CT Gantry Holding Structure for Twist-Resistant Component Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computed tomography devices face challenges in securely holding components relative to the gantry opening, particularly when dealing with differently configured components, which can lead to issues such as lowering and twisting during insertion.

Innovation Solution

A holding structure with a component support surface and orientation structure that interlockingly counteracts lowering and twisting of components along a connection axis, using a pin and hole configuration with twist-blocking and displacement-blocking connections, and a spring pressure piece for secure insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple holding structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of component attachment deteriorates due to lowering and twisting issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding structure complexityVSAvoidcomponent attachment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding structure is segmented into multiple functional elements: a support surface for positioning, an orientation structure with geometric features (protrusions/ recesses) for preventing twisting, and a displacement-blocking connection mechanism. This segmentation allows each element to address specific reliability issues independently while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation structure acts as an intermediary element between the component and the holding structure body. It provides geometric interlocking features that mediate the connection, preventing both twisting and lowering without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a secure interlocking connection is implemented, then reliability of component attachment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent attachment reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent insertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The orientation structure is pre-configured with geometric features (protrusions and recesses) that guide the component into the correct orientation before final attachment. This preliminary orientation action ensures that the component is properly aligned during insertion, making the operation easier while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring complex fastening operations to prevent twisting, the design inverts the approach by using geometric interlocking features that passively prevent twisting during insertion. The orientation structure's shape itself provides the constraint, eliminating the need for additional twisting-prevention mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If geometric interlocking features are added to prevent twisting, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent attachment reliabilityVSAvoidholding structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The orientation structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated element: it provides twisting prevention through geometric interlocking, supports component positioning on its surface, and works in conjunction with the displacement-blocking connection. This merging reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate structures for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation structure serves multiple purposes: it prevents twisting through its geometric features, provides a support surface for the component, and facilitates proper orientation during insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260063575A1Computed tomography device with a holding structure for holding a component

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

The computed tomography device has a gantry with an opening, and a holding structure to hold a component relative to the opening. The holding structure has a component support surface that positively counteracts lowering of the component relative to the holding structure along a first connection axis once the component has been advanced from above along the first connection axis to establish a form-fit connection between the component and the component support surface. The holding structure also has an orientation structure that positively counteracts twisting of the component relative to the holding structure about the first connection axis once the component has been advanced from above along the first connection axis to establish a form-fit connection between the component and the component support surface.