Mobile Imaging Unit with Sensor-Driven Drive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile imaging systems, such as mobile x-ray devices, require time-consuming adjustments for proper positioning due to the need for operators to align imaging assemblies with anatomy, especially in limited spaces, as the movable units and imaging assemblies often need to be positioned independently, complicating the setup process.
Innovation Solution
A mobile imaging system with a rotatable column and telescopic arm, equipped with sensors to detect movement and generate signals for automated movement of the drive wheels, allowing intuitive positioning without requiring explicit user input for each movement direction, enabling axial and radial movement of the imaging assembly relative to the mobile drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operator manually positions the movable unit and imaging assembly independently using separate controls, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the positioning time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of the movable unit and imaging assembly into a single integrated control system. The drive handle controls both the mobile drive system and the column rotation, allowing the operator to position both components simultaneously through one interface rather than managing them separately, thus reducing positioning time while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The drive handle serves multiple functions: it controls the movement of the mobile drive system and simultaneously controls the rotation of the column mounting the imaging assembly. This multi-functional control interface eliminates the need for separate controls, reducing operational complexity and time while preserving positioning adaptability
2Measurement precision
If the operator manually adjusts the imaging assembly position after positioning the movable unit, then the alignment precision is improved, but the operational steps and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions for moving the cart and rotating the column are merged into a single drive handle interface. This integration reduces the number of operational steps from multiple separate adjustments to a unified control process, simplifying the workflow while achieving the same alignment precision through coordinated movement
3Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging assembly is mounted on a swivel column at the front of the unit, then the imaging coverage flexibility is improved, but the positioning coordination difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive handle is designed as a universal control that manages both the mobile drive system and the swivel column rotation. This multi-functional interface simplifies the coordination complexity by providing a single point of control for both components, making the system easier to operate despite the flexible mounting configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position of the imaging assembly and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism automatically coordinates the movement of the mobile unit and column rotation, reducing the perceived complexity for the operator while maintaining full imaging coverage flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for controlling movement of a mobile imaging system. In one example, a mobile imaging system includes a mobile drive system, an imaging assembly coupled to the mobile drive system, and a driving interface configured to move the imaging assembly relative to the mobile drive system both axially and radially in response to user manipulation, and further configured to generate signals in response to the axial movement of the imaging assembly, the mobile drive system configured to move in response to the signals.