Movable Gantry Retaining Structure With Lock-and-Release Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging devices require a system to adjust and retain components during examinations, especially when the gantry is movable relative to the examination area and personnel are nearby.
Innovation Solution
A system with a gantry, a retaining structure, a running gear, and a guide apparatus, where the retaining structure is moveable relative to the examination area via the guide apparatus and follows the translatory movement of the gantry via a connection unit, ensuring the retaining structure remains aligned with the gantry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the gantry is made moveable relative to the examination area, then the adaptability of the medical imaging device is improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to the need for additional moving components and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the retaining structure can transition between movable and fixed states. The running gear enables the retaining structure to be moved into position, then locking mechanisms secure it during imaging procedures. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled mobility rather than permanent fixed or movable configurations.
2Reliability
If the retaining structure is securely connected to the gantry, then the reliability of component retention is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in adjusting and releasing the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action through pre-positioning mechanisms and guide rails that direct the retaining structure into its correct final position before connection. The running gear is designed to automatically align components, and locking mechanisms are pre-configured to engage at specific positions. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of the connection process and makes operation easier by eliminating the need for precise manual alignment during the connection phase.
3Productivity
If the running gear drives the translatory movement of the gantry, then the productivity of the medical imaging process is improved, but the use of energy increases due to the continuous movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by moving the gantry and retaining structure only when necessary for repositioning between imaging tasks, rather than continuous movement. The locking mechanisms maintain positions during imaging procedures, eliminating energy consumption during these phases. This periodic operation pattern - move, lock, image, unlock, move - significantly reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining high productivity during active imaging sessions.
Data Source
AI summary
In the system, a retaining structure is configured to move relative to an examination area via a guide apparatus, and the retaining structure has a first connection unit. A gantry is configured to move relative to the examination area via a running gear, wherein the running gear is configured to drive a translatory movement of the gantry relative to the examination area. The gantry has a second connection unit, wherein the first connection unit and the second connection unit are configured to establish a connection that counteracts a change of position of the retaining structure relative to the gantry such that the retaining structure follows the translatory movement of the gantry relative to the examination area when the connection is established. The retaining structure is configured to move relative to the gantry via the guide apparatus when the connection is released.