Counterbalance Apparatus for Mobile X-ray Source Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile x-ray systems face challenges in ease of positioning and stability due to the weight of the x-ray source and its extension from the base, requiring improvements for easier transportation and deployment without additional tools or assistance.
Innovation Solution
A linear counterbalance apparatus that maintains the center of mass of the x-ray source assembly stationary by using counterweights that move in opposite directions to counterbalance the weight of the x-ray tube, allowing stable movement along an imaging trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the x-ray source is extended outward from the base on a boom or support arm, then the imaging capability is improved, but the system becomes unstable during tube movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweights positioned on the boom arm to balance the x-ray tube assembly. The counterweights are strategically placed to create a balanced moment around the pivot point, allowing the heavy x-ray tube to be extended outward without compromising system stability. This enables the long extension needed for imaging while maintaining stability during tube movement through gravitational counterbalancing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the x-ray source is made heavy for stable operation, then the imaging stability is improved, but the ease of positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweights compensate for the heavy x-ray tube assembly, effectively reducing the perceived weight during positioning operations. This allows the technician to move and position the x-ray source easily while maintaining the heavy mass needed for stable imaging operation. The counterbalancing mechanism decouples the positioning effort from the operational stability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic positioning capabilities where the boom arm and x-ray tube assembly can be moved to various positions and angles. The counterweight system adapts to different positions, maintaining balance throughout the range of motion. This dynamic capability enables easy repositioning while preserving stability at each imaging position.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional tools or personnel are used for positioning, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight system provides self-balancing capability, allowing the x-ray source to be positioned and held at various angles without additional support tools or personnel assistance. The gravitational counterbalancing automatically maintains position once set, eliminating the need for external stabilization devices or multiple operators while achieving precise positioning.
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 stable and easy positioning of the x-ray source during imaging sequences, reducing the need for additional tools or personnel, and maintaining system stability during motion, thus enhancing the usability of mobile x-ray systems in bedside tomographic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A linear counterbalance apparatus that maintains the center of mass of the x-ray source assembly stationary by using counterweights that move in opposite directions to counterbalance the weight of the x-ray tube
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
An x-ray source assembly is configured to move an x-ray source along an imaging trajectory while a counterweight is configured to move simultaneously with the x-ray source assembly to counterbalance the x-ray source assembly.