Capacitive Collision Avoidance for Medical C-Arm Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical engineering apparatuses, such as C-arm systems, lack effective collision avoidance mechanisms that can autonomously prevent collisions with patients or examination objects during automatic repositioning, often relying on operator intervention and lacking single-fault protected designs.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive collision avoidance system is implemented, using a first and second electrode unit to form a capacitive sensor unit that determines distance by measuring current changes caused by an alternating signal, allowing for precise detection and prevention of collisions by outputting warning or control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If collision detection measures are implemented in medical engineering apparatuses, then collision detection capability is improved, but the system can only detect severe collisions and stop after collision occurs, lacking true collision avoidance
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor detects changes in capacitance value that occur before actual physical contact between the C-arm and patient/examination object. By monitoring the capacitance value continuously during movement, the system identifies approaching objects and triggers avoidance actions before collision occurs, transforming reactive collision detection into proactive collision prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical collision detection systems with a capacitive sensing system. The capacitive sensor uses electrical field detection rather than mechanical contact to sense the presence and approach of objects, enabling non-contact, early detection that precedes physical collision.
2Productivity
If automatic repositioning of C-arm is implemented to improve efficiency, then productivity is improved, but collision avoidance capability deteriorates as operator intervention is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The medical engineering apparatus performs self-protection against collisions through automated capacitive sensing and control. The system autonomously monitors its environment, detects potential collision risks, and executes avoidance maneuvers without requiring operator awareness or intervention, enabling safe automatic repositioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor provides continuous feedback about the electrical field environment around the C-arm during automatic repositioning. This feedback loop enables the control system to make real-time adjustments to movement trajectories, ensuring collision-free operation even when the operator is not directly controlling the apparatus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor systems are designed to detect all objects, then detection completeness is improved, but the system cannot distinguish between patients and other conductive articles, reducing detection precision
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor system evaluates local characteristics of detected objects, such as the rate of capacitance change, position relative to the C-arm, and spatial distribution of capacitance variations. By analyzing these local qualities rather than treating all conductive objects uniformly, the system can distinguish between patients (who require protection) and other conductive articles (like pillows or equipment).
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
Enables precise and autonomous collision avoidance, reducing the risk of injury by providing a single-fault protected mechanism that can distinguish between patients and other objects, ensuring a safe distance is maintained.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode unit (11) and a second electrode unit (12) arranged separately from the first electrode unit (11), which together form a capacitive sensor unit (10) for determining a distance (7) between the object (6) or the first electrode unit (11) and the second electrode unit (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A medical engineering apparatus includes a functional unit that may move relative to an object. The medical engineering apparatus includes a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit arranged separately from the first electrode unit that together form a capacitive sensor unit for determining a distance between the object and the second electrode unit. The first electrode unit is electrically connectable to the object, and the second electrode unit is connected to the functional unit. An electrical alternating signal may be applied to the first electrode unit or the second electrode unit. The medical engineering apparatus includes a determining unit for determining the distance based on a current measured at the first electrode unit or the second electrode unit. The medical engineering apparatus includes an output unit for outputting an output value based on the measured current.