CT Rotating Frame Locking Assembly for Slip Ring Bearing Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CT detection devices face challenges in maintaining the CT imaging system at arbitrary angles during maintenance and in keeping the system at the original position during slip ring bearing replacement, leading to complex structures, large volume, and high maintenance workload.

Innovation Solution

A locking mechanism using first and second sleeves with cooperating portions and locking portions, such as screws or pins, to securely fix the rotating frame at desired positions, integrating locking functions for maintenance and slip ring bearing replacement with reduced parts and space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an auxiliary locking device is added to stop the CT imaging system at arbitrary angles during maintenance, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking assembly integrates multiple locking functions into a single unified structure. The first sleeve with first locking portion handles arbitrary angle positioning, while the second sleeve with second locking portion handles original position locking during bearing replacement. Both locking mechanisms are combined in one integrated assembly rather than separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly serves multiple purposes: it can lock the rotating frame at arbitrary angles for general maintenance, and it can specifically maintain the original position during slip ring bearing replacement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate locking devices, improving ease of maintenance without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a locking mechanism is designed to maintain original position during slip ring bearing replacement, then the productivity of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking assembly is segmented into two independent but integrated parts: a first sleeve with a first locking portion for arbitrary angle positioning, and a second sleeve with a second locking portion for original position locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving maintenance productivity while keeping the overall structure organized and manageable rather than overly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotating frame and the support stand. It provides controlled positioning capabilities without requiring direct modification of the main bearing structure. The first and second locking portions serve as intermediaries that translate operator intent into precise positioning, enhancing maintenance efficiency while maintaining a clear separation between the locking function and the bearing replacement procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple locking mechanisms are used for different maintenance scenarios, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using separate locking mechanisms for different maintenance scenarios, the patent merges multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking assembly. The first sleeve and second sleeve are both mounted on the rotating frame and work together with corresponding locking portions on the support stand, providing both arbitrary angle locking and original position locking capabilities in one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly is designed as a universal solution that handles multiple maintenance scenarios: general maintenance requiring arbitrary angle positioning, and slip ring bearing replacement requiring original position maintenance. The first locking portion and second locking portion work together to provide adaptability across different maintenance needs without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4159134B1Locking assembly for CT detection device, and CT detection device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP4159134B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4159134B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4159134B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A CT detection device (100) and a locking assembly for the CT detection device (100) are provided. The CT detection device (100) includes: a CT imaging system (110) including a radiation source, a detector, and a rotating frame (111), wherein the radiation source and the detector are mounted on the rotating frame (111), and a periphery of the rotating frame (111) is provided with at least one first hole (112); a support stand (120), wherein the rotating frame (111) is fixed on the support stand (120) through a slip ring bearing, and a periphery of the support stand (120) is provided with at least one second hole (122) aligned with the at least one first hole (112); and a first sleeve (130) detachably engaged in the aligned first hole (112) and second hole (122), wherein the first sleeve (130) includes a first cooperating portion (133) cooperating with a first locking portion (150) to lock the rotating frame (111) during a replacement of the slip ring bearing.