Mobile Medical Scanner Control for Gyroscopic Force Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical scanning systems in vehicles experience excessive strains and image quality issues due to non-constant gyroscopic forces when in motion, particularly with rotating components like CT gantries and X-ray anodes, which can cause damage and require recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A medical vehicle equipped with a medical scanning system that includes a computing unit and sensors to predict and limit gyroscopic forces by adjusting vehicle speed, orientation, and component rotation, using active and passive means to counteract these forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the medical scanning system performs scans while the vehicle is in motion, then productivity is improved, but the rotating components experience excessive strains due to gyroscopic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit calculates predicted gyroscopic forces based on planned vehicle movements and pre-adjusts operating parameters of the rotating component before the vehicle motion occurs. This preliminary counter-action prevents excessive bearing loads by ensuring the rotating component operates within safe force limits from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotation speed and orientation of the rotating component in real-time based on actual vehicle motion data from sensors. This dynamic adaptation allows the medical scanning system to maintain scan capability during vehicle motion while continuously optimizing operating conditions to minimize bearing stresses.
2Productivity
If the rotating component operates at high speeds for efficient scanning, then productivity is improved, but gyroscopic forces increase causing system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit modifies operational parameters of the rotating component (rotation speed, orientation angles) based on calculated gyroscopic forces. By dynamically changing these parameters in response to vehicle motion conditions, the system maintains efficient scan speeds while keeping gyroscopic forces within safe limits through parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor data from the vehicle (acceleration, orientation, position) as feedback to continuously recalculate gyroscopic forces and adjust rotating component operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that scan productivity is maintained while real-time adjustments prevent harmful gyroscopic forces from exceeding bearing capacity.
3Loss of time
If the vehicle moves quickly to reach destination, then loss of time is reduced, but gyroscopic forces on rotating components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives planned vehicle routes and speeds in advance, calculates expected gyroscopic forces along the path, and pre-adjusts rotating component operation accordingly. This preliminary action allows the vehicle to travel quickly to the destination while the rotating component operates at optimized speeds that account for upcoming high-force sections of the route.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously adapts rotating component operation based on real-time vehicle motion data. As the vehicle accelerates or changes direction, the control unit dynamically adjusts rotation speed and orientation to maintain scan quality while minimizing gyroscopic forces, enabling fast transportation without compromising component safety.
4Reliability
If the rotating component orientation is fixed for stable operation, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to vehicle motion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the traditionally fixed rotating component into a dynamically adjustable system. The control unit continuously modifies rotation speed and orientation based on vehicle motion sensors, allowing the component to adapt to changing vehicle conditions while maintaining stable scan operation through real-time parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes operational parameters (rotation speed, tilt angles, orientation) of the rotating component in response to vehicle motion. By systematically adjusting these parameters based on calculated gyroscopic forces, the system maintains reliable scan quality while adapting to various vehicle motion conditions that would otherwise compromise stability.
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 effective medical scans while the vehicle is in motion, reducing stress on bearings and maintaining image quality, allowing timely diagnostic information for patients.
Implementation Method 1
means for limiting gyroscopic forces caused by the rotating component when the rotation axis changes its direction. These gyroscopic forces depend on the mass and the rate of rotation of the rotating part as well as on the rate and orientation at which the rotation axis changes its direction.
Implementation Method 2
a bearing that supports said rotating component
Data Source
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AI summary
:The invention relates to a medical vehicle (1) comprising a medical scanning system (2) that is configured to perform medical scans while the medical vehicle (1) is in motion. The medical scanning system (2) comprises a rotating component (3) that is configured to rotate around a rotation axis (R) and means for limiting gyroscopic forces caused by the rotating component (3) when the rotation axis (R) changes its direction. The means for limiting gyroscopic forces comprise a computing unit (5) and sensors (4) and/or interfaces to sensors (4), wherein the computing unit (5) is adapted to receive sensor readings generated by the sensors (4) and to determine and/or predict the gyroscopic forces based on the sensor readings and is configured to issue a speed limit, in particular a non-zero speed limit, for the medical vehicle (1) based on the determined and/or predicted gyroscopic forces. The intention also relatesto a method for operating a medical scanning system (2) in a moving medical vehicle (1).