Elastic Drum Cable Retraction for MR Scanner Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical scanner accessory systems face challenges in compact space utilization, hygiene compliance, and safe handling of cables within restricted scanning room environments, particularly in MR scanner environments where motorized equipment is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A medical scanner accessory system featuring a base part with a rotatable drum part, a coiling mechanism, and an elastic cord that automatically coils and uncoils cables when the scanner table moves, ensuring secure and un-motorized handling of electrical, optical, and medical tubing cables, reducing cable interference during scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a cable management system with motorized cable take-up systems is used, then cable handling is automated, but device complexity increases and motorized equipment is unwanted in MR scanner environments
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cord automatically coils itself around the drum part when the scanner table returns to the scanning position, eliminating the need for motorized take-up systems. The system uses the motion of the scanner table itself to drive the coiling process through the elastic cord's retraction force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces motorized mechanical systems with an elastic cord-based mechanical system. The elastic cord stores and releases mechanical energy to rotate the drum part, substituting complex motorized cable take-up systems with a simple elastic-mechanical arrangement
2Ease of operation
If cables are allowed to extend freely during scanner table movement, then ease of operation is improved, but cable interference and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system dynamically adapts to the scanner table's position. When the table moves away from the scanning position, the elastic cord uncoils to accommodate cable extension. When the table returns to the scanning position, the elastic cord automatically recoils to retract the cable, preventing interference during scanning procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively prevents cable interference by automatically retracting the cable into the drum part before scanning procedures begin. The elastic cord's retraction force ensures the cable is neatly stored and positioned away from the scanner tunnel, eliminating potential harmful interference in advance
3Adaptability or versatility
If cable management systems occupy more space, then cable handling capability is improved, but the restricted space in scanning rooms is further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is nested around the drum part, and the drum part itself can be integrated into the scanner table structure or positioned within the existing scanner framework. This nesting approach allows the cable management system to occupy minimal space while maintaining full cable handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal cable storage to vertical coiling around the drum part. By utilizing the vertical dimension and the drum's rotational capability, the cable is compacted into a small cylindrical volume rather than occupying horizontal space, maximizing space utilization in the restricted scanning room environment
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 system provides controlled, stable, and compact cable management, reducing the risk of cable disturbance during scanning procedures and ensuring cables are properly retracted from the scanner tunnel, thus enhancing scanning efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic cord with a first point attached to the base part and a second point attached to the drum part or to the coiling mechanism, wherein the elastic cord is coiled on the coiling mechanism; and a cable comprising a jacket, wherein the cable has a first connector at a first end and a second connector at a second end thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an un-motorized coiling mechanism for cable handling in medical scanning. A medical scanner accessory system for a medical scanner is disclosed. The medical scanner accessory system comprises a base part; a drum part rotatably connected to the base part, the drum part having a rotation axis and configured for accommodating an electronic device; a coiling mechanism comprising a first coiling part and a second coiling part; an elastic cord with a first point attached to the base part and a second point attached to the drum part, wherein the elastic cord is coiled on the coiling mechanism; and a cable comprising a jacket, wherein the cable has a first connector at a first end and a second connector at a second end thereof, wherein the first connector is connectable to a movable part of the medical scanner and the second connector is connectable to the electronic device, wherein the cable is coiled on a first part of the drum part, wherein the elastic cord is configured to apply a force to the drum part for rotating the drum part in a coiling direction of rotation about the rotation axis thereby coiling the cable on the first part of the drum part.