Mini C-Arm Stepless Collimation for Precise X-Ray Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mini C-arm fluoroscopic/radiographic imaging devices lack the ability to adjust the x-ray beam size and shape continuously, limiting the flexibility in optimizing the field of view and exposing non-areas of interest.
Innovation Solution
A motorized stepless collimating apparatus that allows user-controlled, continuous adjustment of the x-ray beam size and shape through movable plates coupled to racks and driven by motors and gears, enabling a wide range of field sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed collimation settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different imaging needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator uses movable plates that can be dynamically adjusted to different positions to change the field size and shape continuously. The plates are driven by motors along linear rails, enabling real-time adaptation to various imaging requirements without fixed settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator is designed to work with multiple image receptor sizes (less than and greater than 300 square centimeters) and can be adjusted to accommodate different field sizes and shapes, making it universally applicable to various imaging scenarios and receptor configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuous adjustment of beam size is implemented, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual or stepped mechanical adjustment mechanisms with motorized drive systems. Motors drive gears that interact with racks coupled to the movable plates, enabling smooth continuous adjustment without mechanical steps or discrete positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Gears act as intermediary elements between the motors and the movable plates. The drive gears interact with the racks to translate rotational motor motion into linear plate movement, enabling precise continuous adjustment while simplifying the direct connection requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If larger field of view is used, then coverage area increases, but radiation exposure to non-areas of interest increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator enables precise localization of the x-ray beam to only the area of interest by adjusting the movable plates to match the specific dimensions and position of the target region. This ensures radiation is delivered only where needed, minimizing exposure to surrounding non-areas of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the beam parameters (size and shape) by adjusting the position of the movable plates. This allows optimization of the field dimensions to match the imaging requirements exactly, reducing radiation exposure while maintaining adequate coverage of the area of interest.
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
Enables precise control over the x-ray field, reducing exposure to non-areas of interest and accommodating various image receptor sizes while meeting regulatory constraints, thus enhancing imaging flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile mini C-arm fluoroscopic/radiographic imaging device includes an x-ray beam generator
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a Mobile Fluoroscopic Device consisting of a Mini-C Arm assembly containing a stepless collimating apparatus which is adjustable using pairs of linear translating, opaque to x-ray plates (2). Each pair of plates are operated by a drive mechanism including a motor (3), gears (4, 6), and racks (5) making it possible to increase or decrease the cross-sectional area of the x-ray beam relative to the x-ray sensor surface area.