C-Arm Gantry Damping for Vibration-Stable X-Ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
C-arm X-ray imaging systems experience vibrations during the deceleration phase of C-arc motion, leading to image blurriness and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A damping system is integrated into the gantry structure of the X-ray imaging system, comprising a swivel bearing and damping mechanism with elastomeric material connections, allowing the gantry to rotate 360 degrees and dampen vibrations along multiple axes, including vertical and horizontal directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the C-arm is rotated during imaging, then multiple positions and angles can be captured, but vibrations are generated during deceleration that impact image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A damping system is introduced as an intermediary component between the C-arm rotation device and the gantry structure. This damping system absorbs and dissipates vibration energy generated during deceleration, preventing vibrations from reaching the imaging components. The intermediary damping mechanism allows the system to maintain both rotational versatility and image quality by isolating the harmful vibrations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the gantry structure is mounted rigidly to ceiling or floor, then structural stability is maintained, but vibrations from gantry motion are transmitted throughout the entire structure
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system applies localized vibration absorption at specific mounting points where the gantry structure connects to the ceiling or floor. Rather than attempting to dampen vibrations throughout the entire structure, the damping elements are strategically positioned at the vibration source points, providing targeted vibration isolation while maintaining overall structural stability.
3Productivity
If faster C-arm rotation is implemented, then 3D reconstruction time is reduced, but vibration magnitude during deceleration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system converts the harmful vibration energy generated during fast deceleration into beneficial thermal energy through controlled dissipation. The damping materials absorb the high-magnitude vibrations that result from faster rotation speeds and convert this mechanical energy into heat, allowing the system to achieve rapid 3D reconstruction without compromising image quality.
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 damping system stabilizes the gantry structure, enabling faster 3D reconstruction and improved image quality without regression, reducing workflow time and enhancing patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a damping system coupled to the gantry structure and disposed between the gantry structure and the ceiling or the floor, wherein the damping system is configured to dampen vibrations caused by motion of the gantry structure
Implementation Method 2
damping mechanism with elastomeric material connections
Implementation Method 3
a swivel bearing configured to enable the gantry structure to rotate 360 degrees about a rotational axis of the swivel bearing
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging includes an X-ray radiation source. The X-ray imaging system also includes an X-ray detector. The X-ray imaging system further includes a gantry structure configured to be mounted to a ceiling or a floor. The gantry structure includes a C-arm having the X-ray radiation source disposed on a first end and the X-ray detector disposed on a second end opposite the first end. The gantry structure also includes a C-arm rotation device coupled to the C-arm and configured to rotate the C-arm relative in an orbital direction relative to the C-arm rotation device. The X-ray imaging system also includes a damping system coupled to the gantry structure and disposed between the gantry structure and the ceiling or the floor, wherein the damping system is configured to dampen vibrations caused by motion of the gantry structure for an entirety of the gantry structure.