CT Scanner Gantry and Table Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT systems have a large footprint and high costs due to separated scanning gantry, table, and support structures, which are not suitable for hospitals with limited space and resources, and suffer from scanning table sagging under patient weight, affecting scanning quality.
Innovation Solution
A CT scanning device with a closely combined scanning gantry and table using a parallelogrammic mechanism that tilts and wiggles, reducing the overall width and length, and incorporating a supporting base and bearing bracket to stabilize the table, minimizing space requirements and costs while improving scanning stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the scanning gantry, scanning table and table support are completely separated, then each component can be independently designed and manufactured, but the overall device occupies large space and requires large mounting area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scanning gantry and scanning table into a closely-integrated structure where the table is positioned within the gantry's rotating bore. The supporting means for the table is integrated with the gantry structure rather than being completely separate, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining independent manufacturability of major components.
2Device complexity
If the scanning table is supported by a crossbeam, then the structure is simple, but the table sags under patient weight affecting scanning quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a parallelogrammic mechanism with multiple linkages and bearings that allows the table support structure to dynamically adjust and maintain stability under load. This dynamic structure prevents sagging while distributing patient weight across multiple support points, improving scanning quality without excessive complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the scanning gantry width is reduced to minimum, then space requirements are minimized, but the tilting and wiggling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions two tilting and wiggling points below the rotating center of the gantry rather than at the edges, allowing the gantry to tilt and wiggle in a compact configuration. This dimensional repositioning enables minimum width design while the parallelogrammic linkage system manages the mechanical complexity of the tilting mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A CT scanning device includes a scanning gantry, a supporting means for a scanning table, and a supporting base for fixing and supporting the scanning gantry. The scanning gantry is configured to scan a subject and to collect scanning data. The supporting means supports the scanning table, and is mounted on the supporting base and located between the scanning gantry and the supporting base.