Counterbalanced Slewable Arm for Mobile Radiographic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable radiographic imaging apparatuses, such as mobile X-ray units, are cumbersome and heavy, making them difficult to operate safely and reliably.
Innovation Solution
A mobile radiographic imaging apparatus with a body section supported by ground-engaging wheels, an articulated arm for the X-ray head, and a generator assembly that rotates with the arm to counteract moments, ensuring stability and ease of maneuverability, while also incorporating a braking system for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the apparatus is designed to be portable with lightweight components, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates due to the moment exerted by the arm and component
Solution Approach 1:
A generator assembly with a centre of mass radially offset from the upright axis in the second direction (substantially opposite to the first direction) is provided to counteract the moment exerted on the body section by the arm and component. This counterbalancing mechanism maintains stability while allowing the apparatus to remain portable and lightweight.
2Device complexity
If the generator assembly is fixed in the body section, then structural simplicity is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates as the arm cannot slew freely
Solution Approach 1:
The generator assembly is connected to and rotates with the arm about the upright axis during slewing, making the assembly dynamic rather than fixed. This allows the arm to slew freely to different positions while the generator assembly rotates accordingly, maintaining both structural simplicity and operational flexibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the generator assembly is positioned to counteract the moment, then stability is improved, but the apparatus becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The generator assembly combines multiple functions: it houses the generator that powers the X-ray component, provides counterbalancing through its radially offset centre of mass, and rotates with the arm during slewing. By merging these functions into a single assembly, the patent achieves stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 solution results in a lightweight, easy-to-operate, and safe portable radiographic imaging apparatus that reduces the risk of accidents and improves operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the generator assembly has a centre of mass which is radially offset from said upright axis in a second direction that is substantially opposite to said first direction, so as to counteract a moment exerted on the body section by said arm and said component
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a mobile radiographic imaging apparatus including a component operable to emit radiation for imaging a subject, an arm rotatably connected at a proximal end thereof to a body section of the apparatus, such that it is supported by the body section and can slew relative to the body section about an upright axis, and to a distal end of which said component is connected, and a generator assembly arranged in the body section and including a generator arranged in the casing and electrically connected to said component, the apparatus being configured such that the generator assembly rotates with the arm, about said axis, wherein the generator assembly has a centre of mass which is radially offset from said axis in a second direction that is substantially opposite to said first direction.