Mini C-Arm Arm Assembly for Floor-Level Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mini C-arms have limited range of motion, restricting the ability to position X-ray sources and detectors close to the floor, which is necessary for imaging lower body parts like knees and ankles, requiring patients to stand on a step and exacerbating their injury.
Innovation Solution
The mini C-arm system incorporates a C-arm assembly with an X-ray source and detector, coupled to a movable base via an arm assembly that allows movement about two axes of rotation (vertical and horizontal) with the horizontal axis fixed at a specific height, enabling greater versatility in positioning the imaging components closer to the floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mini C-arm uses a conventional single-axis arm assembly, then the device structure remains simple, but the range of motion is limited and cannot position imaging components close to the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly is divided into multiple segments (first arm and second arm) connected by joint assemblies, allowing each segment to contribute to the overall range of motion. The first arm assembly includes a first joint assembly with first and second arms, while the second arm assembly includes a second joint assembly with third and fourth arms, creating a modular segmented structure that achieves greater versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-axis rotation system to a multi-axis rotation system by adding orthogonal rotation axes. The first joint assembly enables rotation about a first axis, and the second joint assembly enables rotation about a second axis orthogonal to the first, adding dimensional freedom to position the C-arm assembly in three-dimensional space and reach positions close to the floor.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the horizontal axis of rotation is positioned at a fixed height from the platform, then the positioning stability is improved, but the ability to reach floor-level positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines fixed and movable elements to achieve both stability and flexibility. The horizontal axis of rotation is fixed at a specific height from the platform to provide a stable reference point, while the orthogonal first axis of rotation allows dynamic adjustment of the arm assembly's orientation. This dynamic configuration enables the C-arm to reach floor-level positions while maintaining stable positioning during imaging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the rotational parameters by introducing orthogonal rotation axes with different degrees of freedom. The first axis of rotation (orthogonal to the horizontal axis) allows the arm assembly to tilt and reach downward positions, while the fixed horizontal axis maintains stable horizontal positioning. This parameter change enables both floor-level access and stable positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If patients stand on a step for lower body imaging, then the imaging geometry is improved, but the safety risk increases due to falling hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical workaround of having patients stand on steps with a mechanically augmented arm assembly system. The multi-axis joint assemblies provide the necessary geometric adjustment capability that previously required patient positioning aids. By substituting the step mechanism with an enhanced arm assembly, the system maintains proper imaging geometry while eliminating the falling hazard.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile imaging system or mini C-arm with an increased range of motion is disclosed. The mini C-arm including a mobile base, a C-arm assembly, and an arm assembly for coupling the C-arm assembly and the mobile base. The arm assembly being coupled to the mobile base via a first joint assembly that enables the arm assembly to move relative to the mobile base about first and second axes of rotation. Thus, in use, the first joint assembly enables two degrees of motion—a first vertical pivoting or rotational movement and a second horizontal pivoting or rotational movement. The first joint assembly being coupled to the base via a horizontal axis of rotation that is located at a vertically fixed position so that the horizontal axis of rotation is positioned at a fixed height or distance from the base, and hence a fixed height or distance from the floor.