Arcuated Arm Holding Apparatus for Hybrid OR Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatuses with holding apparatuses face challenges in minimizing size and maintaining cleanliness, especially in Hybrid OR Systems where space is limited and contamination from contrast media and blood is a concern, leading to difficulties in stabilizing and cleaning the apparatuses during surgeries.

Innovation Solution

The holding apparatus features an arcuated arm with guide grooves and wobbling prevention rollers, allowing the C-arm to slide stably along its arcuated direction within a hollow portion, reducing the need for external support mechanisms and minimizing the apparatus's footprint while preventing contamination adherence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the holding apparatus is located near the patient or operator to enable cooperative treatment in Hybrid OR System, then the versatility and functionality are improved, but the apparatus interferes with the operator and limits available space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooperative treatment capabilityVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The holding apparatus is divided into multiple segments including a movable C-arm portion that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the apparatus to provide comprehensive imaging coverage while maintaining compact positioning that does not interfere with operator movement in the limited Hybrid OR space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the holding apparatus is provided with support mechanisms to ensure stability during X-ray capture, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of X-ray captureVSAvoidsupport mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support mechanisms are integrated into the C-arm structure itself, merging the stabilization function with the existing arm design. This combination provides reliable stability during X-ray capture while avoiding the addition of separate external support devices, thereby controlling overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If the holding apparatus is designed with a compact shape to minimize footprint, then the area occupied is reduced, but the stability and support during sliding motion deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefootprintVSAvoidstability during sliding
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The C-arm is designed with dynamic sliding capabilities along guide grooves that allow controlled movement while maintaining stability. The arm can slide along the arcuated direction within the hollow portion while wobbling prevention rollers ensure stable positioning, providing both compact footprint and operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If the holding apparatus is used during surgeries where contrast medium and blood are present, then the productivity and treatment speed are improved, but the apparatus becomes contaminated and difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment speedVSAvoidcleanability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding mechanism is designed to extract or remove the C-arm from direct contact with contamination sources. By allowing the arm to slide within a hollow portion and use external guide grooves rather than internal mechanisms, the design minimizes surfaces that can accumulate contrast medium and blood, thereby improving cleanability while maintaining treatment speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design enhances the stability of X-ray image capture, reduces the apparatus's size, and improves cleanliness by preventing contaminants from adhering to the sliding mechanism, allowing for efficient and precise imaging in hybrid operating environments.

Implementation Method 1

The second roller runs in the guide groove while being fitted in the guide groove, and holds the arm together with the first roller so as to allow the arm to slide along the arcuated direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9176077B2Holding apparatus and X-ray diagnostic apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.11.03 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • US9176077B2 patent drawing
  • US9176077B2 patent drawing
  • US9176077B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a holding apparatus includes an arcuated arm, a first roller, and a second roller. The arcuated arm is provided with a guide groove along the outer surface, has a hollow portion inside, and holds the X-ray generator and X-ray detector while making them squarely face each other. The first roller runs in the hollow portion in contact with the inner wall of the hollow portion on the outer surface side. The second roller runs in the guide groove while being fitted in the guide groove, and holds the arm together with the first roller so as to allow the arm to slide along the arcuated direction.