G-Shaped Arm Imaging System for 360-Degree Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging devices, such as C-arms, are unable to achieve a full 360° spin, limiting their capability to obtain high-quality three-dimensional images.
Innovation Solution
A G-shaped arm imaging system that allows for a 360° spin without the use of a door, combining the benefits of C-arms (lower cost and easier maneuverability) with the ability to achieve a full 360° image like O-arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a C-arm is used, then cost and maneuverability are improved, but the ability to achieve a full 360° spin is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into two independent movable components: an arcuate arm that rotates partially (e.g., 180-270°) and an imaging sensor assembly that can independently travel along the arcuate arm. This segmentation allows each component to perform a subset of the full 360° rotation, with their combined movements achieving the complete circular path without requiring a full-circle mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-axis rotation model to a two-dimensional movement model. The arcuate arm provides rotation in one dimension, while the imaging sensor's travel along the arcuate arm's path provides movement in a second dimension. This dimensional expansion enables 360° coverage without requiring a continuous circular mechanical structure.
2Ease of operation
If a C-arm is used, then maneuverability is improved, but the ability to obtain full 360° images is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into two independent movable components: an arcuate arm that rotates partially (e.g., 180-270°) and an imaging sensor assembly that can independently travel along the arcuate arm. This segmentation allows each component to perform a subset of the full 360° rotation, with their combined movements achieving the complete circular path without requiring a full-circle mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic coordination between two movable components: the arcuate arm rotates to a first position, then the imaging sensor travels along the arcuate arm to a second position. This dynamic sequence of movements enables the imaging system to achieve 360° coverage adaptively, maintaining maneuverability while obtaining complete images.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an O-arm with breakable gantry is used, then full 360° spin capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into two independent movable components: an arcuate arm that rotates partially (e.g., 180-270°) and an imaging sensor assembly that can independently travel along the arcuate arm. This segmentation allows each component to perform a subset of the full 360° rotation, with their combined movements achieving the complete circular path without requiring a full-circle mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of 360° imaging capability from the complex O-arm structure. By using a partial-rotation arcuate arm combined with independent sensor travel, the system achieves full 360° image coverage without requiring the complex breakable gantry mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the desired imaging capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device for obtaining 360-degree images of an anatomical feature of a patient or of another object includes an open ring having a first end, a second end, and an axis, the open ring defining an outer arc and an inner arc; a support arm configured to support the open ring and to rotate the open ring about the axis; a track extending along the open ring; a source movably disposed on the track and operable to generate signals useful for imaging; and a detector movably disposed on the track, the detector operable to detect signals generated by the source. Movement of the source and detector along the track, coupled with rotation of the open ring about the axis, enables the source and detector to travel at least 360 degrees about the axis.