Medical Guidance Chain Pre-Set Curvature C-Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
In newer medical diagnostic apparatuses, the C-arm travels wider angles, requiring longer connection lines that are prone to touching the floor or taking up excessive space, and existing guidance chains do not efficiently manage these larger movements without increasing friction or locking.
Innovation Solution
A guidance chain with pre-set curvature matching the curved member, allowing for folding movement and integration within the apparatus, reducing friction and space usage, and incorporating features like hinges, rolling elements, and brackets for stability and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connection line is made longer to accommodate wider C-arm angles, then the C-arm can travel wider angles, but the connection line is likely to touch the floor or take up excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance chain is designed with a pre-set curvature that matches the curvature of the C-arm, allowing it to conform to the curved path of the C-arm movement. This curved configuration enables the connection line to follow the C-arm's arc-shaped trajectory without extending outward, thus accommodating wider rotation angles while minimizing space occupation and preventing contact with the floor
2Ease of operation
If a traditional guidance chain is used, then the connection line is guided, but the chain increases friction and may lock during larger movements
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance chain incorporates rolling elements (such as rollers or wheels) that change the friction parameter from sliding friction to rolling friction. This parameter change significantly reduces the friction between the connection line and the guidance chain, preventing locking and enabling smooth operation during larger C-arm movements
3Volume of moving object
If the guidance chain is integrated inside the curved member, then the system becomes more compact and clean, but the chain must have pre-set curvature matching the curved member
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance chain is manufactured with a pre-set curvature that corresponds to the curvature of the C-arm before installation. This preliminary shaping of the chain allows it to be integrated inside the curved member, achieving a compact and clean system appearance while the pre-formed curvature eliminates the need for complex bending mechanisms during operation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a guidance chain (18; 118; 218; 318; 418; 518, 618) for guiding a connection line (20; 120; 220; 320; 420), such as a cable, electrical cable, fiber glass cable, water line, gas line or fluid line, between parts (12, 13) of a medical diagnostic apparatus (10) which are moved relative to each other, the guidance chain comprising plural chain elements (19; 119; 219; 319; 419), wherein consecutive chain elements are moveable relative to each other about a respective imaginary or real rotation axis for realizing a folding movement of the guidance chain, wherein the guidance chain is constructed such that it has an pre-set curvature in an unfolded state, and the radial extensions of the rotation axes are originating from substantially the same point in a folded state of the guidance chain. Further, the invention relates to a medical diagnostic apparatus (10) having such a guidance chain.