Mobile CT Unit Monolithic Steel Flooring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computed tomography (CT) units are not adaptable for transportation and require recalibration upon relocation, making it impractical to perform precise CT scans outside traditional hospital settings, such as in remote areas or disaster zones, due to the need for precise alignment and stability.
Innovation Solution
A mobile CT unit with a steel flooring system that solidly fastens the framework and table, maintaining the mechanical isocenter and preventing displacement, allowing for air-transportability and immediate operation without recalibration, featuring integrated forklift grooves and a compact design suitable for cargo planes and road vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the CT unit is made transportable by separating components, then mobility is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to recalibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The framework and table base are merged into a single integrated structure that moves together as one unit. This ensures the mechanical isocenter alignment is maintained during transport without requiring recalibration, resolving the contradiction between mobility and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The CT unit is segmented into two main parts: a mobile framework-table assembly that moves together, and a stationary room structure. This segmentation allows the precision-critical components to remain relative to each other while enabling overall mobility of the scanning system.
2Manufacturing precision
If the CT unit is designed for stationary installation, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to relocate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static stationary installation to a dynamic relocatable design. The framework-table assembly can be moved to different locations while maintaining its internal alignment, enabling the system to adapt to different operational environments without sacrificing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the CT unit is transported on soft or vibrating floors, then mobility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vibrations and displacements
Solution Approach 1:
The framework and table base are combined into a rigid integrated unit that moves together as one solid structure. This merging ensures that vibrations and displacements affect both components equally, maintaining their relative alignment and the mechanical isocenter during transport on unstable surfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile computed tomography CT unit which comprises the framework of the tomograph and the table movable with respect to the framework is described. The transportability of the CT unit is given by a metal plate which constitutes the flooring integral of the CT unit, in the sense that the framework and the table are fastened to the plate without being able to move, such as to form a single monolithic body of mobile CT unit. Such rigid configuration allows to transport the mobile CT unit for functional purposes on board of cargo planes and possible alternative road vehicles or to non-stationary locations, without having to carry out a new calibration of first installation of the mechanical isocenter, once the destination has been reached, and thus being able to immediately use the unit to perform exams in remote areas, or anyhow in environments outside of the hospital.