Linear Motor Assembly for Precise Breast CT Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast CT systems are bulky and lack precision in angular rotations, failing to fully address the needs of breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A compact x-ray system with a linear motor assembly that rotates a rotatable x-ray assembly relative to a base component, using a shield enclosure to comply with radiation safety standards and provide precise angular rotations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional motor assemblies are used in breast CT systems, then the system can perform rotation, but the system becomes bulky and loses precision in angular rotations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical motor assemblies with a linear motor that uses electromagnetic fields to drive rotation. The linear motor assembly includes a stator with electromagnetic coils and a rotor with permanent magnets, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical components like gears, belts, and heavy motor housings. This substitution reduces system bulkiness while improving angular rotation precision through direct electromagnetic coupling and encoder feedback.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation shielding is added to protect people during operation, then radiation safety is improved, but the system becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates radiation shielding materials directly into the existing motor assembly structure. The stator and rotor components serve dual purposes: generating electromagnetic fields for rotation and providing radiation attenuation. The shield enclosure is nested within the motor assembly housing, combining protective function with structural support without adding separate shielding components. This nested approach maintains radiation safety while minimizing system complexity.
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 system achieves precise angular rotations and complies with radiation safety standards, enabling high-quality three-dimensional breast imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor assembly operatively connected to the rotatable x-ray assembly and the base component so as to effect rotation of the rotatable x-ray assembly relative to the base component
Implementation Method 2
The shield enclosure attenuates x-rays from the x-ray source sufficiently for people to be in proximity to the shield enclosure during operation of the x-ray system without further shielding
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray system for at least one of breast examinations and procedures includes a base component, a table configured to support a patient in a prone position and disposed proximate to the base component with a space reserved therebetween, a rotatable x-ray assembly disposed between the base component and the table, and a linear motor assembly operatively connected to the rotatable x-ray assembly and the base component so as to effect rotation of the rotatable x-ray assembly relative to the base component during operation. The rotatable x-ray assembly rotates at least partially around an active spatial region, and the table defines an opening that is positioned for a breast to extend downwards therethrough at least partially into said active spatial region.