Self-Adjusting Bearing for CT Gantry Overturn Moments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT gantries have expensive and complex main bearings with high failure rates due to overturn moments, leading to increased costs and service expenses, as well as material wear from temperature-induced expansion and contraction.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting bearing system for CT gantries, comprising a roller and two components that can rotate relative to each other, supporting the rotating base and eliminating overturn moments, allowing for easy replacement and reducing costs by using smaller bearings instead of large slewing bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large slewing bearing is used to support the rotating base, then the bearing can handle the overturn moment, but the cost increases significantly and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large slewing bearing into multiple smaller bearings (at least two bearings) that work together to support the rotating base. Each bearing handles a portion of the overturn moment, eliminating the need for one complex large bearing while maintaining sufficient strength to handle the loads.
2Strength
If a large slewing bearing is used, then the overturn moment is handled, but the lead time increases and localization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support function into multiple smaller bearings, the patent enables use of standardized, commonly available bearing sizes that can be sourced locally or from global suppliers with shorter lead times, rather than requiring a custom large slewing bearing with long lead time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If resilient rollers are used to limit rotating base movement, then lateral movement is constrained, but sliding friction occurs during thermal expansion causing material wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of movement constraint and low-friction support by using multiple bearings that simultaneously provide lateral constraint and rolling contact support. This merging eliminates the sliding friction problem of resilient rollers while maintaining position stability during thermal expansion.
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 self-adjusting bearing system reduces the cost and failure rate of CT systems, enables field replacement of bearings without needing to replace the entire gantry, and minimizes material wear by stabilizing the rotating base during temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
The first component and the second component can rotatably match with each other so that they can rotate relative to each other during the mounting of the self adjusting bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A self adjusting bearing for use on a CT gantry is provided. The self adjusting bearing is configured to be mounted on a main frame of the CT gantry and is configured to support a rotating base of the CT gantry wherein the self adjusting bearing includes a roller, a first component, and a second component, the roller is configured to support the rotating base and is rotatably mounted on the first component, the second component is configured to be mounted on the main frame, and the first component and the second component are configured to rotatably engage each other such that they can rotate relative to each other during the mounting of the self adjusting bearing.