Ceiling-Mounted CT Ring Structure for Real-Time OR Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray CT systems are heavy and fixedly installed, limiting their application in surgical operating rooms due to their weight and fixed installation, making them impractical for real-time imaging and surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-mounted X-ray CT system with a rotor and stator design, battery-powered operation, and direct data transfer, allowing for real-time 3D imaging and integration with surgical robots, featuring a retractable and tiltable ring structure to accommodate various surgical environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the CT system is fixedly installed on the floor, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to surgical operating rooms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the traditional fixed CT system into a movable ceiling-mounted system. The ring structure can be repositioned along ceiling rails and adjusted in height, allowing the system to adapt to different surgical operating room configurations while maintaining structural stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by moving the CT system from a floor-based horizontal arrangement to a ceiling-mounted vertical arrangement. This dimensional transformation enables the system to utilize ceiling space and provides greater flexibility in positioning relative to surgical tables and equipment.
2Strength
If the CT system is made heavy for stability, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation in surgical rooms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by utilizing the ceiling structure to support the CT system, effectively using the building's structural framework to counterbalance the system's weight. This allows the heavy CT equipment to be operated easily in surgical rooms without requiring heavy lifting or complex mounting mechanisms.
3Reliability
If traditional slip rings are used for power and data transfer, then the reliability of continuous rotation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the slip ring component from the CT system architecture. Power and data transfer are achieved through alternative means such as wireless communication and connectionless data transmission, eliminating the complex slip ring mechanism while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with non-mechanical solutions for power and data transfer. Wireless power transmission and digital data communication substitutes eliminate the need for physical rotating electrical contacts, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining system reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If the ring structure is fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different surgical configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the ring structure with adjustable positioning capabilities. The ring can be moved along ceiling rails and adjusted in height, allowing it to adapt to different surgical table positions and patient configurations while maintaining precise alignment during CT scanning operations.
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 real-time 3D CT imaging in surgical operating rooms, facilitating precise surgical planning, monitoring, and automation, while avoiding spatial collisions and eliminating the need for slip rings.
Implementation Method 1
a battery unit mounted on the rotor, providing power to the rotor
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray source that provides a cone-shaped X-ray beam
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling mounted X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) system, in particular, for use in multiple surgical operating rooms is disclosed; wherein the X-ray CT system comprises a ceiling mounted rail, a hanging support, and a ring structure; wherein the hanging support is connected with the ring structure via two sagittal driving bearings; wherein the ring structure comprises a stator and a rotor; wherein an X-ray source and an X-ray detector subsystem are mounted on the rotor; wherein the X-ray source and the X-ray detector subsystem are rotated within the axial plane while being moved along the ceiling rail for acquiring the digital data representing the X-ray attenuation coefficients of a patient under surgical operation, resulting in real-time 3D CT images of the patient to be fed into a surgical robot to perform automated surgeries.