C-Arm Cable Guide Device with Rotating Cylinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide devices for C-arms require two separate units that are cumbersome and occupy more space, especially in limited environments, as they need to be coupled in a way that winding up one line corresponds to unwinding another, which is not efficiently compact.
Innovation Solution
A guide device with a rotatable first cylinder and a static second cylinder, along with a movable guide element that allows the line to be wound up or unwound on both cylindrical surfaces based on the movement of the first cylinder, enabling simultaneous winding and unwinding operations without the need for two separate units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate guide devices are provided for winding and unwinding lines during C-arm movement, then the winding and unwinding operations can be performed simultaneously, but the device occupies more space and reduces operator working area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate guide devices into a single integrated guide device. The first and second guide elements are merged into one unit that can simultaneously wind and unwind lines during C-arm movement, eliminating the need for two separate devices and reducing the occupied space in the operating room.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated guide device is segmented into multiple functional components: a first guide element for winding operations, a second guide element for unwinding operations, and a coupling mechanism that synchronizes their movements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
2Productivity
If two separate guide devices are provided for simultaneous winding and unwinding, then the line management during C-arm movement is effective, but the construction becomes less compact and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate guide devices into a single integrated unit. The first and second guide elements are combined with a coupling mechanism that coordinates their movements, achieving effective line management during C-arm rotation while maintaining a compact construction that is particularly suitable for mobile C-arms.
3Area of stationary object
If a single guide device is used instead of two separate units, then the space occupation is reduced and construction is more compact, but the ability to simultaneously wind and unwind lines may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single guide device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first guide element with a first cylindrical surface for winding, a second guide element with a second cylindrical surface for unwinding, and a coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows simultaneous winding and unwinding operations while maintaining a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary that coordinates the movements of the first and second guide elements. It ensures that when the C-arm rotates and requires line winding on one side, the corresponding line is unwound on the other side, maintaining synchronization without requiring two separate devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide device for at least one line, such as an electric line of a C-arm, has a rotatable first cylinder with a first cylindrical surface and a static second cylinder, adjoining the first cylinder in the axial direction and having a second cylindrical surface. A first guide element for guiding the line on the first and/or the second cylindrical surface, is disposed coaxially with respect to the first and the second cylinder and it is movable relative to the first and the second cylinder. The line can be wound up on the first and/or the second cylindrical surface or can be unwound therefrom depending on the movement of the first cylinder.