Compact X-Ray Imaging System with Spindle Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT scanners are large, heavy, and not easily transportable, making them unsuitable for use in non-conventional settings such as emergency or remote locations where immediate medical imaging is critical.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight imaging system featuring an exoskeleton design that eliminates the need for an internal frame, incorporating a spindle structure for rotation and a slip ring for power and signal transmission, allowing for easy transport and deployment in various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional CT scanner design is used with internal frame structure and large slip rings, then imaging capability is achieved, but weight increases to around 1,000 pounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy internal frame structure from conventional CT scanners, retaining only the essential exoskeleton for structural support. This extraction of non-essential components significantly reduces weight while maintaining imaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simplified exoskeleton design that replaces the rigid internal frame with a lighter external structure. This exoskeleton provides necessary support while being significantly lighter than traditional internal framing systems.
2Weight of moving object
If large slip rings are used to conduct power and signals, then continuous rotation is enabled, but device weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates large slip rings from the system entirely, removing this heavy and expensive component while maintaining the essential function of power and signal transmission through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with a cable-based power and signal transmission system that passes through the rotation axis, eliminating the need for large rotating electrical contacts while maintaining reliable power and data transmission.
3Measurement precision
If x-ray emitter and detector have fixed rigid relationship, then image capturing repeatability is improved, but device size becomes large and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed rigid relationship between the x-ray emitter and detector to a dynamic flexible connection system. This allows the components to maintain precise relative positioning for imaging while enabling the overall device to be more compact and maneuverable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the imaging system into separable modules that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the x-ray emitter and detector to be mounted on separate adjustable arms rather than being rigidly fixed together, improving both compactness and positioning precision.
4Ease of operation
If scanner is designed for dedicated room operation, then imaging stability is ensured, but transportability and immediate care capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the scanner with dynamic, adjustable support structures that can adapt to different operating environments. The imaging system can be stabilized on various surfaces and positioned in different locations, enabling both transportability and reliable operation in non-traditional settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system that can operate in both dedicated imaging rooms and non-traditional environments such as emergency departments, ambulances, or remote locations. The system maintains imaging quality across diverse operating conditions through universal mounting and stabilization capabilities.
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 imaging system enables point-of-care medical imaging in non-conventional settings, facilitating timely interventions in emergencies such as strokes, and supports various imaging modalities like CT scans, fluoroscopy, and x-ray imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A small slip ring positioned about a spindle may be employed to conduct power and electronic signals between the non-rotation connection point and the internal rotating components
Implementation Method 2
an x-ray source mounted within a first outer end of the first side portion; a detector mounted within a second outer end of the second side portion
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes components to allow the system to be compact, highly transportable, and capture images in non-conventional settings. An imaging device includes an exoskeleton configured to house and provide structural support for an x-ray source and a detector and a spindle structure protruding from an outer surface of the exoskeleton. The imaging device also includes an x-ray source and a detector affixed to an internal surface of the exoskeleton and a rotation motor configured to rotate the exoskeleton about the spindle structure.