X-ray CT Apparatus Table Transport Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT apparatuses for veterinary use are inefficient due to the need for manual insertion of test subjects, causing physical strain and difficulty in positioning small to medium-sized animals, especially for female veterinarians, as they require large, dedicated spaces and cumbersome door operations.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT apparatus with a test-subject table that can be transported between positions inside and outside the X-ray chamber, equipped with a rotary drive system and adjustable mechanisms to align the test subject with the X-ray centerline, allowing for precise and quick placement using a second table transporting mechanism and input data for varying sizes, and optional features like laser pointers and X-ray fluoroscopy for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door of the housing is opened to place the test subject inside, then the test subject can be positioned for measurement, but the measurer experiences extreme physical strain from inserting body parts into the housing
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic arm serves as an intermediary tool between the measurer and the test subject. The robotic arm can reach into the housing through the open door to position the test subject on the examination table, eliminating the need for the measurer to insert their body parts into the housing. This resolves the contradiction by providing a mechanical mediator that performs the hazardous positioning task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service positioning where the robotic arm autonomously positions the test subject after being guided by fluoroscopic imaging. The measurer only needs to guide the positioning from outside the housing using visual feedback, and the robotic arm executes the precise positioning independently, reducing physical strain while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If a large dedicated X-ray chamber is provided for human CT apparatus, then the apparatus can perform CT scans, but the facility requirement becomes excessive for veterinary hospitals
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray generation and detection components are extracted from a large fixed chamber and integrated into a movable robotic arm that can operate within a compact housing. This allows the CT scanning capability to function in a much smaller veterinary hospital setting without requiring a large dedicated X-ray chamber, while maintaining reliable imaging through the robotic positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, large-chamber configuration to a dynamic, compact design where the X-ray source and detector are mounted on a movable robotic arm. This dynamic configuration allows the same CT functionality to be achieved in a reduced space, as the components move to positioning rather than requiring a large fixed examination space.
3Measurement precision
If manual positioning of the test subject is performed, then the test subject can be placed on the table, but the positioning precision and speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Fluoroscopic imaging provides real-time visual feedback during the positioning process. The robotic arm positions the test subject while the system continuously monitors the positioning accuracy through fluoroscopy, allowing for precise adjustments and verification. This feedback mechanism ensures high positioning precision while reducing the time needed for trial-and-error manual positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning process is replaced with an automated robotic positioning system. The robotic arm, controlled by a computer based on fluoroscopic feedback, provides more precise and faster positioning compared to manual methods. This substitution of mechanical control with automated control resolves the contradiction between positioning precision and time efficiency.
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
Enables simpler, quicker, and more precise placement of test subjects, reducing physical strain and ensuring stable, reliable CT measurements across varying animal sizes without the need for extensive chamber access, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray generation means for generating X-rays irradiated on the test subject
Implementation Method 2
X-ray detection means for detecting the X-rays that have passed through the test subject
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus for obtaining an internal image of a test subject by using X-rays. The X-ray CT apparatus has: an X-ray generator; an X-ray detector; a first casing for enclosing the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector; a test-subject table; a first table transporting mechanism for transporting the test-subject table between a first table position and a second table position, the first table position being a position where the main portion of the test-subject table receives X-rays from the X-ray generator, and the second table position being a position where the main portion of the test-subject table is on the outside of the first casing; and a second table transporting mechanism capable of vertically transporting the test-subject table. The first table transporting mechanism and the second table transporting mechanism operate in association with each other.