Magnetic Compound-Curve Cable Chain for 360° 3D Imaging Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile three-dimensional imaging systems are limited by their freedom of movement, hindering their acceptance and use in environments like operating rooms, where they need to access patients from any direction or height and produce high-quality 3-D images.
Innovation Solution
A cable chain system comprising split tubing and links with magnets, allowing cables to be internally managed within a gantry, enabling 360° scanning without entanglement or damage, and supporting flexible movement and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile three-dimensional imaging systems are designed to be movable, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but cable management and system reliability deteriorate due to entanglement and damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The cable chain employs a nested structure where multiple cables are housed within concentric tubing layers. Each cable is individually contained within its own tubing, which is then nested within other tubing layers, creating a compact, organized bundle that prevents entanglement while maintaining flexibility for mobile positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable chain utilizes flexible corrugated tubing with defined bend radii that allows the cable assembly to bend and flex during movement without damaging the cables. The tubing acts as a protective shell that maintains cable organization while accommodating the flexibility needed for mobile imaging system positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the imaging system is made mobile to access patients from any direction, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the cable chain mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The cable chain is divided into discrete link segments that can flex relative to each other. Each link contains a portion of the nested cable tubing, allowing the cable assembly to bend at multiple points along its length. This segmentation enables the complex cable management function to be achieved through simple, repeating modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable chain is designed as a dynamic structure that can change its configuration during system movement. The flexible tubing and hinged links allow the cable assembly to adapt its shape and orientation as the imaging system is repositioned, maintaining cable integrity while accommodating various operating positions and angles.
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
Ensures high-quality 3-D imaging can be performed from any direction or height without moving the patient, with cables protected and managed efficiently within the gantry, reducing interference and damage.
Implementation Method 1
The outer surface comprises a magnet and the inner surface forms a recess in the link. The split tubing is disposed within the recesses of the links.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments generally relate to routing a bundle of loose cables with a cable chain during a medical procedure. The cable chain comprises split tubing and a plurality of links extending discretely along a length of the split tubing. Each link comprises a housing including an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface comprises a magnet and the inner surface forms a recess in the link. The split tubing is disposed within the recesses of the links.