Method and system for C-arm cable management

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Methods and Systems for C-Arm Cable Management". The present invention provides various methods and systems for C-arm cable management. In one embodiment, a component for a C-arm imaging system includes a cable guide configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being arranged at an angle to a surface of a C-shaped portion of the C-arm imaging system to which the component is mounted, wherein the cable guide includes a rigid elongated portion extending outwardly from the axis of rotation and configured to enclose a portion of a cable of the C-arm imaging system. In this way, the cable guide can maintain the cable of the C-arm imaging system outside the sterile imaging area of ​​the C-arm imaging system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to radiation imaging systems. Background Art

[0002] Radiographic imaging systems can be used in a variety of applications, including medical and industrial applications. In a medical setting, radiographic imaging devices can provide a non-invasive way to image a patient's tissue and bones. Imaging devices can have the ability to capture multiple images at specified intervals and display the images in sequence to create a single image of the object being examined.

[0003] The imaging device may include a C-shaped arm coupled to a base unit. The C-shaped arm may include an x-ray source positioned at one end of the arm and a detector positioned at the other end of the arm. A gap may be provided between the x-ray source and the detector to accommodate an object, such as a portion of a patient's body, which may be irradiated with radiation from the x-ray source. When irradiating the object, the x-ray radiation penetrates the object and is captured by the detector. By penetrating an object placed between the source and the detector, the x-rays enable an image of the object to be acquired and transferred to a display monitor, where the image may be later displayed or stored and retrieved. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a component for a C-arm imaging system includes a cable guide configured to rotate about a rotation axis arranged at a certain angle to a surface of a C-shaped portion of the C-arm imaging system to which the component is mounted, wherein the cable guide includes a rigid slender portion extending outward from the rotation axis and configured to enclose a portion of the cable of the C-arm imaging system.

[0005] It should be understood that the above brief description is provided to introduce in a simplified form selected concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is solely defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present disclosure will be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 An imaging system including a C-arm and a cable rotation assembly is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 An exploded view of a cable rotation assembly of an imaging system including a C-arm is shown.

[0009] Figure 3 Shown in assembled configuration Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a cable rotation assembly.

[0010] Figures 4 to 8 shows the C-arm for different rotation positions Figure 1 Different rotational positions of the cable rotation assembly of the imaging system.

[0011] Fig. 9 Shows Figures 2 to 3 A perspective view of the bearing and mounting plate of the cable rotation assembly.

[0012] Figures 2 to 3 and Fig. 9 Shown are to scale, but other relative sizes may be used if desired. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following description relates to various embodiments of an imaging system including a C-arm and a cable rotation assembly. An imaging system including a C-arm, such as Figure 1 The imaging system shown includes a cable rotation assembly configured to guide the position of a cable of the imaging system. The cable rotation assembly can be coupled to the C-shaped portion of the C-shaped arm via a mounting plate arranged at a certain angle relative to the rotation plane of the C-shaped portion. The mounting plate can support a rotatable bearing, such as Figures 2 to 3 and Fig. 9 , wherein the rotatable bearing is configured to provide rotation of a cable guide of a cable rotation assembly. The cable guide may enclose a portion of a cable of the imaging system, and when the C-shaped portion of the C-shaped arm is rotated for imaging a subject, the cable guide may be rotated through a series of positions to guide the cable away from the imaging area of ​​the C-shaped arm, such as Figures 4 to 8 In this way, the cable rotation assembly guides the cable away from the imaging area, thereby increasing the ease of use of the imaging system and reducing the possibility of image degradation due to the intrusion of the cable into the imaging area.

[0014] Go to Figure 1 , shows a side view of an imaging system 100, wherein the imaging system includes a C-arm 104 having an x-ray source 106 positioned opposite an x-ray detector 108. The imaging system 100 additionally includes a base unit 102. The base unit supports the imaging system 100 at a floor 190 where the imaging system 100 is located.

[0015] The C-shaped arm 104 includes a C-shaped portion 105 connected to an extension portion 107. The C-shaped portion 105 can be configured to rotate within a range of at least 180 degrees relative to the base unit 102 via the coupling between the C-shaped portion 105 and the extension portion 107. For example, the C-shaped arm 104 can rotate about a rotation axis 164 disposed between opposite ends (e.g., the first end 141 and the second end 143) of the C-shaped portion 105 and not intersecting the C-shaped portion 105, and can rotate in a first direction 192 or an opposite second direction 194. The C-shaped portion 105 can rotate as described above to adjust the x-ray source 106 and the detector 108 through multiple positions relative to the reference axis 199 (e.g., continuously adjusted within a full range of motion of the C-shaped portion 105 about the rotation axis 164). The x-ray source 106 and the detector 108 are positioned on opposite ends of the C-shaped portion of the C-shaped arm 104 along an axis 166 that intersects the rotation axis 164 and extends radially relative to the rotation axis 164. Thus, the x-ray source 106 and the detector 108 are rotatable about the rotation axis 164.

[0016] For example, in Figure 1 In the illustrated initial first position, the detector 108 is vertically positioned above the x-ray source 106 relative to a floor 190 on which the imaging system 100 is located, wherein an axis 166 disposed perpendicular to the floor 190 intersects a midpoint of each of an outlet 111 of the x-ray source 106 and a detection surface 113 of the detector 108. The C-shaped arm 104 may be adjusted from the first position to a different second position by rotating the C-shaped portion 105 (e.g., via a coupling between the extension portion 107 and the C-shaped portion 105). In one example, the second position may be a position in which the x-ray source 106 and the detector 108 are rotated together 180 degrees relative to the first position via a rotatable joint such that the x-ray source 106 is vertically positioned above the detector 108, wherein the axis 166 still intersects a midpoint of the outlet 111 of the x-ray source 106 and a midpoint of the detection surface 113 of the detector 108. When adjusted to the second position, the x-ray source 106 can be vertically positioned above the rotation axis 164 of the C-shaped portion 105 of the C-shaped arm 104, and the detector 108 can be vertically positioned below the rotation axis 164. As another example, the x-ray source 106 and the detector 108 can rotate together about the rotation axis 164 via the connection between the extension portion 107 and the C-shaped portion 105 (e.g., as described below with reference to Figures 4 to 8 further described).

[0017] During an imaging operation, a portion of a patient's body placed in a gap (e.g., an air gap) formed between the x-ray source 106 and the detector 108 may be irradiated with radiation from the x-ray source. For example, the x-ray source 106 may include an x-ray tube housed within a housing 115, and x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source 106 may be emitted from an outlet 111 of the housing 115 and may be intercepted by a detection surface 113 of the detector 108. The radiation may penetrate the portion of the patient's body being irradiated and travel to the detector 108 where it is captured. By penetrating the portion of the patient's body placed between the x-ray source 106 and the detector 108, an image of the patient's body is captured and relayed to an electronic controller of the imaging system 100 (e.g., via an electrical connection). In some examples, the imaging system 100 may be used for image-guided surgery, and therefore, the patient may be positioned in a sterile field within the air gap between the x-ray source 106 and the detector 108. As further described below, the cable rotation assembly 148 can reduce the possibility of sterile field degradation by directing the cables (e.g., cables 140) of the imaging system 100 away from the sterile field (e.g., outside the sterile field). Instructions can be input into the imaging system 100 via one or more input devices for activating an x-ray source, rotating a C-arm, etc. The base unit 102 may include an electronic controller (e.g., a control and computing unit) that processes instructions or commands sent from a user input device during operation of the imaging system 100.

[0018] The base unit 102 may also include an internal power source that provides power to operate the imaging system 100. Alternatively, the base unit 102 may be connected to an external power source to power the imaging system 100. A plurality of connecting lines (e.g., cables) may be provided to transmit power, instructions, and / or data between the x-ray source 106, the detector 108, and the control and computing unit. As shown, the imaging system 100 includes a cable 140 for transmitting power from a power source (e.g., an internal and / or external power source) to the C-arm 104, the x-ray source 106, and the detector 108. For example, the cable 140 may be a high voltage (HV) cable configured to power the x-ray source 106, the detector 108, and / or a motor of the C-arm 104 (e.g., for rotating the C-shaped portion 105).

[0019] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the cable 140 extends between the extension portion 107 of the C-shaped arm 104 and the C-shaped portion 105 and is coupled to the C-shaped portion 105 via a cable rotation assembly 148. The cable rotation assembly 148 includes a cable guide 142 and a mounting base 146 that encloses a portion of the cable 140, wherein the cable 140 extends into the interior of the C-shaped portion 105 through the cable rotation assembly 148. As shown, the mounting base 146 can be centrally located on the C-shaped portion 105, at a midpoint between a first end 141 of the C-shaped portion 105 and a second end 143 of the C-shaped portion 105. The cable guide 142 can have increased rigidity relative to the cable 140 and can enclose a portion of the cable 140 adjacent to the mounting base 146. In this configuration, the cable guide 142 provides a rigid entry for coupling the cable 140 to the mounting base 146 on the C-shaped portion 105. For example, during a condition where the cable 140 is pressed against the cable guide 142, the rigidity of the cable guide 142 maintains the shape of the cable guide 142, and the cable 140 may bend relative to the cable guide 142. However, because the cable guide 142 encloses a portion of the cable 140, the portion of the cable 140 received within the cable guide 142 may not deform (e.g., bend, twist, etc.) during a condition where other portions of the cable 140 (e.g., portions of the cable 140 that are not enclosed or received by the cable guide 142 and are positioned outside relative to the interior of the cable guide 142) are deformed. Figures 2 to 3 Components that may be included in the cable rotation assembly 148 are described.

[0020] Although the cable guide 142 is rotatably coupled to the mounting base 146 (e.g., the cable guide 142 can rotate relative to the mounting base 146), the mounting base 146 is fixedly coupled to the C-shaped portion 105 of the C-shaped arm 104. In this configuration, the cable guide 142 can rotate (e.g., pivot) relative to the mounting base 146, and because the orientation of the mounting base 146 is fixed relative to the C-shaped portion 105, rotating the cable guide 142 relative to the mounting base 146 also rotates the cable guide 142 relative to the C-shaped portion 105. Because the cable guide 142 encloses a portion of the cable 140 and is more rigid than the cable 140, during a condition where the cable guide 142 rotates, the cable guide 142 acts on the cable 140 to adjust the position of the cable 140 relative to the C-shaped arm 104 (e.g., rotate the cable 140 relative to the C-shaped portion 105 of the C-shaped arm 104). In this way, the cable guide 142 adjusts (e.g., guides) the position of the cable 140 based on the position of the C-shaped portion 105.

[0021] The cable guide 142 can be rotated through a number of different positions within the rotation plane 182. To illustrate the orientation of the rotation plane 182 relative to the rotation plane of the C-shaped portion 105 about the rotation axis 164, an inset 180 is provided. Figure 1 1 shows the C-shaped portion 105 positioned to rotate about the rotation axis 164 in a rotation plane 188, wherein the rotation plane 188 is a plane parallel to the plane formed by the z-axis and the x-axis of the reference axis 199. However, the rotation plane 182 of the cable guide 142 is positioned at an angle 195 relative to the rotation plane 188 of the C-shaped portion 105, wherein the angle 195 is shown by the inset 180. In some examples, the angle 195 may be between 30° and 60°. In other examples, the angle 195 may be between 15° and 75°. As another example, the angle 195 may be 45°. As indicated by the reference axis 199, the inset 180 shows the rotation plane 188 and the rotation plane 182 viewed from a position vertically above the imaging system 100.

[0022] The cable guide 142 may be rotatably coupled to the mounting base 146 at an angle (e.g., between 15 and 75 degrees, such as an angle of 45 degrees) relative to the inner circumferential surface 178 to which the mounting base 146 is mounted, and may be rotated within the rotation plane 182 to a plurality of different positions within the first zone 184. The mounting base 146 may be centered at the inner circumferential surface 178 between the opposing ends of the C-shaped portion 105 (e.g., between the first end 141 and the second end 143). Additionally, the cable rotation assembly 148 may include one or more components configured to stop the cable guide 142 from rotating within the second zone 186. To further illustrate the rotation plane 182, the first zone 184, and the second zone 186, inset 131 illustrates a plan view of the rotation plane 182 (e.g., from a position perpendicular to the rotation plane 182 along the rotation axis 135). Axis 133 is a vertical axis perpendicular to a floor 190 on which imaging system 100 is located, and rotation axis 135 is an axis about which cable guide 142 can rotate within first zone 184. Rotation axis 135 can be arranged at an angle relative to inner circumferential surface 178 of C-shaped portion 105, where cable rotation assembly 148 is coupled to C-shaped portion 105. For example, rotation axis 135 can be arranged non-orthogonal to inner circumferential surface 178 (e.g., arranged in a non-normal direction that is not parallel to inner circumferential surface 178). Rotation axis 135 can additionally be angled relative to rotation axis 164 and non-orthogonal to rotation axis 164 (e.g., not parallel to or perpendicular to rotation axis 164 of C-shaped portion 105). In some examples, the angle between rotation axis 135 and inner circumferential surface 178 can be between 15 degrees and 75 degrees, and in some examples, the angle can be 45 degrees. In some examples, the angle between the rotation axis 135 and the rotation axis 164 may be between 15 degrees and 75 degrees, and in some examples, the angle may be 45 degrees.

[0023] Axis 137 and axis 139 shown by inset 131 indicate boundaries of first zone 184, wherein each of axis 137 and axis 139 may be angled away from axis 133 in rotation plane 182 at angle 147. First zone 184 includes a first rotational angular amount (e.g., a first rotational range) about rotational axis 135, and second zone 186 includes a second rotational angular amount (e.g., a second rotational range) about rotational axis 135, wherein first zone 184 and second zone 186 together (e.g., in combination) include an angle of 360 degrees (e.g., a full rotational range) about rotational axis 135. In one example, the first angular amount (as indicated by angle 145 between axis 137 and axis 139 at first zone 184) about rotational axis 135 included by first zone 184 may be less than 180 degrees (e.g., 160 degrees). In other examples, angle 145 may be a different angular amount (e.g., 170 degrees, 150 degrees, etc.). In this configuration, when the cable guide 142 rotates about the rotation axis 135 relative to the C-shaped portion 105, the cable guide 142 can rotate in an arc within the rotation plane 182 (e.g., from the axis 139 to the axis 137, or from a first position between the axis 139 and the axis 137 in the first zone 184 to a second position between the axis 139 and the axis 137 in the first zone, etc.).

[0024] Although the cable guide 142 may rotate to any position between the axis 137 and the axis 139 within the first zone 184 of the rotation plane 182, the cable guide 142 may be configured not to rotate into any position within the second zone 186. For example, the cable rotation assembly 148 may include one or more components configured to stop the cable guide 142 from rotating from the first zone 184 to the second zone 186. In some examples, the second zone 186 may extend into an imaging region of the imaging system 100 (e.g., a region between the detector 108 and the x-ray source 106 within which a subject to be imaged (such as a patient) may be positioned). As such, rotation of the cable guide 142 into the second zone 186 may be undesirable. By configuring the cable rotation assembly 148 to stop the cable guide 142 from rotating into the second zone 186, the likelihood of the cable guide 142 intruding into the imaging region may be reduced, which may increase patient comfort and / or reduce the likelihood of degradation of the imaging system 100 (e.g., reducing the likelihood of sterilization of components within the imaging region). For example, the cable guide 142 of the cable rotation assembly 148 can prevent the cable 140 from entering an interior region 198 (e.g., a stop zone) defined within the C-arm 104 (e.g., defined by the structure of the C-shaped portion 105 of the C-arm 104, wherein the interior region 198 includes a plane intersecting the first end 141 and the second end 143 of the C-shaped portion 105, the plane being parallel to a plane formed by the z-axis and the x-axis of the reference axis 199). The interior region 198 can be an area configured to maintain a sterile condition during operation of the imaging system 100 (e.g., during imaging of a subject).

[0025] Because the cable guide 142 cannot rotate into the second zone 186 and adjust the position of the cable 140 as the cable guide 142 rotates, the cable guide 142 can additionally reduce the likelihood of the cable 140 intruding into the imaging area and the interior area 198 (e.g., reducing the likelihood of the cable 140 bending or hanging into the imaging area and the interior area 198). In this way, when the C-shaped portion 105 of the C-shaped arm 104 rotates to move the cable 140 away from the imaging area and the interior area 198 via the cable guide 142, the cable rotation assembly 148 adjusts the position of the cable 140.

[0026] The length of the cable guide 142, the rotation plane 182 and the angle 195 of the mounting base 146 relative to the rotation plane 188 of the C-shaped portion 105, and the length of the cable 140 may each be selected to maintain tension in the cable 140 within a predetermined range (e.g., a range in which the cable 140 is not overly tightened or slack) for various rotational positions of the C-shaped portion 105 and to reduce the likelihood of the cable 140 intruding into the imaging area and the interior region 198. As one example, the length of the cable 140 may be selected to enable the cable 140 to bend and / or flex as the C-shaped portion 105 rotates about the rotation axis 164, while still enabling the position of the cable 140 to be adjusted during rotation via the cable guide 142 (e.g., to reduce the likelihood of dragging or pinching of the cable 140). Figure 3 An exemplary configuration of a cable guide that may be the same as the cable guide 142 is further described.

[0027] During a condition in which the C-shaped portion 105 of the C-shaped arm 104 is rotated for imaging a subject (e.g., a patient), the C-shaped portion 105 may move through a plurality of different rotational positions. The amount of force (e.g., tension, gravity, etc.) applied to the cable 140 may be different for each rotational position of the C-shaped portion 105. For example, during a condition in which the C-shaped portion 105 is rotated so that the portion of the cable 140 enclosed by the cable guide 142 is in a first, lower vertical position relative to a floor 190 on which the imaging system is located, the cable 140 may have a first, lower tension amount, and during a condition in which the C-shaped portion 105 is rotated so that the portion of the cable 140 enclosed by the cable guide 142 is in a second, higher vertical position relative to the floor 190, the cable 140 may have a second, higher tension amount. Different tension amounts may result in different amounts and / or directions of rotation of the cable guide 142, wherein for each rotational position of the C-shaped portion 105, the cable guide 142 guides the cable 140 away from the imaging area and the interior area 198 of the imaging system 100. Figures 4 to 8 Exemplary rotation of the C-shaped portion 105 and the cable guide 142 is further described.

[0028] Now go to Figure 2 , shows an exploded view 200 of a cable rotation assembly 248 that can be coupled to a C-arm. In some examples, the cable rotation assembly 248 can be Figure 1 The cable rotation assembly 148. The cable rotation assembly 248 includes the same Figure 1 For example, the cable rotation assembly 248 includes a mounting base 246 and a cable guide 242, which can be connected to the cable guide 242. Figure 1 The mounting base 146 and cable guide 142 shown are the same as those described above. Reference axis 298 is included in Figures 2 to 3 In each of the examples, the views shown are compared.

[0029] The exploded view 200 shows the first section 242a and the second section 242b of the cable guide 242 in an unassembled configuration (where the assembled configuration of the cable guide 242 is shown by inset 299). The first section 242a and the second section 242b can be coupled together around a cable (such as the cable 140 described above) to enclose a portion of the cable within the interior of the cable guide 242 between the first end 320 and the second end 321 (shown by inset 299 and referred to below). Figure 3 290 ). For example, each cable guide segment 242a and 242b can form half of the cable guide 242. The first segment 242a and the second segment 242b can each include a portion (e.g., a wall) having a curvature (e.g., a curvature indicated by arrow 290) shaped to enclose the cable. The exploded view 200 also shows a rear connector 245 including a first portion 245a and a second portion 245b, wherein the first portion 245a and the second portion 245b can be positioned within the interior of the cable guide 242 and can be coupled together around the enclosed portion of the cable. The first end 320 can form a press fit or friction fit around the cable via the rear connector 245, for example, to secure the cable guide 242 to the cable (e.g., to maintain the cable in an enclosed position within the cable guide 242). Furthermore, although the mounting base 246 is shown as including a first base portion 246a and a second base portion 246b, it should be understood that in some examples, the mounting base 246 can be a single, integral piece. For example, the mounting base 246 can be formed of a single, integral component, wherein the first base portion 246a and the second base portion 246b are molded together as a single unit.

[0030] The cable rotation assembly 248 also includes a rotatable bearing 244. The bearing 244 can be an annular disk-shaped component having an opening 260 that is suitable for receiving a cable extending through the cable guide 242 (e.g., during a condition in which the cable guide 242 encloses a portion of the cable). The rotatable bearing 244 can include one or more internal components that are configured to enable a first section 261 of the bearing 244 to rotate relative to a second section 263 of the bearing 244, wherein the second section 263 is fixedly coupled to the mounting plate 252. In this configuration, the cable guide 242 can be coupled to the first section 261 of the bearing 244 so as to rotate relative to the second section 263 and the mounting plate 252, and the cable can extend through the cable guide 242, through the opening 260 of the bearing 244, and through the opening 262 of the mounting plate.

[0031] The bearing 244 may include one or more stops or other components configured to enable rotation of the first section 261 within a first range and disable rotation of the first section 261 within a second range. As an example, when the cable guide 242 is coupled to the bearing 244 (e.g., fixedly coupled to the first section 261), the bearing 244 may enable the cable guide 242 to rotate within a first range (e.g., Figure 1 and prevents the cable guide 242 from rotating in the second zone (e.g., Figure 1 In this way, the bearing 244 can limit the rotation of the cable guide 242 (eg, limit the rotation angle of the cable guide 242).

[0032] Cable rotation assembly 248 includes a plurality of mounting brackets configured to secure cable rotation assembly 248 to a C-arm of an imaging system (e.g., C-arm 104 of imaging system 100 described above). Mounting plate 252 may be supported by mounting brackets 253 and 254 so as to be at an angle relative to the rotation plane of the C-shaped portion of the C-arm (e.g., Figure 1 The mounting plate 252 may be mounted to the C-arm at an angle 195 (as shown and described above). The mounting plate 252 may support the cable guide 242 via a bearing 244, wherein the bearing 244 forms an interface between the mounting plate 252 and the cable guide 242. The mounting plate 252, the bearing 244, the mounting bracket 253, and the mounting bracket 254 may be at least partially contained within the mounting base 246. The mounting bracket 253 and the mounting bracket 254 may be directly coupled to the C-shaped portion of the C-arm and may also be coupled to the mounting base 246 to maintain the mounting base 246 in an appropriate position relative to the C-arm. In one example, the mounting bracket 253 and the mounting bracket 254 may be coupled to the C-shaped portion of the C-arm via fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) inserted through openings of the mounting brackets, the openings of the mounting brackets being aligned with corresponding openings of the C-shaped portion of the C-arm. Mounting plate 252 may be coupled to mounting brackets 253 and 254 via fasteners (eg, bolts, screws, etc.) inserted through openings of mounting plate 252 that align with corresponding openings of mounting brackets 253 and 254 .

[0033] Each mounting bracket includes a mounting surface (e.g., mounting surface 275) configured to mate with an inner circumferential surface (e.g., Figure 1The mounting base 246 is connected to the inner circumferential surface by mounting brackets (e.g., mounting bracket 253 and mounting bracket 254) in coplanar contact. In this configuration, the mounting base 246 is connected to the inner circumferential surface by mounting brackets (e.g., mounting bracket 253 and mounting bracket 254). Each mounting bracket also includes an angled surface (such as angled surface 279) positioned at an angle 273 relative to the mounting surface (e.g., mounting surface 275). The angled surface is configured to be connected in coplanar contact with the mounting plate 252 so as to maintain the mounting plate 252 at an angle 273 relative to the inner circumferential surface of the C-shaped portion of the C-shaped arm. In some examples, angle 273 may be between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. In one example, angle 273 is 45 degrees.

[0034] See also Figure 3 , shows the above reference Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the cable rotation assembly 248 . Figure 3 The cable rotation assembly 248 is shown in an assembled configuration. The rear coupling 245 is shown coupled to the first end 320 of the cable guide 242, wherein the rear coupling 245 includes an opening 322 adapted to receive a cable (e.g., the cable 140 described above) enclosed by the cable guide. Figure 3 In the illustrated view, the position of the cable within the cable channel 355 of the cable guide 242 is indicated by the dashed line 340, wherein the cable has a diameter 341 (e.g., indicated by the length between the dashed lines 340). The cable channel 355 extends through the first end 320 of the cable guide 242 to the second end 321 of the cable guide 242 and is configured to enclose a portion of the cable. The opening 322 at the rear coupling 245 can have a diameter 323 that is substantially the same as the cable (e.g., substantially the diameter 341), so that when the cable guide 242 is coupled around the cable (e.g., to enclose a portion of the cable), the rear coupling 245 can make coplanar contact with an outer surface of the cable to maintain the position of the portion of the cable at the opening 322.

[0035] The second end portion 321 of the cable guide 242 includes a second diameter 325 (also referred to as Figure 2 323. The second diameter 325 may be greater than the diameter 323. The second diameter 325 may be greater than the diameter 270 of the bearing 244 (shown by Figure 2244). The bearing 244 may be positioned at the second end 321 of the cable guide 242 and may be approximately the same (e.g., the same length) or larger than the diameter of the bearing. In this configuration, the bearing 244 may be seated within the opening at the second end 321. The opening 260 may have a diameter 331 that is larger than the diameter 341 of the cable, such that during conditions in which the cable extends through the opening 260, a small gap may be formed between the cable and the surface of the bearing 244 that forms the opening 260. The gap between the surface that forms the opening 260 and the cable may reduce the likelihood of the cable binding within the cable guide 242 and / or the bearing 244. The opening 260 of the bearing 244 may be positioned at the opening at the second end 321 of the cable guide 242 and be concentrically arranged relative to the opening at the second end 321 of the cable guide 242 (e.g., centered relative to the opening at the second end 321 of the cable guide 242), wherein the opening 260 of the bearing 244 is adapted to guide the cable from the interior 350 of the cable guide 242 to the interior 352 of the mounting base 246.

[0036] The rear coupler 245 is partially enclosed by the cable guide 242 at the first end 320, wherein a lip portion 354 of the rear coupler 245 maintains a position of the rear coupler 245 relative to the cable guide 242. The diameter of the lip portion 354 can be larger than the diameter 323 of the opening 322 of the rear coupler 245, wherein the lip portion 354 is configured to seat against an end surface 356 of the cable guide 242 at the first end 320. The cable guide 242 is open at the first end 320, wherein the end surface 356 forms a circumference of the opening of the cable guide 242 at the first end 320. The end surface 356 is a circumferential surface formed around the gap 358 between the first side 380 and the second side 382 of the cable guide 242, wherein the rear coupler 245 is shaped to be seated within the gap 358 to couple to the cable guide 242 (e.g., wherein the lip portion 354 of the rear coupler 245 abuts the end surface 356). In some examples, the rear coupler 245 can be friction fit within the first end 320 of the cable guide 242 and arranged to make coplanar contact with the inner surface of the cable guide 242.

[0037] The cable guide 242 is coupled to the bearing 244, wherein the bearing 244 forms an interface between the cable guide 242 and the mounting base 246, such that the cable guide 242 can rotate relative to the mounting base 246 (e.g., via rotation of the first section 261 of the bearing 244 relative to the second section 263 of the bearing 244, as described above). In some examples, the cable guide 242 is coupled to the first section 261 of the bearing 244 via a fastener 372 (e.g., a bolt, a screw, etc.).

[0038] The cable guide 242 is shaped such that the interior 350 of the cable guide 242 includes a plurality of curved walls, such as the wall 377 of the first segment 242a coupled to a corresponding curved wall of the second segment 242b (eg, as shown in FIG. 2A ). Figure 2 320). The wall may be curved from the first end 320 to the second end 321 to guide the cable from the first end 320 to the second end 321 through the cable guide 242. During a condition where a portion of the cable is enclosed by the cable guide 242, the cable may bend at a curvature 375 within the cable guide 242. The cable guide 242 may be rotated at an axis 370 (e.g., similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 320 ) of rotation. Figure 1 In the direction of the rotation axis 135 ), the first side 380 of the cable guide 242 may be positioned further than the opposing second side 382 of the cable guide 242 .

[0039] The wall forming the interior 350 of the cable guide 242 may be curved at different curvatures at each of the first side 380 and the second side 382. For example, the wall 377 includes a portion disposed at the first side 380 and a portion disposed at the second side 382 (e.g., due to the circumferential curvature of the wall 377, such as Figure 2 As indicated by arrow 290 in FIG. 1 , about an axis 371 arranged radially relative to the rotation axis 370, as Figure 3 370 ). The portion of the wall 377 disposed at the first side 380 is bent toward the second end 321 at a first curvature 374 (e.g., a first radius of curvature), and the portion of the wall 377 disposed at the second side 382 is bent toward the second end 321 at a different second curvature 376 (e.g., a second radius of curvature). By being bent at different curvatures at the first side 380 and the second side 382, ​​the wall 377 forms a rigid, elongated portion 379 of the cable guide 242 that is configured to engage a cable and the cable can be maintained therein in a substantially straight configuration (e.g., a straightened configuration in which the cable extends straight through the interior 350 of the cable guide 242 without bending or twisting).

[0040] Wall 377 may include a first straight portion 385 disposed at first side 380 and a second straight portion 386 disposed at second side 382, ​​wherein first straight portion 385 and second straight portion 386 are positioned substantially parallel to each other and to an axis 371 extending radially relative to rotation axis 370. First straight portion 385 and second straight portion 386 each terminate at first end 320 and form end surface 356. The amount of curvature 374 and curvature 376 and the length of first straight portion 385 and the length of second straight portion 386 may be selected to control the size (e.g., length) of elongated portion 379. In some examples, the size of elongated portion 379 may be selected to reduce the intrusion of cable guide 242 and cables partially enclosed by cable guide 242 into an imaging system (e.g., an imaging system including the cable guide) when cable guide 242 is rotated relative to the C-shaped portion of a C-shaped arm of the imaging system. Figure 1 The possibilities in the imaging area and interior areas (e.g., interior area 198 described above) of the imaging system 100 shown and described above.

[0041] In some examples, the cable guide 242 can include an inner surface protrusion 347 configured to guide the cable at an inner position within the cable guide 242 (e.g., between opposing sides of the wall 377, where a portion of the wall 377 at the first side 380 has a curvature 374, and where a portion of the wall 377 at the second side 382 has a curvature 376). For example, because the diameter 325 of the cable guide 242 at the second end 321 is sized to accommodate the bearing 244, the inner surface protrusion 347 can provide a smaller inner diameter for forming a desired curvature of the cable from the elongated portion 379 to the second end 321. The desired curvature can reduce the likelihood that the cable will be pinched within the cable guide 242 as it is guided by the cable guide between the first end 320 and the second end 321 (e.g., through the elongated portion 379 and curving toward the second end 321). For example, the opening at the second end 321 of the cable guide 242 may be arranged perpendicular to the opening at the first end 320 of the cable guide 242 , and the protrusion 347 may gradually guide the cable from the first end 320 to the second end 321 having the curvature 375 .

[0042] As described above, the second end 321 of the cable guide 242 is coupled to the first section 261 of the bearing 244. The opening 260 of the bearing 244 is a passage formed by the first section 261 and extending through the second section 263 of the bearing 244. When the first section 261 rotates relative to the second section 263 about the rotation axis 370, the cable guide 242 similarly rotates together with the first section 261 about the rotation axis 370. Because the opening 260 of the first section 261 extends through the second section 263, the cable can extend through each of the first section 261 and the second section 263 by extending through the opening 260. Therefore, when the first section 261 and the cable guide 242 rotate about the rotation axis 370, the portion of the cable disposed within the opening 260 can similarly rotate together with the first section 261 and the cable guide 242.

[0043] As described above, the bearing 244 may not have a full 360 degree rotation about the rotation axis 370, but may be within a predetermined area (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. 1 ) based on the position of the stop within the bearing 244. Figure 1 The stopper may include a component of the first section 261 that is configured to interfere with a component of the second section 263 when rotation of the cable guide 242 outside of the predetermined zone is attempted, as described below with reference to Fig. 9 For example, when the boundary of the predetermined zone is reached, the stopper may prevent the first segment 261 from further rotating relative to the second segment 263 about the rotation axis 370. Figures 4 to 8 In the example discussed, the stop can maintain the position of the cable guide 242 for some rotational positions of the C-shaped portion of the C-shaped arm. For example, during a condition in which the C-shaped portion is rotated so that the cable guide 242 is positioned vertically above the rotation axis of the C-shaped portion (e.g., at a position vertically above the rotation axis relative to the ground on which the imaging system is located), the stop can maintain the rotational position of the cable guide 242 relative to the C-shaped portion so as to position the cable guide and the cable partially enclosed by the cable guide outside of the imaging area and the interior area of ​​the imaging system.

[0044] See also Figures 4 to 8 , shows the above reference Figure 1 In the imaging system 100 , the C-shaped portion 105 of the C-shaped arm 104 is rotated around the rotation axis 164 to various positions. Figure 1 Some components introduced in Figures 4 to 8 Although such components are numbered, it should be understood that such components may exist.

[0045] As described above, the cable guide 142 of the imaging system 100 may be rotated based on the rotational position of the C-shaped portion 105 of the C-shaped arm 104 to position the cable 140 of the imaging system 100 outside of the imaging region and the interior region of the C-shaped arm 104 . Figures 4 to 8 105 for various rotational positions of the C-shaped portion 105. In the examples described herein, the position of the cable guide 142 can be adjusted via forces applied to the cable guide 142 by the cable 140 (e.g., tension and / or weight of the cable 140) and forces applied to the cable guide 142 by gravity. For example, the cable guide 142 includes an elongated portion 402 similar to the elongated portion described above with reference to FIG. Figures 2 to 3 The elongated portion 379 of the cable guide 242 is shown. The elongated portion 402 extends away from the rotational axis 135 of the cable guide 142, and therefore, torque can be applied to the elongated portion 402 by gravity. The force (e.g., torque) applied to the cable guide 142 by gravity, together with the force applied to the cable guide 142 by the cable 140, can automatically (e.g., via gravity and the force applied by the cable 140, without driving the cable guide 142 by a motor) rotate the cable guide 142 relative to the C-arm 104 based on the rotational position of the C-shaped portion 105 of the C-shaped arm 104. For example, the cable guide 142 can be rotated without actuating a motor to drive rotation of the cable guide 142, and without applying force to the cable guide 142 by a user of the imaging system 100 (such as a clinician).

[0046] First go to Figure 4 , shows a first position 400 of the C-arm 104 (e.g., a first rotational position of the C-shaped portion 105). In the first position 400, the mounting base 146 is positioned close to the ground 190, and the length (e.g., distance) between the detector 108 and the extension portion 107 is less than the length between the x-ray source 106 and the extension portion. In the first position 400, the axis 166 between the x-ray source 106 and the detector 108 is arranged parallel to the ground 190. In this configuration, the cable guide 142 adjusts the position of the cable 140 so that the cable 140 extends toward the base unit 102 and away from the imaging area and the internal area of ​​the imaging system 100 (e.g., an open area disposed between the detector 108 and the x-ray source 106 and between the opposite ends (the first end 141 and the second end 143) of the C-shaped portion 105). In one example, Figure 4 The location of the cable guide 142 in the first zone 184 may be a location where the elongated portion 402 of the cable guide 142 in the first zone 184 extends along the axis 137 (eg, parallel to the axis 137), wherein the axis 137 and the first zone 184 are defined by Figure 1 shown and as described above.

[0047] Figure 5 The C-shaped arm 104 is shown in a second position 500 (eg, a second rotational position of the C-shaped portion 105). The second position 500 may correspond to a position of the C-shaped portion 105 in which the C-shaped portion 105 is rotated from Figure 4 The first position 400 is shown rotated 45 degrees (eg, relative to Figure 4 In the second position 500, the detector 108 is positioned closer to the extension 107 than the x-ray source 106, but less close to the extension 107 relative to the first position 400. In addition, the x-ray source 106 is positioned closer to the ground 190 in the second position 500 relative to the first position 400. Figure 5 The position of the cable guide 142 in the first zone 184 may be a position in which the elongated portion 402 of the cable guide 142 extends in a direction between the axis 137 and the axis 139, wherein the axis 137, the axis 139, and the first zone 184 are defined by Figure 1 For example, as described above, the angle 145 between the axis 137 and the axis 139 may be 160 degrees (e.g., where 0 degrees corresponds to a position along the axis 137 and 160 degrees corresponds to a position along the axis 139), and Figure 5 In the illustrated second position 500 , the elongated portion 402 of the cable guide 142 may extend 80 degrees within the first zone 184 (eg, along the axis 167 midway between the axis 137 and the axis 139 ).

[0048] Figure 6 The C-shaped arm 104 is shown in a third position 600 (eg, a third rotational position of the C-shaped portion 105), which may correspond to the C-shaped portion 105 being rotated relative to the Figure 5 The second position 500 is shown rotated 45 degrees in a clockwise direction. In the third position 600, the mounting base 146 is positioned proximate to the extension 107 and the x-ray source 106 is positioned proximate to the ground 190, wherein the axis 166 between the x-ray source 106 and the detector 108 is arranged perpendicular to (e.g., orthogonal to) the ground 190. Figure 6 The position of the cable guide 142 in the first zone 184 may be a position in the first zone 184 where the elongated portion 402 of the cable guide 142 extends along the axis 139, wherein the axis 139 and the first zone 184 are defined by Figure 1 shown and as described above.

[0049] Figure 7 The C-shaped arm 104 is shown in a fourth position 700 (eg, a fourth rotational position of the C-shaped portion 105), which may correspond to the C-shaped portion 105 being rotated relative to the Figure 6The third position 600 is shown rotated 45 degrees clockwise. In the fourth position 700, the x-ray source is positioned closer to the extension 107 than the detector 108. In addition, the detector 108 is positioned relative to the Figure 6 The third position 600 is shown further away from the extension 107 . Figure 7 The position of the cable guide 142 in the first zone 184 may be a position in the first zone 184 where the elongated portion 402 of the cable guide 142 extends along the axis 139, wherein the axis 139 and the first zone 184 are defined by Figure 1 As shown and described above. Figure 6 The third position 600 shown is transformed to Figure 7 In the fourth position 700 shown, the cable guide 142 can be maintained in the same rotational position due to the engagement of one or more stops of the bearings (e.g., the bearings 244 described above) of the cable rotation assembly 148. Figure 1 As described, the cable guide 242 can rotate within the first zone 184, but cannot rotate within the second zone 186. Although forces (e.g., gravity, cable tension, etc.) may act on the cable guide 142 when the C-arm 104 transitions from the third position 600 to the fourth position 700, the cable guide 142 does not rotate during the transition due to the engagement of one or more stops. Specifically, when the C-arm 104 transitions from the third position 600 to the fourth position 700, the position of the elongated portion 402 along the axis 139 may be maintained, and although forces (e.g., gravity, cable tension, etc.) acting on the cable guide 142 may cause the cable guide 142 to rotate toward the second zone 186, the cable guide 142 does not rotate into the second zone 186 and remains in the first zone 184 due to the engagement of one or more stops of the bearing of the cable rotation assembly 148.

[0050] Figure 8 The C-shaped arm 104 is shown in a fifth position 800 (eg, a fifth rotational position of the C-shaped portion 105), which may correspond to the C-shaped portion 105 being rotated relative to the Figure 7 The fourth position 700 is shown as a position rotated 45 degrees in a clockwise direction. In the fifth position 800, the mounting base 146 is positioned farther from the ground 190 than each of the x-ray source 106 and the detector 108. In addition, the x-ray source 106 is positioned closer to the extension portion 107 than the detector 108. Similar to the first position 400, in the fifth position 800, the axis 166 between the x-ray source 106 and the detector 108 is arranged parallel to the ground 190. However, in the fifth position 800, the C-shaped portion 105 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the first position 400. Figure 8The position of the cable guide 142 in the first zone 184 may be a position in the first zone 184 where the elongated portion 402 of the cable guide 142 extends along the axis 139, wherein the axis 139 and the first zone 184 are defined by Figure 1 As shown and described above. Figure 7 The fourth position 700 shown transitions to Figure 8 In the illustrated fifth position 800 , the cable guide 142 may be maintained in the same rotational position due to engagement of one or more stops of a bearing (e.g., bearing 244 described above) of the cable rotation assembly 148 , similar to the example described above with reference to the transition from the third position 600 to the fourth position 700 .

[0051] By configuring the cable guide 142 to rotate based on the rotational position of the C-shaped portion 105 of the C-shaped arm 104 as described above, the cable guide 142 maintains the cable 140 in a position outside of the imaging region and the interior region of the imaging system 100 and away from the space between the opposite ends of the C-shaped portion 105. For example, for each rotational position of the C-shaped arm 104, the cable guide 142 can maintain the cable 140 away from the axis 166 between the detector 108 and the x-ray source 106. In this way, the likelihood of the cable 140 intruding into the interior region (and the imaging region) can be reduced, which can increase patient comfort and / or reduce the likelihood of degradation of the imaging system 100 (e.g., reducing the likelihood of sterilization of components within the interior region and the imaging region).

[0052] See now Fig. 9 , showing Figure 2 A perspective view of the bearing 244 and mounting plate 252 introduced in FIG. Figure 2 Introduced in Fig. 9 The components are numbered the same and will not be reintroduced. As described above, the bearing 244 includes a first section 261 and a second section 263, wherein the second section 263 is fixedly coupled (e.g., non-rotatably coupled) to the mounting plate 252, and wherein the first section 261 is rotationally coupled to the second section 263. The bearing 244 is Fig. 9 2 is shown without a cover plate portion, but in some examples, the bearing 244 may include a cover plate portion (e.g., similar to Figure 2 view shown).

[0053] The first segment 261 includes a protrusion 900. When the first segment 261 rotates relative to the second segment 263, the protrusion 900 can engage with one or more stops of the second segment 263 to prevent the first segment 261 from rotating past a predetermined area (e.g., Figure 1 The second zone 186 shown and described above) Fig. 9In the example shown, second section 263 includes a first stop 902 and a second stop 904 , wherein axis 910 extends radially through first stop 902 relative to rotation axis 370 , and wherein axis 912 extends radially through second stop 904 relative to rotation axis 370 .

[0054] The first segment 261 may be rotated to any of a plurality of different positions in a row between the first stop 902 and the second stop 904 within a first zone of the bearing 244, wherein the first zone indicated by arrow 920 extends between the axis 910 and the axis 912 about the rotation axis 370 at the first side 930 of the bearing. However, the first segment 261 may not be rotated to any position within a second zone of the bearing 244, wherein the second zone indicated by arrow 922 extends between the axis 910 and the axis 912 about the rotation axis 370 at the opposite second side 932 of the bearing. In some examples, the axis 910 may be different from the axis 910 described above with reference to FIG. Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 8 The axis 137 is the same as described above, and the axis 912 can be the same as the axis 137 described above. Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 8 The axis 139 described above is the same. In one example, the first segment 261 can be rotated 160 degrees relative to the second segment 263 within the first zone. For example, the first segment 261 can be rotated relative to the second segment 263 to a first position in which the protrusion 900 at the first side 930 engages with the first stop 902, a second position in which the protrusion 900 at the first side 930 engages with the second stop 904, and a continuous plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position at the first side 930. In some examples, the first position and the second position can be separated by an angle of rotation of 180 degrees or less (e.g., 160 degrees of rotation, as described above).

[0055] By configuring the first section 261 to rotate only in the first zone and not in the second zone, the bearing 244 allows the cable guide 242 (eg, Figures 2 to 3 ) is capable of rotating the cables of the imaging system out of the imaging area and the internal area of ​​the imaging system when the C-shaped portion of the C-shaped arm of the imaging system is rotated (e.g., similar to the above reference Figures 4 to 8 Additionally, when the C-shaped portion rotates and the cable guide does not rotate (e.g., due to engagement of the protrusion 900 with the first stop 902 or the second stop 904), the bearing 244 maintains the position of the cable guide 242 to guide the cable away from the imaging area and the interior area.

[0056] The technical effect of coupling the cable guide to the mounting base of the cable rotation assembly at an angle relative to the rotation plane of the C-shaped portion of the C-shaped arm and configuring the cable guide to rotate within the first zone but not within the second zone is to move the cable and the cable guide away from the imaging area and the interior area of ​​the imaging system during the condition of rotating the C-shaped portion to image the subject. In this way, the cable rotation assembly guides the cable and the cable guide away from the imaging area and the interior area, thereby increasing the ease of use of the imaging system and reducing the possibility of image degradation caused by the intrusion of the cable into the imaging area and the interior area.

[0057] In one embodiment, an assembly for a C-arm imaging system includes: a cable guide configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being arranged at an angle to a surface of a C-shaped portion of the C-arm imaging system to which the assembly is mounted, the cable guide including a rigid elongated portion extending outwardly from the axis of rotation and configured to enclose a portion of the cable of the C-arm imaging system. In a first example of the assembly, the assembly also includes a cable channel extending through a first end of the cable guide to a second end of the cable guide, the cable channel enclosing the portion of the cable, wherein the cable guide is configured to engage the cable at the first end via the rigid elongated portion and rotate about the axis of rotation at the second end. A second example of the assembly optionally includes the first example, and also includes wherein the first end is press-fitted to the cable by a smaller first diameter, and the second end is spaced apart from the cable by a larger second diameter. The third example of the assembly optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, and further includes wherein the rotation axis of the cable guide is not orthogonal to the surface of the C-shaped portion. The fourth example of the assembly optionally includes one or more or each of the first to third examples, and further includes wherein the angle between the rotation axis and the surface of the C-shaped portion is between 30 and 60 degrees. The fifth example of the assembly optionally includes one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, and further includes wherein the cable guide can rotate only 180 degrees or less around the rotation axis.

[0058] In one embodiment, a system includes: a C-arm; a cable coupled to an electronic controller of the C-arm; and a cable rotation assembly configured to adjust the position of the cable relative to the C-arm, including: a base including a mounting surface fixedly coupled to the C-arm; a cable guide enclosing a portion of the cable and rotatably coupled to the base at an angle relative to the mounting surface; and an interface between the cable guide and the base, the interface including a pair of stops configured to limit rotation of the cable guide. In a first example of the system, the cable guide includes a rigid elongated portion formed at a first end of the cable guide, wherein the portion of the cable enclosed by the cable guide is located within the rigid elongated portion in a straightened configuration. A second example of the system optionally includes the first example, and further includes wherein the first end is press-fitted to the cable and the cable guide includes a second end rotatably coupled to the base via the bearing, wherein the cable is bent from the rigid elongated portion to the second end through the cable guide. A third example of the system optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, and further includes wherein the C-arm includes a C-shaped portion having an x-ray source and an x-ray detector coupled at opposite ends of the C-shaped portion, wherein the cable rotation assembly is coupled to the C-arm at the C-shaped portion. A fourth example of the system optionally includes one or more or each of the first to third examples, and further includes wherein the mounting surface is coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the C-shaped portion, and the base is centered between the opposite ends, and the axis of rotation of the cable guide is not perpendicular or parallel to the inner circumferential surface. The fifth example of the system optionally includes one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, and further includes wherein the C-shaped portion is rotatable about a first rotation axis disposed between the opposite ends of the C-shaped portion and not intersecting the C-shaped portion, and the cable guide is rotatable about a second rotation axis that is angled relative to the first rotation axis and not orthogonal to the first rotation axis. The sixth example of the system optionally includes one or more or each of the first to fifth examples, and further includes wherein the second rotation axis is at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the first rotation axis. The seventh example of the system optionally includes one or more or each of the first to sixth examples, and further includes wherein the interface is a bearing, the bearing including a first section fixedly coupled to the cable guide and a second section fixedly coupled to the base, the first section being rotatable relative to the second section and the second section including the pair of stops, wherein the first section includes a protrusion disposed between the pair of stops at a first side of the bearing.The seventh example of the system optionally includes one or more or each of the first to sixth examples, and also includes a configuration in which the first segment is capable of rotating relative to the second segment only to a first position in which the protrusion at the first side engages the first stop, a second position in which the protrusion at the first side engages the second stop, and a plurality of consecutive intermediate positions between the first position and the second position at the first side.

[0059] In one embodiment, a method includes: coupling a cable guide around a cable of a C-arm of an imaging system; and limiting a rotation angle of the cable guide while rotating the cable guide relative to the C-arm. In a first example of the method, rotating the cable guide relative to the C-arm includes rotating the cable guide around a rotation axis arranged non-orthogonal to a mounting surface of the C-arm, the cable guide being rotatably coupled to the C-arm at the mounting surface. A second example of the method optionally includes the first example, and further includes wherein coupling the cable guide around the cable includes enclosing a portion of the cable between a first section and a second section of a rigid, elongated portion of the cable guide. A third example of the method optionally includes one or both of the first and second examples, and further includes wherein rotating the cable guide relative to the C-arm includes rotating the cable guide via gravity and without driving the cable guide by a motor. A fourth example of the method optionally includes one or more or each of the first to third examples, and also includes wherein limiting the rotation angle of the cable guide while rotating the cable guide relative to the C-arm includes: allowing the cable guide to rotate to a first fully rotated position, a second fully rotated position, and a continuous plurality of intermediate rotational positions between the first fully rotated position and the second fully rotated position, wherein the first fully rotated position and the second fully rotated position are spaced 180 degrees of rotation or less; and stopping the cable guide from rotating beyond the first fully rotated position or the second fully rotated position.

[0060] In another representation, a cable rotation assembly includes a base including a mounting surface and an angled surface, and a cable guide including a first end forming a cable channel and a second end rotatably coupled to the base at the angled surface.

[0061] In another representation, a method includes: rotating a C-shaped portion of a C-shaped arm about a first rotation axis; and controlling a position of a cable coupled to the C-shaped arm via a cable rotation assembly based on the rotation of the C-shaped portion. In a first example of the method, controlling the position of the cable coupled to the C-shaped arm via a cable rotation assembly based on the rotation of the C-shaped portion includes controlling a rotational position of a cable guide of the cable rotation assembly coupled to the cable based on a rotational range of the cable guide. A second example of the method optionally includes the first example, and further includes wherein controlling the rotational position of the cable guide of the cable rotation assembly based on the rotational range of the cable guide includes: adjusting the rotational position of the cable guide when the C-shaped portion is rotated to any one of a first plurality of rotational positions; and maintaining the rotational position of the cable guide when the C-shaped portion is rotated to any one of a second plurality of rotational positions. A third example of the method optionally includes one or both of the first example and the second example, and further includes wherein the first plurality of rotational positions of the C-shaped portion includes a first fully rotational position, and the second plurality of rotational positions of the C-shaped portion includes a second fully rotational position. A fourth example of the method optionally includes one or more or each of the first to third examples, and further includes wherein the first plurality of rotational positions includes a first intermediate position between the first fully rotational position and the second fully rotational position, and the second plurality of rotational positions includes a second intermediate position between the first intermediate position and the second fully rotational position. A fifth example of the method optionally includes one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, and further includes wherein adjusting the rotational position of the cable guide includes rotating the cable guide relative to the C-shaped portion about a second rotational axis that is arranged non-orthogonal and non-parallel to the first rotational axis. The sixth example of the method optionally includes one or more or each of the first to fifth examples, and further includes wherein rotating the cable guide relative to the C-shaped portion includes rotating a first section of a bearing of the cable rotation assembly relative to a second section of the bearing about a second rotation axis, the first section being rotationally fixed to the cable guide and the second section being rotationally fixed to the C-shaped portion. The seventh example of the method optionally includes one or more or each of the first to sixth examples, and further includes wherein rotating the cable guide relative to the C-shaped portion includes rotating the cable guide via gravity without driving the cable guide by a motor. The eighth example of the method optionally includes one or more or each of the first to seventh examples, and further includes wherein controlling the rotational position of the cable guide of the cable rotation assembly based on the rotational range of the cable guide includes adjusting the rotational position of the cable guide to a first rotational end position relative to the C-shaped portion when the C-shaped portion is in a first fully rotated position.The ninth example of the method optionally includes one or more or each of the first to eighth examples, and further includes wherein controlling the rotational position of the cable guide of the cable rotation assembly based on the rotational range of the cable guide includes adjusting the rotational position of the cable guide to a transition position relative to the C-shaped portion when the C-shaped portion is between a first fully rotated position and a first intermediate position. The tenth example of the method optionally includes one or more or each of the first to ninth examples, and further includes wherein controlling the rotational position of the cable guide of the cable rotation assembly based on the rotational range of the cable guide includes adjusting the rotational position of the cable guide to a second rotational end position relative to the C-shaped portion when the C-shaped portion is in a first intermediate position. The eleventh example of the method optionally includes one or more or each of the first to tenth examples, and further includes wherein controlling the rotational position of the cable guide of the cable rotation assembly based on the rotational range of the cable guide includes maintaining the rotational position of the cable guide at the second rotational end position relative to the C-shaped portion when the C-shaped portion is between the first intermediate position and the second fully rotated position. The twelfth example of the method optionally includes one or more or each of the first to eleventh examples, and further includes wherein controlling the rotational position of the cable guide of the cable rotation assembly based on the rotational range of the cable guide includes maintaining the rotational position of the cable guide at the second rotational end position relative to the C-shaped portion when the C-shaped portion is in the second fully rotated position. The thirteenth example of the method optionally includes one or more or each of the first to twelfth examples, and also includes wherein the first fully rotated position corresponds to a rotation of 0 degrees around the first rotation axis, the first intermediate position corresponds to a rotation of 90 degrees around the first rotation axis, and the second fully rotated position corresponds to a rotation of 180 degrees around the first rotation axis.

[0062] Figures 1 to 9An exemplary configuration of the relative positioning of various components is shown. In at least one example, if it is shown as being in direct contact or directly coupled to each other, such elements may be referred to as being in direct contact or directly coupled, respectively. Similarly, in at least one example, elements that are adjacent or adjacent to each other may be adjacent or adjacent to each other, respectively. For example, components that are arranged to be in coplanar contact with each other may be referred to as being in coplanar contact. For another example, in at least one example, elements that are positioned to be spaced apart from each other and have only space therebetween without other components may be described and cited as such. For another example, elements that are shown to be located above / below each other, located on opposite sides of each other, or located between the left / right sides of each other may be described and cited as such relative to each other. In addition, as shown in the figure, in at least one example, the topmost element or point of an element may be referred to as the "top" of a component, and the bottommost element or point of an element may be referred to as the "bottom" of a component. As used herein, top / bottom, upper / lower, upper / lower may be relative to the vertical axis of the figure, and may be used to describe the positioning of elements relative to each other in the figure. Thus, in one example, an element that is shown to be located above other elements is vertically positioned above other elements. As another example, the shapes of elements shown in the figures may be referred to as having these shapes (e.g., such as being rounded, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, etc.). In addition, in at least one example, elements shown as intersecting each other may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting each other. In addition, in one example, an element shown as being within another element or shown as being outside another element may be described and referred to as such.

[0063] As used herein, the elements or steps listed in the singular and beginning with the word "one" or "a kind of" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of the elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. In addition, the reference to "an embodiment" of the present invention is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the cited features. In addition, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the embodiment of "including", "comprising" or "having" an element or multiple elements with a specific characteristic may include additional such elements without the characteristic. The terms "including" and "in..." are used as the concise language equivalents of the corresponding terms "including" and "wherein". In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third" etc. are only used as marks, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or specific positional order on their objects.

[0064] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any included methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insignificant differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A component for a C-arm imaging system, include: a cable guide operative to prevent a cable of the C-arm imaging system from entering an interior area defined within a C-arm on the C-arm imaging system, wherein the cable is located within the cable guide, and wherein the cable guide is coupled to the C-arm via a mounting base and is configured to rotate relative to the C-arm, The cable guide is configured to rotate about a rotation axis, the rotation axis being arranged at an angle to a surface of a C-shaped portion of the C-arm of the C-arm imaging system to which the component is mounted, the cable guide comprising a rigid, elongated portion extending outwardly from the rotation axis and configured to enclose a portion of the cable of the C-arm imaging system.

2. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a cable channel extending through the first end of the cable guide to the second end of the cable guide, the cable channel enclosing the portion of the cable, wherein the cable guide is configured to engage the cable via the rigid elongated portion at the first end and rotate about the rotation axis at the second end.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the first end is press-fit to the cable by a first, smaller diameter, and the second end is spaced apart from the cable by a second, larger diameter.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the axis of rotation of the cable guide is not orthogonal to the surface of the C-shaped portion.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the angle of the rotational axis to the surface of the C-shaped portion is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees.

6. A system, include: C-arm; a cable coupled to a power source of the C-arm; and A cable rotation assembly configured to adjust the position of the cable relative to the C-arm, the cable rotation assembly comprising: a base comprising a mounting surface fixedly coupled to the C-arm; a cable guide enclosing a portion of the cable and rotatably coupled to the base at an angle relative to the mounting surface; and an interface between the cable guide and the base, the interface comprising a pair of stops configured to limit rotation of the cable guide, The cable guide is configured to rotate about a rotation axis, the rotation axis being arranged at an angle to a surface of a C-shaped portion of the C-arm of the C-arm imaging system to which the component is mounted, the cable guide comprising a rigid, elongated portion extending outwardly from the rotation axis and configured to enclose a portion of the cable of the C-arm imaging system.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the cable guide includes the rigid elongated portion formed at a first end of the cable guide, wherein the portion of the cable enclosed by the cable guide is located within the rigid elongated portion in a straightened configuration.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first end is press-fitted to the cable and the cable guide includes a second end rotatably coupled to the base via the interface, wherein the cable is bent from the rigid elongated portion to the second end through the cable guide.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the C-arm comprises a C-shaped portion having an x-ray source and an x-ray detector coupled at opposite ends of the C-shaped portion, wherein the cable rotation assembly is coupled to the C-arm at the C-shaped portion.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the mounting surface is coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the C-shaped portion and the base is centered between the opposing ends, and the cable guide's axis of rotation is not perpendicular or parallel to the inner circumferential surface.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the C-shaped portion is rotatable about a first rotation axis disposed between the opposite ends of the C-shaped portion and not intersecting the C-shaped portion, and the cable guide is rotatable about a second rotation axis that is angled relative to the first rotation axis and not orthogonal to the first rotation axis.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the second axis of rotation is at an angle between 15 and 75 degrees relative to the first axis of rotation.

13. The system of claim 6, wherein the interface is a bearing, the bearing comprising a first section fixedly coupled to the cable guide and a second section fixedly coupled to the base, the first section being rotatable relative to the second section and the second section comprising the pair of stops, wherein the first section comprises a protrusion disposed between the pair of stops at a first side of the bearing.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the first section is capable of rotating relative to the second section only to a first position in which the protrusion at the first side engages with a first stop of the pair of stops, a second position in which the protrusion at the first side engages with a second stop of the pair of stops, and a continuous plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position at the first side.

15. A method, include: a cable coupling cable guide surrounding a C-arm of an imaging system, wherein the cable guide is coupled to the C-arm and configured to rotate relative to the C-arm; rotating the cable guide relative to the C-arm; as well as limiting a rotation angle of the cable guide while rotating the cable guide relative to the C-shaped arm, The cable guide is configured to rotate about a rotation axis, the rotation axis being arranged at an angle to a surface of a C-shaped portion of the C-arm of the imaging system, the cable guide comprising a rigid, elongated portion extending outwardly from the rotation axis and configured to enclose a portion of the cable of the C-arm imaging system.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the cable guide is rotatably coupled to the C-arm at a mounting surface.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein coupling the cable guide about the cable comprises enclosing a portion of the cable between first and second sections of a rigid elongated portion of the cable guide. 18 . The method of claim 15 , wherein rotating the cable guide relative to the C-arm comprises rotating the cable guide via gravity and without driving the cable guide via a motor.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the rotation angle of the cable guide is limited while rotating the cable guide relative to the C-arm. include: allowing the cable guide to rotate to a first fully rotated position, a second fully rotated position, and a succession of intermediate rotational positions between the first fully rotated position and the second fully rotated position, wherein the first fully rotated position and the second fully rotated position are separated by 180 degrees of rotation or less; and The cable guide is prevented from rotating beyond the first fully rotated position or the second fully rotated position.

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