C-Arm Encapsulation for Medical Device Cleanability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing examination or treatment facilities with C-arms face challenges in cleanability, particularly in the regions of the guide and drive, where components like running wires and rollers are difficult to access and clean due to their exposure.
Innovation Solution
A C-arm with a U-shaped carrier is enclosed within a C-shaped covering part, utilizing flexible sealing elements that can be moved apart by the guidance facility, ensuring the C-arm is always enclosed and facilitating easy cleaning, while also encapsulating guide and drive components for improved hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the C-arm uses exposed running wires and rollers for guidance, then the guidance function is achieved, but the cleanability deteriorates due to difficult access for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The running wires and rollers are nested inside the C-arm carrier structure. The carrier has a hollow closed base part with recesses that contain the guidance components, effectively hiding them within the overall structure while maintaining their functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is made as a hollow closed structure with smooth surfaces that can be easily cleaned. This encapsulated shell design protects the internal guidance components and creates a cleanable outer surface without exposed wires or rollers.
2Ease of manufacture
If the C-arm uses exposed belt drive components, then the drive function is achieved, but the cleanability deteriorates due to difficult access for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The belt drive components including the drive belt and pinion are nested within the hollow closed base part of the carrier. The drive belt runs inside the carrier structure and is guided by a pinion that is also contained within this enclosed space, protecting these components from direct exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow closed base part acts as an encapsulating shell that contains the drive components. This creates a smooth, cleanable outer surface while housing the mechanical drive system internally, preventing direct contact with the environment during cleaning operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the C-arm uses external guides for power supply cables, then the power supply function is achieved, but the cleanability deteriorates due to difficult access for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply cables are nested within the hollow closed base part of the carrier instead of running externally. This internal routing of cables eliminates exposed cable guides and creates a smooth, continuous outer surface that can be easily cleaned without worrying about cable access points.
Data Source
AI summary
An examination or treatment facility includes a C-arm, movable along a circular path relative to a bracket supporting the arm. In an embodiment, the C-arm includes a bent carrier with a U-shaped cross-section, movable on a guidance facility provided on the bracket. The carrier is accommodated in a covering part with a C-shaped cross-section. The covering part includes its open side directed toward the guidance facility and is closed via flexible sealing elements, movable apart by the guidance facility.