Arc-Shaped C-Arm Offset Source Detector Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
C-arm medical imaging systems face challenges in achieving a balance between small gantry volume, large source-detector gap, and wide range of movement while maintaining a non-complex structure, which is essential for efficient patient access and imaging in operating or exam situations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an arc-shaped C-arm with a radiation source and detector mounted on opposite sides of its mid-plane, allowing for orbital and longitudinal rotation, and a processing system to generate comprehensive three-dimensional images, with a support assembly and curved guide enabling sliding and rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the source and detector are mounted on opposing ends of the C-arm gantry with the imaging axis in the median plane, then the gantry volume is reduced and the range of movement is increased, but the gap between the source and detector is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the source and detector from the median plane to opposite sides of the mid-plane, utilizing the lateral dimension of the C-arm structure. This dimensional shift allows the source-detector gap to extend across the entire width of the C-arm while maintaining a compact gantry volume, effectively resolving the contradiction between compact size and large source-detector separation.
2Length of moving object
If the axis of rotation is offset relatively to the plane of the C-arm, then the gap between source and detector is large, but the gantry volume increases and the range of movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric mounting of the source and detector on opposite sides of the C-arm mid-plane, with each positioned at different longitudinal locations. This asymmetric configuration maximizes the source-detector gap while maintaining a compact gantry volume and preserving the full range of motion, avoiding the limitations of symmetric offset configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If double slide rails are used to increase imaging capacity, then the imaging capacity is improved, but the device complexity and gantry volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves enhanced imaging capacity through the versatile positioning capabilities of the single C-arm structure itself, which can be oriented in multiple directions and positions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for additional slide rail mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while providing comprehensive imaging capabilities from various angles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for a compact, efficient imaging system with a large source-detector gap and wide range of movement, facilitating easy patient access and comprehensive imaging without increased complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, wherein the X-ray source and the X-ray detector are mounted on opposing ends of the C-arm gantry so that X-rays emitted by the source are incident on and detectable by the X-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
Medical imaging equipment is provided. The medical imaging equipment comprises a support assembly, an arc-shaped member slidably mounted on the support assembly, a radiation source mounted on the arc-shaped member in the vicinity of a first distal end of the arc-shaped member and being oriented to radiate along the direction of an imaging axis, and a detector mounted on the arc-shaped member in the vicinity of the second distal end of the arc-shaped member and being oriented to face the source along the imaging axis, wherein the radiation source and the detector are respectively mounted on one side and the other of the mid plane of the arc-shaped member.