Foldable Gamma Camera Frame for Compact Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gamma camera systems are too large to fit through standard hospital doorways, requiring disassembly and reassembly, which introduces human error, increases shipping costs, and risks component damage and misalignment during delivery and setup.
Innovation Solution
A gamma camera system with a frame and detector heads that can be configured into a compact shipping position by adding an additional degree of mechanical freedom, allowing the detector heads to pivot and fold inward, reducing the system's size and maintaining electrical connections for efficient reassembly and reduced error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the gamma camera is disassembled for shipping, then it can fit through standard doorways, but alignment errors and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the overall structure to be compacted for shipping while maintaining the integrity of detector head assemblies. The manipulator arms are also segmented to enable folding configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates movable joints and flexible connections that allow it to dynamically change between an expanded operational configuration and a compact shipping configuration. This dynamic structure enables the frame to adapt its shape without disassembling detector heads or risking misalignment.
2Length of moving object
If the gamma camera is disassembled for shipping, then it can fit through standard doorways, but shipping costs and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the frame and multiple detector heads, but the frame itself is further segmented into foldable sections. This allows the detector heads to remain as complete assemblies mounted on the frame, reducing the number of separate components that need to be handled and reassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during operation, enables compact shipping configuration, and maintains alignment through its designed folding mechanics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment procedures.
3Length of moving object
If the gamma camera is disassembled for shipping, then it can fit through standard doorways, but the risk of component damage and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector heads remain combined with the frame structure during shipping, rather than being completely separated. This merging maintains the protective context of the frame while allowing the overall structure to be compacted, reducing the risk of individual components being damaged or lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed to provide inherent protection and positioning for detector heads during the folding and shipping process. The mechanical design anticipates shipping conditions and maintains component integrity through its structured folding mechanism rather than requiring additional protective packaging for each component.
4Length of moving object
If the frame is made foldable, then shipping dimensions are reduced, but operational complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates movable joints and flexible connections that allow it to dynamically change between an expanded operational configuration and a compact shipping configuration. This dynamic structure enables the frame to adapt its shape without disassembling detector heads or risking misalignment.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one aspect, imaging system (10, 190) includes a plurality of detector heads (12, 14, 80, 100, 202) and a frame (20) on which the plurality of detector heads are mounted. The frame is configurable in (i) an operational configuration in which the detector heads are arranged to be manipulated by the frame to acquire imaging data, and (ii) a shipping configuration in which the detector heads remain mounted on the frame and the imaging system is reduced in size along at least one dimension compared with the operational configuration.