Self-Locking Cable Clamp for C-Arm Cable Chain Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable management in C-arm X-ray imaging systems is challenging due to the need for cables to accommodate multiple independent rotational axes, leading to obstructions and the requirement for specialized cable management equipment.
Innovation Solution
A cable management system featuring a housing on the carriage with a cable chain that directs cables from the base to the C-arm, and a self-locking clamp mechanism to maintain the cable chain's alignment and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clamps are used to hold cables on the C-arm, then the cables can be secured in position, but the clamps become disengaged during C-arm movement due to insufficient self-locking capability
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with a self-locking mechanism that automatically engages and locks the cable in position without requiring external assistance or manual intervention during operation. The spring-biased jaw automatically closes and locks when the cable is inserted, and the ratchet mechanism prevents accidental disengagement during C-arm movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate mechanism within the clamp - specifically a ratchet and pawl system that independently secures the cable once the spring-biased jaw closes around it. This separate locking mechanism ensures that cable retention is not dependent on continuous spring pressure alone.
2Reliability
If self-locking clamps with specialized cable chains are used, then cable retention is improved, but the device complexity and requirement for complementary structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed as a universal cable management solution that can accommodate various cable types and configurations without requiring specialized cable chains or complementary structures. The clamp's adjustable jaw and ratchet mechanism work with standard cables, eliminating the need for proprietary cable management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management system is segmented into independent functional components: the clamp body, the spring-biased jaw, and the ratchet mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used to accommodate all C-arm motions, then all functional requirements are met, but obstructions to visibility and access are created
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cables are merged into a single organized bundle within the clamp structure. The clamp's jaw encloses and secures multiple cables together, allowing them to be managed as one unified group rather than separate loose cables, thereby reducing obstructions while maintaining all necessary connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The cables are routed and secured in a three-dimensional space within the clamp structure, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions to organize cables away from the horizontal work area. This spatial organization minimizes obstructions to visibility and access around the C-arm while accommodating all motion requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for releasably engaging a cable chain employed on a C-arm X-ray imaging device includes a positioning member having a rear surface formed complementary to a portion of the C-arm imaging device, a pivot arm attached to the positioning member, a biasing member disposed on the pivot arm, and a clamp arm rotatably mounted to the pivot arm, wherein the biasing member is engaged between the positioning member and the clamp arm to move the clamp arm between a release position and a locking position. The clamp is engageable with the cable chain to hold the cable chain in alignment with the at least one of the housing and the C-arm, and is operable separately from the imaging device, such that the clamp can hold the cable chain on the housing or C-arm even when power is not provided to the imaging device.