C-Arm System With Rotatable Extension For 360-Degree Orbital Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional C-arm systems are limited by the gap defined by the C-arm gantry, which restricts the range of orbital motion of the x-ray source and detector, resulting in reduced data redundancy and lower image quality due to increased artifacts.
Innovation Solution
The C-arm system incorporates a selectively rotatable C-extension that extends the range of C-gantry rotation, allowing independent control of the C-extension and C-gantry rotations through motors and a controller, enabling a wider range of motion and increased data redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the C-arm gantry uses a fixed gap structure, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the range of orbital motion is limited, reducing data redundancy and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The C-arm gantry is divided into two independently rotatable segments: the C-extension (first rotatable component) and the C-gantry (second rotatable component). This segmentation allows each component to rotate independently within the gap, extending the total range of orbital motion from the limited fixed gap structure to a combined range exceeding 360 degrees, thereby increasing data redundancy without requiring a complete redesign of the entire gantry system
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed-gap structure to a dynamic multi-segment rotatable structure. The C-extension and C-gantry can rotate independently through controlled ranges in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, allowing the system to adaptively adjust the orbital motion range based on imaging requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and motion versatility
2Reliability
If the range of orbital motion is limited by the gantry gap, then the device structure remains simple, but data redundancy is reduced, increasing image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rotation control into two independent systems (first motor for C-extension, second motor for C-gantry), the system achieves extended orbital motion range and increased data redundancy for improved image quality, while keeping each individual motor control system relatively simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rotational parameters by allowing independent rotation of the C-extension and C-gantry through different angular ranges in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. This parameter expansion increases the total orbital motion range beyond conventional limits, enhancing data redundancy and reducing image artifacts without requiring overly complex control mechanisms
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 extension increases the total range of C-gantry rotation to 360°, significantly enhancing x-ray image quality by reducing artifacts and increasing data redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
An x-ray source and an x-ray detector are generally mounted on opposing ends of the C-arm gantry such that x-rays emitted by the source are incident on and detectable by the x-ray detector
Implementation Method 2
The C-extension is selectively rotatable relative to the support assembly in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction
Implementation Method 3
The C-gantry is selectively rotatable relative to the C-extension in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction
Data Source
AI summary
A C-arm system is disclosed herein. The C-arm system includes a support assembly, and a C-extension connected to the support assembly. The C-extension is selectively rotatable relative to the support assembly in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction. The C-arm system also includes a C-gantry connected to the C-extension. The C-gantry is adapted to retain an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. The C-gantry is selectively rotatable relative to the C-extension in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction. The C-extension is operable to extend the range of C-gantry rotation in both clockwise and counter clockwise directions. A corresponding method for operating a C-arm system is also provided.