C-Arm Cable Chain Routing to Prevent Motion Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing C-arm X-ray imaging systems face limitations in motion due to cable obstructions, which hinder visibility and access around the C-arm and base during movement, especially when the C-arm is in an extended position.
Innovation Solution
A cable management system with a housing on the carriage and a cable chain that directs cables from the base to the C-arm, maintaining alignment and minimizing obstructions, even during extensive motion of the C-arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cables are extended to accommodate all degrees and ranges of motion of the C-arm, then the C-arm can achieve full mobility, but the cables create obstructions to visibility and access around the C-arm and base
Solution Approach 1:
A cable management system acts as an intermediary between the base and C-arm, using a series of guide pulleys and tensioning mechanisms to route cables along the exterior surfaces of the C-arm structure. This mediator system allows cables to extend the full range of motion while preventing them from looping into the central working area, thus maintaining both mobility and clear access.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable routing system transitions cables from a two-dimensional plane (exterior surfaces of C-arm) to a three-dimensional organized path that follows the contours of the C-arm structure. By elevating and routing cables along the outer perimeter in multiple dimensions, the system prevents them from obstructing the central workspace while maintaining full range of motion.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cables are made stiff for high voltage power transmission, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the cables become more rigid and harder to manage during C-arm movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into multiple sections, each with appropriate stiffness characteristics. High-voltage power transmission cables are segmented and routed through dedicated stiff conduits along the C-arm exterior, while control signal cables use more flexible routing. This segmentation allows each cable type to have optimized properties for its function while being managed as a coordinated system.
3Speed
If C-arm moves quickly between imaging orientations, then imaging efficiency is improved, but cables can become separated from the C-arm structure creating obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system incorporates preliminary positioning features such as guide pulleys, tensioning springs, and alignment grooves that are pre-configured along the C-arm structure. These features ensure that as the C-arm moves quickly between orientations, the cables are automatically guided and retuned to their proper positions, preventing separation and obstructions before they can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A C-arm x-ray imaging device includes a base, a carriage operably connected to the base and having at least one axis of movement with respect to the base, a C-arm movably connected to the carriage, the C-arm including a cable management system having a housing disposed on the carriage, the housing defining an interior, a number of cables extending from the base into the interior of the housing, a cable chain having a first end secured within the interior of the housing and a second end affixed to the C-arm, the cable chain defining a channel therein that receives the number of cables to direct the number of cables from the base to the C-arm. The cable management system operate to retain the number of cables in alignment with the C-arm in any orientation of the C-arm relative to the base.