X-ray transparent patient couch using phase change materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support devices for x-ray examinations are not x-ray transparent due to materials like stainless steel in their hinges, which hampers the quality of x-ray images by blocking radiation, especially at adjustment points, limiting their adjustability and usability in surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A patient support device with a first x-ray-transparent material that undergoes reversible phase transitions between solid and deformable states, linked by energy-induced phase changes, allowing for flexible adjustment while maintaining x-ray transparency, using materials like sodium acetate trihydrate or paraffin, and a second flexible material for structural stability and minimal attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional materials like stainless steel are used in hinges and adjustment devices of patient support devices, then structural strength and adjustability are improved, but x-ray transparency deteriorates due to radiation blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes harmful metal components (hinges, adjustment devices) from the patient support device structure. Instead of using conventional metal hinges, the device employs a rigid foam mattress that can be directly adjusted or replaced, eliminating the sources of x-ray attenuation while maintaining structural functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal (stainless steel) to radiolucent materials (rigid foam, plastic components). This material substitution maintains structural strength while dramatically improving x-ray transparency, allowing clear imaging through the patient support device.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If x-ray-transparent materials are used in patient couches, then x-ray image quality is improved, but adjustability and flexibility deteriorate due to lack of metal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment system (metal hinges, joints, and linkage mechanisms) with a system based on adjustable rigid foam sections or a flexible mattress that can be positioned and secured using non-metallic fastening mechanisms. This substitution maintains adjustability while ensuring x-ray transparency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If metal hinges and adjustment devices are removed from patient support devices, then x-ray transparency is improved, but structural stability and positioning precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction using rigid foam sections combined with non-metallic reinforcement elements (such as carbon fiber or high-strength plastic components). This composite approach provides the necessary structural stability and positioning precision without introducing metal that would block x-rays.
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 high-quality x-ray imaging during flexible patient positioning and surgical interventions by ensuring x-ray transparency and maintaining structural integrity through reversible phase transitions and minimal material attenuation, allowing for efficient examination and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The first material includes a solid, dimensionally stable state and a deformable state, for example, at least partially liquid and/or gaseous state, that are linked by reversible phase transitions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a patient support device for an x-ray device for use during an examination of a patient including a patient couch and at least one support (6) bearing the patient couch. The patient couch includes a first, x-ray-transparent material disposed in an at least partially flexible covering made from a second x-ray-transparent material. The first material includes a solid, dimensionally stable state and a deformable state, in particular at least partially liquid and/or gaseous state, that are linked by reversible phase transitions. The patient support device further includes at least one induction device for inducing at least one of the phase transitions of the first material between the states by applying and/or removing energy.