ERGONOMIC SUPPORT DEVICE FOR USERS IN MEDICAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The present invention relates to ergonomic supports in medical environment. In order to provide improved ergonomic support while providing a minimum impact of the user's activities, an ergonomic support device (10) for users in medical environment is provided. The support device comprises a seating support arrangement (14), an X-ray shielding arrangement (18) and a base support structure (12). The base support structure provides mechanical support for the seating support arrangement and the X-ray shielding arrangement. The seating support arrangement comprises a seat support surface (16) that is configured for supporting a buttocks area of a user. The X-ray shielding arrangement comprises at least one X-ray shield (20) that is configured for shielding at least a part of an X-ray radiation to which a user is exposed to while supported by the support surface. The at least one X-ray shield is movably mounted to the base support structure to be adjustable in its position relative to a user at least partly resting on the seat support surface.

Claims

1. An ergonomic support device for users in medical environment, the support device comprising: a seating support arrangement; an X-ray shielding arrangement; and a base support structure; wherein the base support structure provides mechanical support for the seating support arrangement and the X-ray shielding arrangement; wherein the seating support arrangement comprises a seat support surface that is configured for supporting a buttocks area of a user; wherein the X-ray shielding arrangement comprises at least one X-ray shield that is configured for shielding at least a part of an X-ray radiation which a user is exposed to while supported by the support surface; wherein the at least one X-ray shield is movably mounted to the base support structure to be adjustable in its position relative to a user at least partly resting on the seat support surface, the at least one X-ray shield being i) rotatable around the seating support arrangement and/or ii) pivotable around a vertical pivoting axis (A.sub.P), wherein the at least one X-ray shield is movable from a first seating position (P1) wherein the user has relatively easy access to the seat support surface to a second shielding position (P2) wherein a person supported by the seat support surface is effectively shielded from X-ray radiation, and vice versa.

2. Ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one X-ray shield is rotatable around the seating support arrangement.

3. Ergonomic support device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one X-ray shield is rotatable over at least 180°, preferably over 360°.

4. Ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one X-ray shield is arc-shaped; and/or wherein the at least one X-ray shield is made of soft material that is hanging from an upper support.

5. Ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one X-ray shield is pivotable around a vertical pivoting axis (A.sub.P).

6. Ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein a sternum support arrangement is provided that comprises a sternum support surface which is configured for supporting a sternum of a user; wherein, preferably, the sternum support surface is rotatable around the seating support arrangement; and wherein, further preferably, the sternum support surface is rotatable over at least 180°, preferably over 360°.

7. Ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein the sternum support surface has a vertically oriented longitudinal shape for providing a contact surface essentially exclusive for the sternum of the user.

8. Ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein an arm support arrangement is provided that comprises at least one lower arm support surface which is configured for supporting a lower arm of a user; wherein, preferably, the lower arm support surface is rotatable around the seating support arrangement; and wherein, further preferably, the lower arm support surface is rotatable over at least 180°, preferably over 360°.

9. Ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein the seat support surface and at least one of the group of: the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface each are rotatably mounted; and wherein, preferably, the seat support surface and at least one of the group of: the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface are rotatable independently from each other; and wherein, preferably, at least two of the group of: the seat support surface, the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface are rotatable around a common central rotation axis.

10. Ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein the seat support surface and at least one of the group of: the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface each are provided with a height adjustment to be height adjustable; and wherein, preferably, the height adjustment of the seat support surface is coupled to the height adjustment of at least one of the group of: the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface such that the seat support surface is height-coupleable with at least one of the group of: the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface.

11. Ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein the base support structure is provided as a mobile chair base that comprises at least three swivel pulleys.

12. Ergonomic support device according to claim 1, wherein the base support structure is height adjustable to provide a seating support for the user in a range between a first position of the seat support surface and a second position of the seat support surface; the first position being a lower position and the second position being an upper position; and wherein the lower position allows a sitting position of the user and the upper position allows a standing position of the user.

13. A medical laboratory equipment arrangement, comprising: an X-ray imaging system; and an ergonomic support device according to claim 1; wherein the X-ray imaging system comprises an X-ray detector and an X-ray source for radiating of a patient arranged on a patient support; and wherein the ergonomic support device is configured to support a user in vicinity to the patient during X-ray radiating activities for imaging generating purposes.

14. A method for X-ray imaging of a patient, comprising the following steps: a) arranging a patient at least partly on a patient support; b) radiating the patient with X-ray radiation and detecting the resulting radiation for generating X-ray image data; and c) supporting a user with an ergonomic support device according to claim 1 during the radiating step b).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the following drawings:

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of an ergonomic support device with several options.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows an example of an ergonomic support with movable components.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows an example of an ergonomic support with a movable X-ray shield.

[0048] FIG. 4 shows an example of an ergonomic support with a movable X-ray shield.

[0049] FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples of postures of a user on an example of the ergonomic support.

[0050] FIG. 7 shows a user wearing a front apron.

[0051] FIG. 8 shows an example of a sternum support surface in a schematic front view.

[0052] FIG. 9 shows an example of a medical laboratory equipment arrangement with an ergonomic support device.

[0053] FIG. 10 shows an example of a method for X-ray imaging of a patient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0054] FIG. 1 shows an ergonomic support device 10 for users in medical environment. The support device 10 comprises a base support structure 12. The support device 10 also comprises a seating support arrangement 14 that comprises a seat support surface 16 that is configured for supporting a buttocks area of a user. The seat support surface may be provided as a single piece saddle or (as shown), as e.g. a two-piece saddle type seat. The support device 10 also comprises an X-ray shielding arrangement 18 that comprises at least one X-ray shield 20 that is configured for shielding at least a part of an X-ray radiation to which a user is exposed to while supported by the support surface. The support structure 12 provides mechanical support for the seating support arrangement and the X-ray shielding arrangement. The at least one X-ray shield 20 is movably mounted to the base support structure to be adjustable in its position relative to a user at least partly resting on the seat support surface.

[0055] The at least one X-ray shield 20 is movable from a first position P1 (see FIG. 3) to a second position P2 and vice versa. In the first position, a user has easy access to the support surface 16 in order to seat himself thereon, without being obstructed or impeded by the shield 20. In the second position, a person seated on the support surface 16 is effectively shielded from a source of X-ray radiation. Thus, in this shield position, incident radiation, in particular scattered X-ray radiation emanating from a patient being treated, is eliminated or at least reduced.

[0056] In an example, the seat support surface 16 is provided as a saddle as shown. For example, the saddle comprises a two-part saddle formation with a first saddle portion 16a and a second saddle portion 16b. However, other types of surfaces to sit respectively to rest on are also provided in further examples.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, in an option, the at least one X-ray shield 20 is rotatable around the seating support arrangement, as indicated with rotating arrow 22. Preferably, the at least one X-ray shield 20 is rotatable over at least 180°, preferably over 360°.

[0058] As an option, the at least one X-ray shield 20 is arc-shaped.

[0059] In an example, the X-ray shield is concentrically arc-shaped around the point of rotation. This provides minimal use of space in the cathlab environment.

[0060] In an example, the X-ray shield is provided curtain-like such that the soft, cloth-like shield is capable of adapting its form to the user's legs, in particular the user's knees if they are abutting the X-ray shield.

[0061] In an example, the X-ray shielding arrangement comprises a set of differently sized X-ray shields that can be exchanged allowing to provide scaled X-ray shielding depending of the user's size and shape. For example, shield segments may be provided with a different width and/or a different length.

[0062] As a further option, the at least one X-ray shield 20 is made of soft material that is hanging from an upper support 24.

[0063] In FIG. 2, the X-ray shield is shown in hashed lines. The movability is indicated by showing the arm support arrangement with its surfaces turned around to the back side of the chair (when considering the saddle orientation as an indication of the user's main orientation during e.g. treatment of a patient. In an option, the X-ray shield shown in hashed lines can also be moved.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, in an option, the X-ray shield 20 is pivotable (indicated with pivoting arrow 26) around a vertical pivoting axis A.sub.P. The X-ray shield 20 can thus be moved to the side for easy access to the seat surface.

[0065] The first position P1 is indicated in FIG. 3 with hashed lines and the second position P2 is shown in through-lines.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows an arrangement of the X-ray shield 20 so-to-speak behind the user and thus moved aside for easy access to the seat surface. The X-ray shield is thus shown in the first position P1. The second position P2 is indicated in FIG. 3 with hashed lines.

[0067] Of course, in FIGS. 3 and 4, as an option the arm support arrangement may also be rotated and thus moved.

[0068] As another option, a sternum support arrangement 30 is provided that comprises a sternum support surface 32 which is configured for supporting a sternum of a user. For example, the sternum support surface 32 is rotatable around the seating support arrangement. Preferably, the sternum support surface 32 is rotatable over at least 180°, preferably over 360°.

[0069] In an option, the seat support surface 16 and the sternum support surface 32 each are provided with a height adjustment to be height adjustable. As an option, it is provided that the height adjustment of the sternum support surface is coupled to the height adjustment of the seat support surface such that the sternum support surface is height-coupleable to the seat support surface.

[0070] The rotation of the sternum support surface is provided along a horizontally arranged circular movement path.

[0071] In an example, for the rotation, the sternum support arrangement comprises a cantilevering arm 34 that is rotatably mounted to the base support structure below the seating support. The cantilevering arm is provided with an upwardly extending support 36 to which a further, side-wards cantilevering 38 arm is connected. The sternum support surface is carried by this side-wards cantilevering arm. The sternum support surface is projecting slightly inclined upwardly.

[0072] In an example, an arm support arrangement 40 is provided that comprises at least one lower arm support surface 42 which is configured for supporting a lower arm of a user. In an option, the lower arm support surface 42 is rotatable around the seating support arrangement. Preferably, the lower arm support surface is rotatable over at least 180°, preferably over 360°.

[0073] The lower arm support surface is, in particular, provided as support for the user's elbows. The small shape of the sternum support will give the user the ability to move its arms freely.

[0074] In a further option, the arm support surfaces and the X-ray shield are mounted to a common cantilevering arm structure and are moved together.

[0075] In a still further option, the arm support surfaces are provided to be attached to a common cantilevering arm structure. The X-ray shield is movably mounted, e.g. in a sliding and/or pivoting manner, to an upper rail like part of the common cantilevering arm structure. Hence, independent adjustments of arm support surfaces and X-ray shielding are possible.

[0076] In an example, the seat support surface and the lower arm support surface each are provided with a height adjustment to be height adjustable. As an option, it is provided that the height adjustment of the lower arm support surface is coupled to the height adjustment of the seat support surface such that the lower arm support surface is height-coupleable to the seat support surface.

[0077] The rotation of the lower arm support surface is provided along a horizontally arranged circular movement path.

[0078] In an example (not shown in detail), for the rotation, the arm support arrangement comprises a cantilevering arm that is rotatably mounted to the base support structure below the seating support. The cantilevering arm is provided with an upwardly extending support to which a further, side-wards cantilevering arm is connected. The arm support surface is provided by this side-wards cantilevering arm.

[0079] In another example, the arm support arrangement is formed by the side-wards cantilevering arm that carries the sternum support surface, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0080] In an example, the seat support surface and at least one of the group of: the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface each are rotatably mounted. In an option, the seat support surface and at least one of the group of: the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface are rotatable independently from each other. In an option, at least two of the group of: the seat support surface, the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface are rotatable around a common central rotation axis.

[0081] In another example, the seat support surface and at least one of the group of: the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface rotate together. As an option, it is provided that the rotational movements are directly coupled.

[0082] In an example, the seat support surface, the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface are concentrically mounted to the base support structure.

[0083] In an example, the seat support surface and at least one of the group of: the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface each are provided with a height adjustment to be height adjustable (see arrow 28 in FIG. 6). In an option, the height adjustment of the seat support surface is coupled to the height adjustment of at least one of the group of: the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface such that the seat support surface is height-coupleable with at least one of the group of: the at least one X-ray shield, the sternum support surface and the lower arm support surface.

[0084] Thus, by providing a sternum support for a user which can be attached to a stool, the physician can lean forward without generating too much muscle tension in the lower back. Extra protection is available as an integrated solution which makes it easy to position and which moves along with the user.

[0085] In an option, the base support structure is provided as a mobile chair base 50 that comprises at least three swivel pulleys 52. In an example, the mobile chair base comprises at least five pulleys. The pulleys may be provided as brake-when-loaded casters.

[0086] In an example, the base support structure is provided as a mobile structure.

[0087] In another example, the base support structure is fixedly mountable to a floor structure.

[0088] In an example, the base support structure is height adjustable to provide a seating support for the user in a range between a first position of the seat support surface and a second position of the seat support surface. The first position is a lower position and the second position is an upper position. The lower position allows a sitting position of the user and the upper position allows a standing position of the user.

[0089] In an example, the lower position allows a sitting position for a 5%-Japanese-female user, and also for a 95%-US-male user. In another example, the upper position allows a standing position or a nearly full-standing position for a 5%-Japanese-female user, and also for a 95%-US-male user.

[0090] FIG. 5 shows a user 60 (see FIG. 7) in a more sitting position, whereas FIG. 6 shows the user 60 in a more standing position, but in both positions supported by the support seat surface.

[0091] In FIG. 5, the sternum support surface is shown moved to the rear side, in FIG. 5 to the left side, and thus behind the user. The user can thus lean backwards against the sternum support surface.

[0092] In FIG. 6, the sternum support surface is shown moved to the front side, in FIG. 6 to the right side, and thus in front of the user. The user can thus lean forwards against the sternum support surface

[0093] In both positions, the user can where a front apron 29, which is indicated in FIG. 7 for a user when approaching an ergonomic support device for users in medical environment.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 8, in an example, the sternum support surface 32 has a vertically oriented longitudinal shape for providing a contact surface essentially exclusive for the sternum of the user.

[0095] In an example, the sternum support surface 32 has a vertically oriented longitudinal shape for providing a contact surface essentially exclusive for the sternum of the user. In another example, the sternum support surface has a shape of approximately 3 cm width and approximately 10 cm height.

[0096] The sternum support surface can be provided to be replaceable. For example, different sizes, and/or forms with different width/height ratio are provided.

[0097] In an example the sternum support surface is provided with a lower end 32a and an upper end 32b and with a central portion 32c between lower and upper end. In an example, a width W.sub.b of the lower end is less than a width W.sub.c of the upper end. In a further example, a width W.sub.d of the central portion is less than the width of the lower end, and also less than the width of the upper end. In an example, the side portions between upper and lower end are shaped in a concaved manner.

[0098] In an example, the central portion is arranged slightly lower than half the distance between the upper end and the lower end, i.e. an upper distance D.sub.e form the central portion to the upper end is larger than half of the overall distance Da form the upper end to the lower end.

[0099] In an example, the sternum support surface is provided to be flexible to conform with the user's sternum contour. In an example, the sternum support surface is mounted to be pivotable around a central horizontal axis to allow differently inclined orientations of the sternum support surface.

[0100] It must be noted that besides these features, the figures show further options that may be provided. It is in particular noted that the rotatable X-ray shield may be provided without the sternum support.

[0101] FIG. 9 schematically shows an example of a medical laboratory equipment arrangement 100. The arrangement comprises an X-ray imaging system 102 and an ergonomic support device 108 that is provided as an example of the ergonomic support device 10 described above. The X-ray imaging system 102 comprises an X-ray detector 106 and an X-ray source 104 (hidden behind the ergonomic support device) for radiating of a patient arranged on a patient support 110, e.g. a patient table. The ergonomic support device is configured to support a user in vicinity to the patient during X-ray radiating activities for imaging generating purposes.

[0102] The ergonomic support device 104 is shown with the sternum support moved to the front in view of the patient table, and the X-ray shielding is moved to the side.

[0103] FIG. 10 shows an example of a method 200 for X-ray imaging of a patient. The method comprises the following steps: In a first step 202, also referred to as step a), a patient is arranged at least partly on a patient support. In a second step 206, also referred to as step b), the patient is radiated with X-ray radiation and detecting the resulting radiation for generating X-ray image data. In a third step 206, also referred to as step c), a user is supported with an ergonomic support device according to one of the above-described examples during the radiating step b).

[0104] It has to be noted that embodiments of the invention are described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims whereas other embodiments are described with reference to the device type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter also any combination between features relating to different subject matters is considered to be disclosed with this application. However, all features can be combined providing synergetic effects that are more than the simple summation of the features.

[0105] While the invention has been illustrated, and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing a claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

[0106] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items re-cited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are re-cited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.