Double-Cradle MR System with Rack and Gear Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MR systems face challenges in achieving a longer scanning range due to the need for a movable table and cradle, which limits space requirements and complicates emergency cradle retrieval, as well as safety concerns with the rear pedestal's large size and fixed drive motor.

Innovation Solution

A double-cradle structure with a rack and gear mechanism connected by pulleys and belts allows for independent movement of cradles, eliminating the need for a rear pedestal and enabling free table movement, with a motor-driven cradle supporting system that ensures timely cradle release in emergencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the table and cradle are designed to be movable for patient positioning, then the cradle can be positioned correctly within the magnet bore, but the scanning range is limited and the structure requires a large rear pedestal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecradle positioningVSAvoidscanning range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle is divided into two independent layers: an upper cradle for patient positioning and an intermediate cradle for driving and support functions. This segmentation allows the upper cradle to be optimized for patient access while the intermediate cradle provides the driving force, eliminating the need for a large rear pedestal and extending the scanning range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate cradle acts as an intermediary between the table base and the upper cradle. It provides both structural support and driving functionality through rack and gear mechanisms, enabling the upper cradle to move freely without requiring a large rear pedestal while maintaining proper positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the rear pedestal with drive motor is used to support and drive the cradle, then the cradle can be supported during movement, but the system requires a large scanning room

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecradle supportVSAvoidscanning room size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive motor and support function are extracted from the traditional rear pedestal structure and integrated into the intermediate cradle. This eliminates the need for a large rear pedestal, reducing the required scanning room size while maintaining reliable cradle support during movement through the rack and gear mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the cradle is inserted into the magnet bore during normal operation, then scanning can be performed, but in case of power failure the cradle cannot be withdrawn immediately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning operationVSAvoidemergency retrieval

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate cradle is equipped with a handle that allows manual operation. In case of power failure, operators can manually operate the handle to drive the rack and gear mechanism, enabling immediate withdrawal of the upper cradle from the magnet bore without requiring power assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If a single cradle structure is used with three toothed racks, then the driving mechanism can be simplified, but the scanning range is limited and control precision is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving mechanismVSAvoidscanning range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single cradle is segmented into two independent layers with separate driving mechanisms. The intermediate cradle has rack and gear connections to the table base, while the upper cradle has its own rack and gear connection to the intermediate cradle. This segmentation enables extended scanning range and improved control precision while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enhances scanning range, reduces space requirements, and facilitates safe and efficient emergency cradle retrieval while allowing surgical procedures to be performed in the same area, ensuring cradle sag reduction and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The table base is connected to an intermediate cradle through a rack and gear structure. The intermediate cradle is movable relative to the table base and connected to an upper cradle through a rack and gear structure.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRack and gear mechanism: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 2

The first and second gears on the intermediate cradle are located at the two sides of the intermediate cradle, respectively. The first and second gears each have a coaxial pulley, and the two pulleys are connected through a belt.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBelt drive: Pulley

Data Source

PatentUS8621689B2Apparatus for driving and supporting cradle and MR system having the same

Publication Date: 2014.01.07 GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY CO LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for driving and supporting cradle includes a table base and a cradle movable on the table base. The cradle includes an intermediate cradle moveable relative to the table base and an upper cradle moveable relative to the intermediate cradle. The table base is coupled to the intermediate cradle using a first rack and gear structure, and the intermediate cradle is coupled to the upper cradle using a second rack and gear structure.