Speaker
Description
Motivation
The KIT 3D ultrasound computertomography project is kickstarting the build up of a second machine of the 3D USCT III device generation, called v3.2. Extensive experience with their successfully commissioned device v3.1 regarding mechanical and handling properties were aquired over the last month and years: integration, maintainance, updates, transport tasks, many test measurements and a started clinical trial were among the device's life-cycle interactions. This broad range of interaction activities with the complex medical device lead to many experiences and insights regarding engineering and practicability aspects.
Methods
These experience should now flow back as improvements for the next iteration. The foundational start point for such improvements are the sceletonal components of our device - the mechnaical frame from MayTec profiles and thick base plate which build the rigid statical structure and housing for all higher level functionality. Improvement should improve all life-cycle-aspects of the device while maintaining compatibility to the previous device.
Results
First goal was compatiblity - to not compromise defined clincial use cases, auxilary tools and usage procedures, the outline and interfaces were kept the same when possible - in this case the overall heigth and length were kept, while width was increased by 10cm.
Second goal, was the improvement of EMC and water design - sealing and water proofness. Improvements could be achieved by simplification - less complexity, less gaps to worry about.
Overarching theme was simplification - a safe approach by reduction of components and reducing complexity only, no risky innovations. Improved maintainance access to the complex device's many sub-components were the core goal here - while expandability and reduced costs were welcomed secondary benefits.
In summary, for the new v3.2 device iteration an improved maintainability could achieved with reducing the number of frame components by ~20% while keeping the core functionality intact.
