CBCT Apparatus Segmented Frame and Articulated Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional CT apparatus are large and cumbersome, limiting their versatility and mobility, especially in dental and medical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, where they often require floor mounting and are not adaptable for imaging various patient positions.
Innovation Solution
A CT apparatus with an elongated frame and adjustable patient support, featuring a circular gantry and lateral movement of X-ray components, along with a driving mechanism for the support construction and patient positioning, allowing for versatile imaging of different anatomical parts in various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional CT apparatus are used, then imaging capability is achieved, but the apparatus becomes large and cumbersome, limiting mobility and versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The CT apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a mobile support construction with patient support, and a separate imaging means (gantry or C-arm) that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately, reducing overall size and weight while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs movable and adjustable components including laterally movable imaging means along the elongated frame, adjustable patient support positioning, and reconfigurable geometric arrangements. This dynamic capability enables versatile imaging positions without requiring a large fixed structure.
2Ease of operation
If floor-mounted CT apparatus are used, then stable imaging is achieved, but mobility and adaptability for various patient positions are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses adjustable and reconfigurable components including movable imaging means, adjustable patient support, and reconfigurable geometric arrangements that can be dynamically positioned for different imaging scenarios while maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile support construction with elongated frame is designed to accommodate multiple imaging configurations and patient positions through adjustable components, making the apparatus universally applicable for various imaging needs without requiring floor mounting.
3Weight of stationary object
If CBCT apparatus with slower rotational speeds are used, then apparatus weight is reduced, but imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs movable imaging means that can be repositioned laterally along the elongated frame and adjusted to optimal positions for each imaging scenario, enabling efficient data acquisition that reduces imaging time despite slower rotational speeds of the X-ray source.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes lateral movement of imaging means along the elongated frame in addition to rotational movement, creating a multi-dimensional imaging approach that compensates for slower rotation speeds by gathering data from multiple positions and angles more efficiently.
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 more flexible and efficient imaging of various anatomical parts by reducing the size and weight of the apparatus, allowing for mobile and adaptable imaging setups that can accommodate different patient positions and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source (14) and an image detector (15), which together form imaging means (14, 15)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates, in particular, to structures of a dental and medical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) apparatus. The basic construction of the apparatus includes two elongated frame parts (11, 21) out of which the first frame part (11) is arranged to support X-ray imaging means (14, 15) and wherein the frame parts (11, 21) are mechanically connected to each other via an articulated construction (22) so as to allow for tilting of the first frame part (11) supporting the X-ray imaging means (14, 15) with respect to the second frame part (21). At the proximity of the second end of the first and second elongated frame parts (11, 21) is arranged a locking mechanism (24) configured to enable connecting together and disconnecting the first and second elongated frame parts (11, 21).