Mobile CT Movement System for Drift-Free Omnidirectional Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile CT imaging systems face challenges in maneuverability and scan accuracy due to the use of free-rolling castors for gross movement and centipede belt drives for fine movement, which can result in lateral drift and difficulty navigating irregular floors, leading to potential engagement with patient beds or gurneys.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an omnidirectional powered drive unit, comprising either steerable motorized castors or mecanum wheels, which allows for precise and stable movement across room distances and during scanning, eliminating lateral drift and improving scan accuracy by enabling omnidirectional movement and real-time adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If free-rolling castors are used for gross movement, then ease of operation is improved, but lateral drift occurs during scanning reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The movement system is divided into two independent segments: free-rolling castors for gross movement and powered wheels for fine movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function optimally - the castors provide easy maneuverability while the powered wheels eliminate lateral drift during scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two movement modes: using free-rolling castors when repositioning the scanner between locations, and engaging powered wheels during scanning operations. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by using the appropriate mechanism for each operational phase.
2Measurement precision
If centipede belt drives are used for fine movement, then positioning capability is improved, but difficulty navigating irregular floors increases reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The centipede belt drive mechanism is replaced with independently powered wheels that use direct mechanical contact and motorized control. This substitution maintains precise positioning capability while significantly improving reliability on irregular floors by eliminating the complex belt mechanism that struggles with surface variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each powered wheel is independently controlled and can self-adjust to floor irregularities through individual motor control. This self-service capability allows the wheels to navigate uneven surfaces reliably while maintaining precise positioning, without requiring a complex centralized mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile CT system is made larger for full-body scans, then functionality is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically utilizes free-rolling castors during repositioning phases to maintain ease of maneuverability regardless of system size. This dynamic use of passive rolling elements allows a large mobile CT system to be moved easily between locations without requiring active propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement function is segmented into gross repositioning (handled by castors) and fine positioning (handled by powered wheels). This segmentation allows the large scanner to be efficiently transported using simple castors while maintaining precise positioning capabilities during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and improved anatomical imaging system which includes a new and improved movement system, wherein the movement system comprises an omnidirectional powered drive unit and wherein the movement system can substantially eliminate lateral walk (or drift) over the complete stroke of a scan, even when the floor includes substantial irregularities, whereby to improve the accuracy of the scan results and avoid unintentional engagement of the anatomical imaging system with the bed or gurney which is supporting the patient.