Medical Imaging Detent Control for Precise Brake Stopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detent processes for medical imaging systems, such as DXR Ceiling Suspension (CS) and tubestand subsystems, face issues with mechanical complexity, increased cost, vibration, and precision errors in positioning due to mechanical and electrical brake methods, particularly when dealing with heavy components and varying operator forces.
Innovation Solution
A detent method utilizing a braking function F(S, V) that determines a braking position PB based on the distance S moved and velocity V of a moveable component, adjusting the braking function if necessary to ensure the component stops within a predefined detent window, without requiring additional mechanical parts or complex installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical method (limit pins and limit holes) is used for detent, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical detent system (limit pins and limit holes) with an electrical brake system controlled by a processor. The processor calculates a braking position based on target position, measured velocity, and braking function, then activates the brake to stop the component at the desired location. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical parts while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Device complexity
If electrical brake method is used for detent, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates due to large errors with heavy components and high velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors the actual position of the component and compares it with the target position. Based on this feedback, the processor calculates and adjusts the braking function F(S, V) to compensate for positioning errors. The system uses measured velocity and actual position data to refine future braking calculations, ensuring accurate stopping even for heavy components moving at high velocities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the braking function parameters based on operating conditions. The braking function F(S, V) is modified according to the component's mass, velocity, and measured position deviations. By changing the braking parameters adaptively, the system maintains high positioning precision across varying operational scenarios without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If electrical brake is activated ahead of time, then positioning can be controlled, but the braking force becomes unpredictable due to friction surface conditions and braking gap changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically measuring the actual position and velocity during operation, then using this data to adjust the braking function. The processor monitors positioning results and autonomously refines the braking parameters without external intervention. This self-service approach compensates for variations in friction surface conditions and braking gaps, ensuring consistent and reliable braking force across different operating conditions.
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 method achieves precise positioning of medical imaging system components by automatically calibrating the braking function to account for varying velocities and masses, reducing errors and vibrations, and maintaining accuracy across different operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical brake is activated when the CS/tubestand reaches a target position and the CS/tubestand stops after it slides an accepted distance
Data Source
AI summary
A detent method for a medical imaging system. The method comprises obtaining a braking function F(S, V) between a distance S moved by a moveable component of the medical imaging system when a brake is applied to the component and a velocity V of the component and obtaining a measured velocity Vm of the component before the brake is applied. A braking position PB is determined based on a target position PT, the measured velocity Vm and the braking function F(S, V), wherein the brake is configured to be actuated when the component reaches the braking position PB.