C-arm Mounted on Robotic Arm for X-ray

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing X-ray apparatuses with C-arms mounted on floor stands face limitations due to the overhanging lifting device, which restricts movability and results in an unfavorable center of gravity, limiting motion dynamics and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A two-part C-arm design is implemented, where the radiation source and detector are on separate arm sections that can move relative to each other, with the lifting device integrated within the arm, allowing for optimized center of gravity and enhanced motion dynamics by positioning the lifting device near the axis of rotation and pivoting connection on a robotic arm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lifting device is arranged at the end of the C-arm to enable radiation receiver movement, then the radiation source-detector distance can be varied, but the C-arm overhangs excessively and movability is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation source-detector distance adjustmentVSAvoidC-arm movability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The C-arm is divided into two separate arm sections (first arm section and second arm section) that can move relative to each other. The lifting device is positioned between these sections rather than at the end of the C-arm, allowing the radiation receiver to be moved while preventing excessive overhang and improving movability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lifting device extends outward to enable lift, then the radiation receiver can be positioned at variable distances, but the center of gravity becomes unfavorable and motion dynamics are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation receiver positioningVSAvoidmotion dynamics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the C-arm into two movable sections with the lifting device positioned between them, the center of gravity can be optimized. This arrangement prevents the lifting device from extending far outward, thereby maintaining favorable motion dynamics and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If the lifting device is positioned to optimize center of gravity, then motion dynamics improve, but the C-arm structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion dynamicsVSAvoidC-arm structure

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device is integrated into the C-arm structure itself, positioned between the two arm sections. This merging of the lifting device with the C-arm structure allows for optimized center of gravity and improved motion dynamics without requiring separate external mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7905658B2C-arm mounted on a robotic arm

Publication Date: 2011.03.15 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

An X-ray apparatus is provided. The X-ray apparatus includes a C-arm mounted on a robotic arm that is operable to be rotated about an axis of rotation. A radiation source and a radiation detector are arranged on the C-arm. The distance between the radiation source and radiation detector may be varied by a lifting device. The radiation source may be moved longitudinally relative to the radiation detector, or vice versa. The C-arm may include two arm sections that can be moved relative to one another by a lifting device. The radiation source is arranged on the one arm section and the radiation receiver is arranged on the other arm section.