Mobile C-Arm X-Ray Imaging With Nesting Arm Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging systems with motorized C-arms are bulky, costly, and lack precise control, requiring significant space and recalibration for multiple region acquisitions, and holonomic drive systems are not suitable for long-distance movements and manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile X-ray imaging system with a motorized arm featuring at least three vertical rotation axes, a translation axis, and optional additional rotation axes, along with a toppling risk detection unit and stabilization means, allowing precise and flexible positioning of the C-arm without recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized arm with multiple degrees of freedom is used to enable the C-arm to reach various positions and orientations for imaging, then the imaging versatility and coverage are improved, but the device complexity, weight, and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized arm is divided into multiple segments (first arm segment, second arm segment, third arm segment) connected by rotation axes, allowing each segment to be controlled independently. This segmentation enables the C-arm to reach various positions and orientations through coordinated movement of individual segments, reducing the complexity compared to a single massive arm while maintaining full imaging coverage capability.
2Ease of operation
If the C-arm is positioned away from the base to reach the imaging table, then the accessibility to the patient is improved, but the system stability and risk of toppling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A counterweight is provided that can be positioned to balance the C-arm when it is extended away from the base. The counterweight compensates for the moment created by the extended C-arm, maintaining the center of gravity within the stable support polygon of the base. This allows the C-arm to reach the imaging table effectively while preventing the system from toppling.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed base is used to ensure system stability, then the toppling risk is reduced, but the mobility and ease of repositioning the system deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with dynamic stabilization capabilities including adjustable counterweights and active control systems that adapt to different C-arm positions. This dynamic approach maintains stability during operation while allowing the entire system to be moved and repositioned as needed, unlike a completely fixed base which would provide static stability but no mobility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the motorized arm extends significantly for orbital rotation, then the C-arm can achieve required imaging positions, but the space requirement and mechanism complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized arm segments are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with the second arm segment storable within the first, and the third within the second. This nesting capability significantly reduces the space footprint of the system when the C-arm is in its retracted position, while still allowing full extension for orbital rotation and various imaging positions when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an X-ray imaging system comprising a mobile base (10), a motorized arm (20), and a C-arm (30) adapted to be mounted on the mobile base (10) by means of the motorized arm (20), wherein the C-arm (30) comprises an X-ray source (31) and an X-ray detector (32), wherein the motorized arm (20) presents at least three rotation axes (Z1, Z2, Z3) directed along a substantially common vertical direction (Z).