C-Arch X-Ray System With Rotating Column For Compact Multi-Mode Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional x-ray machines are limited in their ability to perform 2D radiographs throughout the patient's length, 3D tomography, and fluoroscopy, often requiring large spaces and restricting patient access during imaging.

Innovation Solution

The development of a versatile x-ray machine with a height-adjustable board, a C-shaped arch that can rotate and translate, and a digital x-ray receiver, allowing for 2D radiographs, 3D tomography, and real-time fluoroscopy, while being compact and accessible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional x-ray equipment with fixed or variable focal length is used, then radiographs can be taken, but the equipment cannot perform 2D radiographs throughout the entire patient length, 3D tomography, and fluoroscopy simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidequipment configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal x-ray imaging system where a single C-shaped arch assembly integrates multiple imaging functions (2D radiography, 3D tomography, and fluoroscopy) through a unified mechanical structure. The arch can perform full 360-degree rotation around the patient while maintaining a fixed focal length, enabling all three imaging modes without requiring separate equipment configurations or changing focal lengths, thus achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional equipment with extensive space requirements is used, then imaging functions are available, but the equipment requires large spaces for installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging functionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structural arrangement where the C-shaped arch is positioned within a housing that contains the control systems and support mechanisms. The arch rotates within the confines of the housing structure, allowing the entire imaging system to be contained within a compact footprint. This nested configuration enables multiple imaging functions to be achieved within a reduced installation space compared to conventional spread-out equipment arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional equipment with enclosed housings is used, then patient safety is improved, but access to the patient during imaging is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidpatient access
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic housing structure with movable panels or doors that can be opened or adjusted during the imaging process. This allows the housing to transition between a closed protective state and an open accessible state, enabling医护人员 to access the patient when needed while maintaining radiation protection when the housing is closed. The dynamic nature of the housing resolves the contradiction between patient safety through enclosure and ease of patient access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the performance of 2D and 3D radiographs and real-time fluoroscopy on patients of any size, with improved access and reduced space requirements, allowing for comprehensive imaging without the need for extensive patient rotation.

Implementation Method 1

an x-ray emission assembly formed by an x-ray tube and a collimator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a 'flat panel' or digital x-ray receiver housed beneath the board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3733073B1Multifunctional radiography, tomography and fluoroscopy device
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SOC ESPANOLA DE ELECTROMEDICINA & CALIDAD SA
  • EP3733073B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3733073B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3733073B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to radiographic equipment comprising a height-adjustable board (1), a C-shaped arch (3), disposed transversally to the greater dimension (D) of the board (1), said board being housed within the internal space defined between the two free extremities (3', 3") of the arch (3). The arch (3) is slidingly mounted on a column (4) by means of a connecting element (5) in such a way that as the arch (3) rotates around an imaginary rotational axis (13) it causes the connecting element (5) to slide or roll throughout the extension of the arch (3). It further comprises a rail (12) extending parallel to the greater dimension of the board (1), on which the column (4) rests. The arch (3) features at its lower extremity (3') an x-ray receiver (6) and at its upper extremity (3") an x-ray emission assembly (7).