Controller Positioning for Rotating Medical Imaging Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast imaging systems face challenges in providing easy access to controllers during rotations of the tube and compression arm assemblies, which can impede workflow and make it difficult for technicians to operate the system efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an upright gantry with independently rotatable tube and compression arm assemblies, along with a controller disposed on the gantry that is strategically positioned to remain accessible regardless of the arm assemblies' positions, featuring a design with a graphic user interface and ergonomic layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the controller is positioned on the gantry near the arm assemblies, then it is easily accessible during operation, but it becomes difficult to access when the arm assemblies are rotated
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is positioned on the gantry at a location that is radially outward from the rotation axis of the arm assemblies, placing it in a different dimensional space relative to the rotation movement. This positioning ensures that the controller remains accessible in the radial direction even when the arm assemblies rotate around the central axis, effectively using dimensional separation to maintain accessibility throughout the rotation range.
2Ease of operation
If the controller protrudes significantly from the gantry housing, then it is more accessible to technicians, but it increases the overall device footprint and may interfere with arm assembly rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is positioned at a specific location on the gantry that is radially outward from the rotation axis, creating a localized access point that does not require the entire gantry to be enlarged. This localized positioning provides adequate accessibility for technicians while maintaining a compact overall footprint, as the controller only needs to protrude sufficiently from its specific mounting location rather than expanding the entire device envelope.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has an upright gantry. A tube arm assembly and a compression arm assembly are rotatably coupled to the gantry. The tube arm assembly independently rotates relative to the compression arm assembly. A controller disposed on the gantry is operably connected to at least one of the tube arm assembly and the compression arm assembly.