Counterbalanced Support Arm for Radiotherapy X-Ray Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray systems for radiotherapy are bulky, difficult to balance, and require expensive components like brakes and support struts due to their increased size and weight, making them costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A support structure for medical devices, comprising pivotable arm portions with biasing devices that allow for adjustable positioning and locking, reducing the need for large, heavy components by enabling balanced equilibrium through biasing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If larger and heavier components are used in the support arm, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles by using biasing devices (springs) that provide opposing forces to balance the arm's weight. The first biasing device biases the first arm portion toward its first position, while the second biasing device biases the second arm portion toward its first position, creating equilibrium without requiring heavy support struts or brakes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If larger and heavier components are used in the support arm, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing devices provide counterbalancing forces that stabilize the arm positions. The first biasing device provides a first biasing force to the first arm portion, and the second biasing device provides a second biasing force to the second arm portion, achieving structural stability through mechanical advantage rather than through expensive heavy-duty components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical support systems (brakes, heavy support struts) with a biasing mechanism using springs. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to hold and balance the arm in equilibrium positions through the biasing forces.
3Force
If the support arm components are made larger, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing devices create counterbalancing forces that reduce the effective weight and effort required to move and reposition the support arm. The first biasing device and second biasing device work together to balance the arm portions, making the system easier to transport and reposition while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity through the mechanical advantage of the biasing mechanism.
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 support structure enhances balance and reduces manufacturing costs by allowing for compact, efficient design and safe transport of X-ray systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing device, the first biasing device being configured to bias the first arm portion towards its first position
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing device, the second biasing device being configured to bias the second arm portion towards its first position
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for a medical device system includes a first arm portion with a structure attachment portion; and a second arm portion that supports a medical device. The first arm portion is pivotably attachable to the structure attachment portion. The second arm portion is pivotably attachable to the first arm portion. The first arm portion includes first and second biasing devices to bias the first arm portion and second arm portion. The support structure may have a mounting apparatus for a medical device attachable to the second arm portion. A medical device system, a support structure for a device system, a device support system and associated methods are also provided.