Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Support Mechanism for CT Scanner Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical diagnostic imaging apparatuses, such as X-ray CT scanners, face challenges in maintaining image quality due to table bowing (flexure) during scanning, which is difficult to address with existing support mechanisms that provide additional support only after the table exits the gantry, leading to shifts in the scan point and requiring increased table thickness for stability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-degree-of-freedom support mechanism is installed between the bed device and the gantry, which dynamically supports the table based on its movement, using a system of arms and connection points to maintain stability and prevent flexure, allowing the table to be thinner and more cost-effective while maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the table is supported only by the bed device, then the structure is simple, but the table bows during sliding causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
A support mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the bed device and the table. This support mechanism includes a support arm that can move in coordination with the table, providing additional support points to prevent bowing without requiring the table itself to be thicker or more complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The support arm can move along with the table's sliding motion, adapting its position to maintain optimal support. This dynamic capability allows the system to prevent table bowing during the entire scanning process while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the table thickness is increased to prevent bowing, then the table stability improves, but the installation space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing table thickness, an intermediary support mechanism is introduced. The support arm acts as a mediator that provides the necessary stability externally, allowing the table to remain thin while still maintaining structural integrity and preventing bowing during scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is segmented from the table structure itself. Rather than making the entire table thicker, the support function is separated into a distinct support mechanism that works in coordination with the table. This segmentation allows the table to remain thin while the support arm provides the necessary stability.
3Device complexity
If a support mechanism is provided after the table exits the gantry, then the structure is simpler, but the table still bows during the scan point inside the gantry
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is activated before the table reaches the scan point inside the gantry. The support arm is positioned in advance to provide support during the critical scanning phase. This preliminary positioning ensures that the table is supported throughout the entire scanning process, preventing bowing at the scan point while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is designed to be dynamic, with the support arm moving to position itself before and during the scanning process. This dynamic capability allows the support to be provided precisely when needed (during scanning) without requiring a complex static structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and scan point accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the table is shifted in the width direction to image offset organs, then the imaging capability improves, but the support mechanism requires larger structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to adjust its position in coordination with the table's width-direction shifting. This dynamic adaptation enables the support mechanism to accommodate various imaging positions (including offset organs) without requiring a larger or more complex static structure. The support arm moves with the table to maintain optimal support throughout the imaging process.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical diagnostic imaging apparatus includes: a bed device on which an examinee lies down; a gantry having a tunnel-shaped inner portion into which the bed device moves and inserts a table with which the examinee is in direct contact, and being configured to obtain information on an interior of the examinee by imaging the examinee located in the inner portion; and a control device configured to control drive of the bed device and the gantry. The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus further includes a multi-degree-of-freedom support mechanism mounted at a position facing the bed device with the gantry interposed in between and configured to support the table based on a control by the control device in accordance with movement of the table.