C-Arm Center of Gravity Balancing via Movable Counterweight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing C-arm systems for X-ray devices face challenges in efficiently adjusting the distance between the radiation generator and detector, leading to instability and reduced service life due to uneven weight distribution and torque applied during movement.

Innovation Solution

A C-arm system with a driving assembly that includes a motor, worm, rack, or gear mechanism to move the support components relative to each other, allowing for adjustable distance between the radiation generator and detector, while maintaining a constant center of gravity and reducing torque on the carrying mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the C-arm is formed by combining sheet metal parts or castings to allow movement of support components, then the distance between radiation generator and detector can be adjusted, but the center of gravity changes during movement causing instability and reduced service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of distance between radiation generator and detectorVSAvoidstability of C-arm during movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies counterweight mechanism by adding a movable weight component that can be positioned to balance the changing center of gravity as support components move. This counteracts the gravitational torque variations that occur during adjustment, maintaining stability and preventing excessive torque on the carrying mechanism while preserving full adjustability of the radiation generator and detector positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Adaptability or versatility

If support components are made movable to adjust distance between radiation generator and detector, then adaptability is improved, but torque on carrying mechanism increases reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of distance between radiation generator and detectorVSAvoidservice life of C-arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The movable counterweight component balances the torque generated by moving support components, significantly reducing the net torque transmitted to the carrying mechanism. This protective effect minimizes stress on mounting structures and bearings, extending service life while maintaining full adjustability functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic balancing through a movable counterweight that automatically adjusts its position to compensate for changing mass distribution as support components move. This dynamic compensation mechanism reduces peak torques and prevents excessive loading on the carrying mechanism, thereby extending service life while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If driving assembly moves support components at different speeds to maintain constant center of gravity, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstant center of gravity positionVSAvoidcomplexity of driving assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic center of gravity control through a movable counterweight that can be positioned at different locations along its travel path. By coordinating the movement speeds of support components with the counterweight positioning, the system maintains a constant center of gravity throughout the adjustment range, achieving stability without requiring complex multi-motor mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains constant center of gravity by dynamically changing the position parameter of the counterweight in coordination with the movement of support components. This parameter coordination approach allows different movement speeds to be compensated for, keeping the center of gravity fixed while avoiding the need for overly complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system enhances the stability and service life of the C-arm and X-ray device by allowing precise adjustment of the radiation components, reducing load changes, and improving the efficiency of medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The motor may drive the worm to rotate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The worm may include a first spiral segment and a second spiral segment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 3

The first rack may be engaged with the first spiral segment and connected to the first connection component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 4

The motor may drive the leadscrew to rotate along an axis of the leadscrew

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 5

The motor may drive the gear to rotate. The third rack and the fourth rack may be disposed along the direction of the extending direction of the connection component and mesh with the gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4033979B1C-arms and x-ray devices
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • EP4033979B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4033979B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4033979B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A C-arm (110) is disclosed. The C-arm (110) may include a connection component (1), a driving component (40), a first support component (2), and a second support component (3). The first support component (2) may be configured to support a radiation generator (120). The second support component (3) may be configured to support a radiation detector (130). The first support component (2) and the second support (3) may be movably connected to the connection component (1). The driving component (40) may be configured to drive a movement of the first support component (2) relative to the connection component (1).