Ceiling-Mounted X-Ray Detector and Below-Table Source Trajectory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical X-ray imaging systems, such as C-arc and U-bracket systems, face challenges with limited access due to their bulky design, increased collision risks with staff and patients, and compromised imaging quality compared to C-arc or U-bracket systems.
Innovation Solution
A medical X-ray imaging system with a ceiling-mounted X-ray detector and a separate, unconnected physical trajectory support structure for the X-ray source, forming a concave open trajectory with multiple positions, allowing for improved access and imaging quality while reducing collision risks and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a C-arc or U-bracket system is used with a bulky design to achieve good imaging quality, then imaging quality is improved, but access to the patient is limited and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent support structures: a ceiling-mounted support arm for the X-ray detector and a separate trajectory support structure for the X-ray source. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall space footprint compared to a single bulky C-arc or U-bracket system.
Solution Approach 2:
The X-ray source is positioned below the patient table rather than above it, utilizing the vertical dimension differently. The trajectory support structure extends at least partially below the patient table, creating a concave open trajectory that provides imaging quality comparable to traditional systems while reducing the horizontal space footprint.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a C-arc or U-bracket system is used to provide stable imaging, then imaging stability is improved, but collision risk with staff and patients increases due to irregular movements
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the detector support arm from the source trajectory support structure, the system eliminates the articulated robot arm with six rotation axes that causes collision risks. Each component can move independently along predictable paths, reducing the likelihood of collision with staff, patients, or patient table.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the X-ray source and detector mounted on opposite ends of a curved arm as in traditional C-arc systems, this invention inverts the arrangement by placing the source below the table and the detector on the ceiling, creating a concave open trajectory that maintains imaging stability while improving safety.
3Ease of operation
If spatially adjustable X-ray source and detector are used to improve access, then access to patient is improved, but imaging quality deteriorates compared to C-arc or U-bracket systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic positioning capability through the movable detector on the ceiling support arm and the adjustable X-ray source positions along the concave trajectory. This dynamic arrangement allows the system to adapt to different patient positions and imaging requirements while maintaining the geometric relationships necessary for high imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling-mounted detector position and below-table source arrangement create additional spatial freedom compared to traditional side-mounted C-arc systems. This dimensional change enables improved access to various patient regions while preserving imaging quality through optimized source-detector geometry.
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
The system provides enhanced access and imaging quality similar to C-arc or U-bracket systems, reduces collision risks, and maintains a compact design, allowing for predictable movements and focused attention on patient care during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the X-ray source arrangement is configured to provide X-ray radiation to the region of interest from a number of X-ray source positions
Implementation Method 2
the at least one X-ray detector is movably mounted on a support arm extending from a ceiling
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging system for providing X-ray image data of an object including at least one X-ray detector, an X-ray source arrangement, and a patient configured to receive an object for imaging a region of interest of the object. The at least one X-ray detector is movably mounted above the patient table; and the at least one X-ray detector and the X-ray source arrangement are movable independently. The X-ray source arrangement includes a physical trajectory support structure and is configured to provide X-ray radiation to the region of interest from a number of positions forming a concave open trajectory, wherein a portion of the trajectory and/or the physical trajectory support structure is located below the patient table; and wherein two end regions of the trajectory are extending on the two lateral sides of above the table.