Computed Tomography Gantry Translation With Magnetic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computed tomography devices face challenges in executing smooth and efficient translation movements of gantry parts relative to one another, particularly when the object under examination is at rest, leading to potential jamming and damage risks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a detachable connection system between gantry parts using force-fit and magnetic connections, combined with parallel guide shafts and ball bushings, allows for smooth translation movements without active components, reducing friction and weight transfer, and enabling the gantry parts to remain stationary relative to each other during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional translation movements of gantry parts are executed, then the projection data acquisition system can be moved relative to the gantry, but jamming and damage risks occur due to friction and weight transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidjamming and damage risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical translation movement system with a hybrid system combining linear guides for precise positioning and magnetic connection units for detachable coupling. This substitution eliminates friction-based jamming while maintaining controlled movement capability, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gantry is divided into separable parts (first gantry part with projection data acquisition system, second gantry part remaining stationary) connected through detachable magnetic connection units. This segmentation allows independent positioning and reduces weight transfer during movement, minimizing friction and jamming risks while improving operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the projection data acquisition system is moved translationally while the object is at rest, then scanning can be performed without moving the object, but smooth movement is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmovement smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Linear guides serve as intermediary elements between the first and second gantry parts, providing a controlled interface for translation movement. These guides ensure smooth, precise movement while the magnetic connection units act as intermediaries for detachable coupling, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and movement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If detachable connection units are used between gantry parts, then movement flexibility is improved, but connection stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic connection units utilize controllable magnetic field strength to dynamically adjust connection characteristics. The magnetic force can be modulated to provide strong stable connection during operation while allowing controlled detachment when needed, simultaneously achieving both connection stability and movement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system combines magnetic materials with mechanical linear guide structures, creating a composite coupling mechanism. This composite approach integrates the advantages of both magnetic attraction (for stable holding) and mechanical guidance (for precise movement and detachment), resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This solution ensures smooth and jerk-free translation movements of gantry parts, minimizing damage risks and maintaining stability, even when the object under examination is stationary, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the computed tomography device.

Implementation Method 1

The first connection unit has a first connection element and the second connection unit has a second connection element, such that via the first connection element and the second connection element a magnetic connection can be created which detachably connects the first gantry part relative to the second gantry part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12440177B2Computed tomography device and method for executing translation movements of gantry parts of a computed tomography device

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

One or more example embodiments relates to a computed tomography device, having a gantry with a first gantry part, a second gantry part and a third gantry part, wherein the first gantry part includes a rotor with a projection data acquisition system and via a first linear guide is movably mounted relative to the second gantry part such that a translation movement of the first gantry part relative to the second gantry part can be executed, in particular can be executed along the first linear guide.