C-Arm Positioning with Counterbalance Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing C-arm X-ray positioning systems require significant physical effort to raise and lower the C-arm, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased patient repositioning, especially when multiple angles and positions are needed for imaging.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning devices, comprising a C-arm X-ray assembly, a linear bearing rail, a linear bearing block, and a counterbalance mechanism, such as constant force springs or a spring motor, allowing the C-arm to be easily raised and lowered with minimal effort by counterbalancing its weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional C-arm positioning systems are used, then the C-arm can be positioned at different angles and locations, but significant physical effort is required to raise and lower the C-arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterbalance mechanism using springs to offset the weight of the C-arm assembly. The spring-based counterbalance system provides an upward force that counteracts gravity's downward pull on the C-arm, allowing practitioners to reposition the C-arm with minimal physical effort. This directly resolves the contradiction by reducing the force required while maintaining positioning capability.
2Productivity
If the C-arm is frequently repositioned to capture images from multiple angles, then comprehensive imaging can be achieved, but patient repositioning becomes necessary when the practitioner's physical effort becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing the counterbalance mechanism, the patent enables frequent and easy C-arm repositioning without requiring patient repositioning. The reduced physical effort allows practitioners to efficiently adjust the C-arm to multiple angles and positions throughout the procedure, maintaining high imaging productivity while eliminating time losses associated with patient repositioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile support structure is used to allow movement of the C-arm, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but the system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves flexibility and adaptability in C-arm positioning through a relatively simple spring-based counterbalance mechanism rather than complex mobile support structures. The counterbalance system allows easy manual repositioning of the C-arm while maintaining a straightforward, cost-effective design that avoids the complexity and expense of motorized or heavily engineered mobile platforms.
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 efficient and effortless movement of the C-arm, reducing the need for frequent patient repositioning and minimizing physical exertion, while maintaining the C-arm's position accurately, and is scalable and cost-effective compared to conventional systems using gas springs.
Implementation Method 1
The counterbalance mechanism can be configured to apply a force to the linear bearing block to substantially counterbalance the weight of the C-arm and the bearing block
Implementation Method 2
the linear bearing block can slide up and down the rail to raise and lower the C-arm
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for making and using sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning devices are described. In such systems and methods, each C-arm positioning device includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail, a linear bearing block, and a counterbalance mechanism. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which, in turn, is slidably coupled to the bearing rail to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail. The counterbalance mechanism can apply a force to the bearing block to counterbalance the weight of the C-arm and the bearing block. Thus, the described C-arm positioning device can allow a user to easily raise or lower the C-arm with relatively little effort. While some implementations of the C-arm positioning device are connected to mobile support structure, other implementations of the C-arm positioning device are mounted to a fixed support structure. Other implementations are also described.