Weightbearing Simulation Assembly for Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging systems, such as CT and MRI scanners, face challenges in simulating weightbearing conditions for accurate three-dimensional structural measurements of lower extremities, as they often cannot apply normal loads due to horizontal bore designs, and vertical bore scanners are expensive and not widely adopted.
Innovation Solution
A weightbearing simulation assembly is introduced, comprising a substrate with a mounting surface, a subject support, and a pedal assembly with a spring assembly and motion limiter, allowing subjects to apply compressive force to simulate weightbearing conditions, adjustable to accommodate different angles and loads, and compatible with existing imaging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a horizontal bore scanner is used for imaging, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but gravity cannot supply normal load to the subject's foot during imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pedal assembly with spring mechanism as an intermediary device that mediates between the subject's foot and the imaging system. The spring-loaded pedal applies controlled compressive force to simulate weightbearing conditions without requiring the subject to actually bear full body weight, thus enabling weightbearing simulation in horizontal bore scanners while maintaining device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the weightbearing condition using a pedal assembly that replicates the essential mechanical loading effect. Instead of requiring true vertical weightbearing, the pedal assembly copies the compressive force application, allowing imaging under simulated weightbearing conditions in horizontal scanners
2Reliability
If a vertical bore scanner is used to allow subject to stand during scanning, then weightbearing conditions are achieved, but the device becomes extremely expensive and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weightbearing simulation function from the complex vertical bore scanner structure and implements it as a separate, simple pedal assembly that can be attached to standard horizontal scanners. This separates the essential weightbearing simulation capability from the expensive vertical scanner architecture, making the solution more accessible
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal assembly is designed to be universally compatible with existing horizontal bore scanners, adding weightbearing simulation capability to a wide range of standard imaging devices. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to serve both standard imaging and weightbearing simulation purposes
3Measurement precision
If the spring assembly allows full range of motion for weightbearing simulation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to need for motion control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring mechanism that automatically adjusts its stiffness and range of motion based on the subject's applied force. The spring assembly provides compliant motion control without complex active control systems, allowing full range of motion for accurate measurement while maintaining device simplicity through passive mechanical behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly's mechanical parameters (stiffness, preload, travel distance) are configured to provide appropriate resistance and motion limits for weightbearing simulation. By carefully selecting spring constants and geometric parameters, the system achieves measurement precision without requiring complex active motion control mechanisms
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 cost-effective, three-dimensional functional imaging of lower extremities under weightbearing conditions, ensuring accurate structural measurements and compatibility with both horizontal and vertical bore scanners, thereby improving diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring disposed between the contact plate and the compression plate, the spring extending in a compression direction
Data Source
AI summary
A weightbearing simulation assembly includes a substrate comprising a mounting surface extending in a first direction a subject support disposed on a first region of the mounting surface and a pedal assembly disposed on a second region of the mounting surface. The pedal assembly includes a spring assembly including a contact plate facing the subject support, a compression plate, and a first spring disposed between the contact plate and the compression plate. A subject applies a compressive force to the contact plate in a compression direction to simulate a load-bearing condition by compressing the first spring. An orientation of the pedal assembly may be adjusted to change a relative angle between the compression direction and the first direction to alter an imaging angle.