Medical Imaging Tabletop Translation via Column-Integrated Guiding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging examination tables face difficulties in easy and simple tabletop translation with respect to the table support, as well as interference from guiding and driving system components that affect X-ray image quality due to metallic parts.
Innovation Solution
The integration of guiding and driving parts for longitudinal tabletop translation within the table column, eliminating protruding elements and ensuring high transparency for X-ray imaging, with a tabletop design that includes lateral edges cooperating with rollers and motorized friction for smooth horizontal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tabletop includes part of the longitudinal translation system (guiding rails), then the translation function is achieved, but the tabletop exchange becomes more difficult and the tabletop length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding rails and translation system components are extracted from the tabletop and relocated to the table column. This allows the tabletop to be simplified to essentially a flat surface without protruding guiding elements, making tabletop exchange much easier while the table column assumes the complexity of the translation system
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the tabletop carry the guiding rails as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the arrangement by having the table column carry the guiding rails and have the tabletop pass through them. This reversal of the traditional configuration resolves the contradiction between translation functionality and tabletop simplicity
2Reliability
If metallic guiding parts are present on the tabletop, then the translation system functions, but X-ray image quality deteriorates due to artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
Metallic guiding parts are extracted from the tabletop and relocated to the table column. This removes the source of X-ray artifacts from the imaging field, eliminating interference with image quality while the translation system continues to function reliably through the column-integrated guiding mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The table column acts as an intermediary structure that houses the metallic guiding components away from the patient and imaging field. This mediator approach allows the translation system to maintain its metallic components for reliability while preventing those components from interfering with X-ray imaging
3Ease of operation
If the tabletop includes guiding elements extending beyond edges, then the translation guidance is achieved, but the tabletop length must be longer
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding elements are extracted from the tabletop edges and relocated to the table column. This allows the tabletop to be shorter since it no longer needs extended overhangs to accommodate guiding rails, while the column-based guiding system provides the necessary translation guidance within the compact tabletop dimensions
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
Facilitates easier tabletop exchange and reduces image artifacts by minimizing metallic interference, allowing for longer translation strokes without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a longitudinal translation step of the tabletop supporting a patient from outside the table column on the table column, the longitudinal translation step including only horizontal move(s) without any vertical move
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3F
AI summary
This invention relates to an examination table of medical imaging system, comprising: a tabletop (1), a table column (2) supporting said tabletop (1), a translation system which is adapted to make said tabletop (1) longitudinally translate with respect to said table column (2) and which comprises a guiding part (24) and a driving part, wherein both said guiding and driving parts (24) are fully integrated in said table column (2).