Dual-Arm C-Arm Segmentation for High-Speed Angiography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current C-arm systems in angiography face limitations in reconstruction quality due to restricted axle bearings, which hinder high rotational speed and accurate motion sequences, and existing slip ring systems struggle to transmit high voltage efficiently during continuous rotation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus divides the rigid C-arm into two arms, with one arm serving as a master and the other as a slave, allowing for relative rotation and decoupling of acceleration and x-ray image recording, utilizing a slip ring for energy and data transmission between the arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the rotational speed of the C-arm is increased to improve reconstruction quality, then the image recording accuracy deteriorates due to restricted axle bearings and cable limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The C-arm system is divided into two independent arms (first arm and second arm) that can rotate separately around the same axis. This segmentation allows each arm to be optimized for different functions: one arm can achieve high-speed continuous rotation for image recording, while the other arm can be precisely controlled for accurate positioning and trajectory following, thereby resolving the contradiction between rotational speed and repetition accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a rigid, single-unit C-arm to a dynamic, multi-component structure where the two arms can move independently. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt its motion characteristics: one arm performs high-speed rotation when image recording is needed, while the other arm maintains precise control during positioning phases, effectively managing the trade-off between speed and accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If a slip ring is integrated at the end of the kinematic chain to enable continuous rotation, then the structural complexity increases and the load on the robot increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the C-arm into two separate arms, the system can place the slip ring on one arm while keeping the other arm slip-ring-free. This segmentation distributes the complexity: the arm with the slip ring handles continuous rotation for image recording, while the other arm provides precise positioning without the complexity of slip ring integration, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining continuous rotation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The two-arm structure acts as an intermediary solution between the base and the imaging components. One arm serves as the rotating carrier with slip ring integration, while the other arm provides the necessary positioning functionality, effectively mediating the conflict between continuous rotation requirements and structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for medical examinations includes a first arm that is rotatable about an axis, the first arm being configured to carry a radiation source or a radiation detector. The apparatus for medical examinations also includes a second arm that is rotatable about the axis, the second arm being configured to carry a radiation source or a radiation detector. The second arm is attached to the first arm and is rotatable relative to the first arm.