C-Arm Recessing Radiographic Source and Heat Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tall structure of the radiographic source and heat pump in x-ray devices restricts the freedom of movement and positioning of the C-arm, leading to potential collisions with patient beds or other devices, and makes installation and maintenance difficult.
Innovation Solution
The radiographic source and heat pump are recessed into the C-arm, with a detachable support frame allowing easy assembly and disassembly, and hydraulic quick-release couplings for coolant lines, enabling reduced protrusion and improved access for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the radiographic source and heat pump are arranged externally on the C-arm, then the components are easily accessible for installation and maintenance, but the assembly height increases restricting freedom of movement and causing collisions with patient beds
Solution Approach 1:
The radiographic source and heat pump are nested inside the hollow C-arm structure. The C-arm serves as a container housing these components, eliminating the need for external mounting brackets and reducing the overall assembly height while maintaining component accessibility through the hollow interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The components are relocated from the external surface of the C-arm to the internal volume of the hollow C-arm structure. This dimensional transition from 2D external mounting to 3D internal housing reduces the protrusion height and eliminates collisions with patient beds while preserving maintenance accessibility through the hollow interior.
2Ease of operation
If the radiographic source and heat pump are recessed into the C-arm, then the assembly height is reduced improving positioning options, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The C-arm is segmented into modular sections with accessible openings that allow maintenance personnel to reach the radiographic source and heat pump inside the hollow structure. The hollow design creates accessible chambers where components can be serviced without disassembling the entire C-arm structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow C-arm structure acts as an intermediary space that houses the components while providing access pathways. The internal hollow volume serves as a mediator between the external environment and the components, allowing maintenance access through strategically positioned openings while maintaining the recessed configuration for improved positioning.
3Reliability
If traditional screw connections are used to attach the radiographic source, then the attachment is secure, but assembly and disassembly becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from static screw connections to dynamic quick-release couplings. The quick-release mechanism allows secure attachment during operation while enabling rapid disassembly for maintenance, reducing assembly time from minutes to seconds while maintaining reliable connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-threaded mechanical fastening system is replaced with a quick-release coupling mechanism. This substitution maintains secure attachment through hydraulic or mechanical coupling force while eliminating the time-consuming screwing and unscrewing process, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly for maintenance purposes.
4Speed
If the C-arm is moved at significant speed along the rotation guide, then imaging dynamics are improved, but the lightweight construction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The C-arm employs extruded profiles with optimized local structural quality. The hollow cross-sectional design provides maximum strength-to-weight ratio, with wall thickness and profile geometry varied locally to withstand the dynamic forces of high-speed rotation while minimizing overall weight for improved dynamics.
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
This arrangement reduces the height of the assembly, enhances positioning options, and simplifies maintenance by allowing the C-arm to be used in confined spaces and adjusted without complex processes, while preventing coolant leakage during assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
heat pump placed on the end of the C-arm
Implementation Method 2
radiographic source along with heat pump placed on the end of the C-arm
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray device is provided. The x-ray device includes a C-arm, on which a radiographic source and a heat pump are arranged. At least sections of the C-arm are hollow, such that at least sections of the radiographic source and the heat pump are arranged inside the C-arm.