Mobile X-Ray Telescopic Column With Compression-Spring Counterbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile x-ray devices face challenges with complex and costly counterbalance systems, such as counterweights and motorized brakes, which require significant mass and maintenance, and tension spring-based systems that necessitate robust fixed connections and complex pulley arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A counterbalancing mechanism using a compression spring connected to a block and tackle system with a dual scroll pulley, simplifying the construction and providing balanced movement of telescopic components through a wire rope, allowing for both synchronized and asynchronous motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If counterweights and motorized brake systems are used for counterbalancing, then the telescopic column and arm can be balanced, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly due to the large mass required (4-8 times the actual mass)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical counterweight system with an electrical motorized brake system. The motorized brake applies frictional force to a drum or disc attached to the telescopic column, providing counterbalancing without requiring large counterweights. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining counterbalancing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring-loaded mechanism that uses elastic potential energy storage to assist the motorized brake. The spring provides additional counterbalancing force during extension and retraction operations, reducing the load on the motorized brake system and enabling more precise control with smaller components.
2Ease of operation
If tension spring-based counterbalancing systems are used, then manual movement is enabled, but the system requires robust fixed connections and complex pulley arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the tension spring and pulley system with a motorized brake system that directly applies braking force to the telescopic column. This eliminates the need for complex pulley arrangements and robust fixed connections, while maintaining the ability to control manual movement through electrical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a drum or disc as an intermediary component between the motorized brake and the telescopic column. The brake applies frictional force to this intermediary, which then transmits the counterbalancing force to the column, simplifying the overall mechanical arrangement compared to direct spring-pulley connections.
3Reliability
If counterweights are used for counterbalancing, then the telescopic components can be balanced, but the mass required is 4-8 times the actual mass of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy counterweight system with a motorized brake system that generates counterbalancing force through friction. The brake applies controlled frictional force to a drum or disc, eliminating the need for large counterweights while maintaining counterbalancing stability through electrical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of force generation from gravitational force (counterweights) to frictional force (motorized brake). This parameter change allows for dynamic adjustment of counterbalancing force through electrical control, eliminating the need for fixed, heavy counterweight masses.
4Device complexity
If motorized brake systems are used, then counterbalancing is achieved without large counterweights, but maintenance requirements and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials and surface treatments on the brake drum or disc to optimize friction characteristics. The intermediary component is designed with specific surface properties that provide consistent friction while being resistant to wear, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and failure risk in the motorized brake system.
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
The mechanism offers a cost-effective, reliable, and simplified balancing system that maintains component positioning without catastrophic failure, enabling efficient manual operation and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring connected to and extending between the fixed portion and the block and tackle for storing potential gravitational energy of the upper telescopic portion and telescoping arm
Implementation Method 2
a block and tackle connected to the wire rope, a compression spring connected to and extending between the fixed portion and the block and tackle
Implementation Method 3
a wire rope connected to the upper telescopic portion and the telescoping arm for providing the vertical movement of the upper telescopic portion and telescoping arm relative to the fixed portion in response to movement of the wire rope
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile x-ray device includes a telescopic column including a fixed portion and an telescopic portion vertically moveable relative to the fixed portion, a telescopic arm moveably connected to the upper telescopic portion of the telescopic column, a head assembly for obtaining x-ray images on the telescoping arm, a wire rope connected to the telescopic portion and the telescoping arm for providing the vertical movement of the telescopic portion and telescoping arm, and a counterbalancing mechanism for balancing the weight of the telescopic portion and the telescopic arm during movement thereof. The counterbalancing mechanism includes a block and tackle connected to the wire rope and a compression spring connected to and extending between the fixed portion and the block and tackle for storing potential gravitational energy of the telescopic portion and telescoping arm during either synchronous or non-synchronous movement of the upper telescopic portion and telescoping arm.