C-Shaped Arm Scanning for Larger Medical Reconstruction Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

The size of the reconstruction field of view in medical imaging systems is limited by the detector size, and existing methods to expand it, such as detector translation or 360° rotation, either require additional components increasing cost or prolong scanning time and radiation dose.

Innovation Solution

A scanning apparatus with a C-shaped arm that deflects and rotates the radiation source and detector around a center point, followed by a 360° rotation, allowing for a larger reconstruction field of view without increasing detector size and reducing scanning time and radiation dose.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the detector size is increased to enlarge the reconstruction field of view, then the reconstruction field of view is improved, but the device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconstruction field of viewVSAvoiddetector size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single circular scanning dimension to a combined deflection and rotation scanning mode. The radiation source and detector first deflect around a center point of the detector, then rotate around a center of interest of the target object. This two-dimensional scanning approach enlarges the reconstruction field of view without increasing detector size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic scanning system where the radiation source and detector can perform both deflection and rotation movements. The gantry drives the C-shaped arm to move in deflection mode and rotation mode, creating a flexible scanning apparatus that achieves larger field of view through motion rather than static detector size increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If detector translation is used to expand the scanning area, then the scanning area is improved, but additional components and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning areaVSAvoidadditional components
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the deflection and rotation functions into a single integrated scanning system. The gantry simultaneously controls both the deflection and rotation of the radiation source and detector, eliminating the need for separate translation mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The C-shaped arm structure serves multiple functions: it supports the radiation source and detector, enables deflection motion, and enables rotation motion. This multi-functional design expands the scanning area without requiring additional specialized components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If 360° rotation is performed to expand the scanning area, then the scanning area is improved, but scanning time and radiation dose increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning areaVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs a partial 360° rotation combined with deflection scanning. The radiation source and detector rotate around the center of interest while also deflecting around the detector center, covering the required scanning area with fewer complete rotations and reducing scanning time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous scanning through the combination of deflection and rotation modes. The gantry continuously drives the C-shaped arm through coordinated deflection and rotation movements, ensuring uninterrupted data acquisition and reducing total scanning time compared to discrete scanning steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enlarges the reconstruction field of view while maintaining a compact apparatus structure, enabling better image quality with reduced artifacts through weighted data processing of repeatedly scanned areas.

Implementation Method 1

A device that uses X-rays as the basis for the examination and diagnosis, and controls the X-rays to perform a radiological examination and a radiotherapy on a human tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS20250228510A1Scanning apparatus, method, and system
Publication Date: 2025.07.17 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • US20250228510A1 patent drawing
  • US20250228510A1 patent drawing
  • US20250228510A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A scanning apparatus (110), a medical image obtaining method, and a medical image obtaining system (100) are provided. The scanning apparatus (110) comprises a gantry, a controller, a C-shaped arm, a radiation source (112), and a detector (113). The radiation source (112) and the detector (113) are arranged at both ends of the C-shaped arm. The C-shaped arm is connected to the gantry. The controller is configured to control a motion of the gantry to drive the C-shaped arm to move so as to scan a target object.