Composite C-Arm Grooved Flanges for Isocentric Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging systems, particularly radiographic imaging systems, face challenges in accommodating larger patients and maintaining durability while reducing the load and likelihood of degradation during isocentric rotation, due to the limitations of traditional materials and designs.
Innovation Solution
The use of a C-arm with a C-shaped portion formed from composite materials, such as carbon fiber fabric, which includes grooved flanges and walls that reduce weight and increase strength, allowing for isocentric rotation and accommodating larger patients by seating the x-ray source within the C-shaped portion, thereby reducing eccentric motion and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional materials are used in the C-arm structure, then the structure provides sufficient strength and durability, but the weight is high which increases load on the motor and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The C-arm structure employs composite materials combining carbon fiber and aluminum alloy. The carbon fiber provides high strength-to-weight ratio while the aluminum alloy offers structural rigidity and durability. This composite construction reduces the overall weight of the C-arm while maintaining sufficient structural strength to support the x-ray source and detector during isocentric rotation, thereby resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and strength maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the C-arm is designed for isocentric rotation to accommodate larger patients, then the imaging area is increased, but the eccentric motion and vibration increase which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The C-arm employs asymmetric structural design with grooved flanges positioned at specific locations along the C-shaped portion. These grooved flanges are strategically placed to engage with annular rods that form interfaces with bearing assemblies, creating an asymmetric support structure that maintains isocentric rotation stability. This asymmetric configuration allows the C-arm to accommodate larger patients and provide a larger imaging area while minimizing eccentric motion and vibration through optimized structural distribution.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the grooved flanges are formed from composite material to reduce weight, then the load on the motor is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grooved flanges are designed as separate, modular components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the C-shaped portion. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of each individual flange using composite materials, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity compared to forming the entire C-arm as a single complex piece. The modular approach also facilitates easier quality control and assembly, thereby reducing motor load through weight reduction while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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
This configuration enhances the durability and balance of the imaging system, reduces the load on the motor, and increases the ease of use by providing a larger imaging area and improved balance, thus addressing the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first pair of grooved flanges and second pair of grooved flanges comprises a composite material
Implementation Method 2
The C-shaped portion may rotate isocentrically, with the x-ray source seated within an interior clearance of the C-shaped portion
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for a medical imaging system C-arm. In one embodiment, an imaging system comprises a C-arm including an inner circumferential wall forming a first pair of grooved flanges and the outer circumferential wall forming a second pair of grooved flanges, where each of the first pair of grooved flanges and second pair of grooved flanges comprises a composite material. A C-shaped portion of the C-arm may be configured to rotate isocentrically around a rotational axis.