging condition is achieved, but the body part of interest moves out of the imaging field during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent movable parts: a table that can move in the longitudinal direction and a platform that can move in the transverse direction. This segmentation allows each component to be controlled independently, keeping the body part of interest within the imaging field while applying weight-bearing load through the coordinated movement of these segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces movement in multiple dimensions: the table moves longitudinally along the scanner bed, while the platform moves transversely across the table surface. This multi-dimensional movement capability allows the system to maintain the body part within the imaging field aperture while applying weight-bearing conditions, resolving the contradiction between load application and field coverage.
2Force
If ferromagnetic materials are used in the loading device to apply weight-bearing load, then loading function is achieved, but compatibility with MRI imaging is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the material parameter from ferromagnetic to non-ferromagnetic materials for the table and platform components. This parameter change eliminates the magnetic interference that would prevent MRI compatibility, while the weight-bearing load function is maintained through the mechanical structure and counteracting force mechanism that does not rely on ferromagnetic properties.
3Measurement precision
If the lower limb is fixed in a neutral position during imaging, then imaging precision is improved, but weight-bearing condition with muscle load is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static fixed-position system to a dynamic system where the table and platform can move independently. This allows the lower limb to be positioned in a neutral orientation for precise imaging while the platform can be moved to apply weight-bearing load through controlled movement, achieving both imaging precision and physiological loading conditions simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is for use with a weight-bearing radiological imaging modality scanner. The device includes a base structure slidably mounted concerning a table. The base structure is at one end provided with a platform making an angle relative to the table. A counteracting structure arranged to apply to the table a first load exerting force in a direction towards the one end provided with the platform from the opposite end of the base structure and to apply to the base structure a second load exerting force in a direction from the one end provided with the platform to the opposite end of the base structure.