Bidirectional Wheel Motor Assembly for X-ray Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray systems face challenges in precise and efficient movement and positioning due to their heavy and rigid components, requiring substantial force and lacking in handling accuracy, especially in limited spaces like operating rooms.
Innovation Solution
A motor-assisted movement assembly incorporating bidirectional wheels and direct drive motor elements that detect manual indications of movement, allowing for reduced force requirements and increased accuracy by assisting the movement with motorized support, eliminating the need for additional steering mechanisms and small movement axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy rigid components are used for X-ray generating device and detector, then structural strength and stability are improved, but force requirements for movement increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static rigid wheel arrangements with dynamic bidirectional wheels that can adapt their rolling direction. The bidirectional wheels allow the heavy X-ray system to be moved more easily by enabling the operator to push in any direction, with the wheels automatically orienting to roll in the direction of applied force, thus reducing the force required to move the heavy equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the wheel system by introducing bidirectional capability. Instead of fixed-direction wheels, the system uses wheels that can roll in multiple directions (at least two non-parallel directions), fundamentally changing how force is applied and transmitted to move the heavy X-ray system.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional wheel arrangements are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but positioning precision and handling accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional wheels provide dynamic adaptability that improves positioning precision. When precise positioning is needed, the operator can apply small forces in any direction, and the wheels will roll accordingly, enabling fine adjustments without the need for additional steering mechanisms or small movement axes.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the wheel parameter from fixed-direction to bidirectional rolling capability, the system achieves improved positioning precision while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The bidirectional wheels can be manufactured using conventional methods but provide enhanced control characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If additional steering mechanisms and small movement axes are added, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional wheels serve multiple functions: they provide both movement and steering capabilities in a single component. The wheels can roll in at least two non-parallel directions, eliminating the need for separate steering mechanisms and small movement axes, thus achieving positioning accuracy without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of steering and movement into the bidirectional wheel itself. Instead of having separate steering mechanisms and movement axes, the bidirectional wheels combine these functions, allowing the system to achieve precise positioning while maintaining simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If manual movement of heavy X-ray system is used, then ease of operation is reduced, but automation level remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional wheel system provides a form of self-service by automatically adapting to the operator's input. When the operator pushes the system in any direction, the bidirectional wheels automatically orient and roll in that direction without requiring manual steering input, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining a simple manual operation level.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to motor assisted movement as well as to mobile X-ray systems comprising at least one bidirectional wheel. Positioning heavy objects in in particular confined spaces with high precision may be a cumbersome and tedious task. Consequently, a motor assisted movement assembly as well as an X-ray system comprising at least one bidirectional wheel is presented. According to the present invention a motor assisted movement assembly (19) comprising at least one bidirectional wheel (18) and a motor arrangement associated with the at least one bidirectional wheel (18) is provided. The motor assisted movement assembly (19) is adapted to move on a surface, wherein the at least one bidirectional wheel (18) is adapted to roll in at least a first direction (20) and in at least a second direction (22), with the first direction (20) and the second direction (22) being non- parallel. The motor assisted movement assembly (19) is adapted to detect an indication of a desired movement (16) of the motor assisted movement assembly (19) relative to the surface and the motor arrangement is adapted to assist the movement of the motor assisted movement assembly (19) relative to the surface in accordance with the indication (16).