Monocoque Frame for X-Ray Bone Densitometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone densitometry apparatuses using the DEXA method have complex structures that occupy space below the patient-carrier table, making cleaning difficult and requiring numerous components, which complicates assembly, installation, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A bone densitometry apparatus with a monocoque patient-carrier frame that directly supports a movable arm with a generator-detector assembly, allowing for free space below the table and reducing the number of components, featuring a simplified structure with integrated mechanical, electronic, and software parts for easy maintenance and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable arm is supported by guide rails and belts resting directly on the ground, then the arm can be moved longitudinally, but the space below the patient-carrier table is completely occupied making it difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure for the movable arm is transferred from the ground level to the patient-carrier table level. The table itself is designed with integrated guide rails and movement mechanisms on its upper surface, allowing the arm to move longitudinally while keeping the space below the table completely clear and accessible for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient-carrier table is designed to serve multiple functions: it supports the patient during examination, provides the structural basis for the movable arm's movement through integrated guide rails, and maintains clear space below for easy cleaning. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate ground-level support structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus comprises an extremely large number of components, then the functionality is complete, but the assembly, installation and maintenance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated assemblies. The movable arm incorporates the generator-detector assembly, movement mechanisms, and control systems as a unified structure. The patient-carrier table integrates support functions, movement guide rails, and structural framing into a single cohesive unit, reducing the total number of separate components while maintaining complete functionality.
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 apparatus simplifies cleaning, reduces component complexity, facilitates easier installation and maintenance, and supports high-weight and high-height patients while maintaining effective DEXA scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a movable arm provided with an RX generator-detector assembly
Implementation Method 2
DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry)... based on the assessment of bone mineral density
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An apparatus for bone densitometry (1) comprises a patient-carrier frame (2) fitted with a support surface (21) for a patient and an arm (3) movable with respect to the frame (2) in a longitudinal direction (X) from the feet to the head of the patient. The arm is fitted with a generator-detector assembly comprising an X-ray generator (31) and an X-ray detector (32), mechanically aligned so that the collimated beam (F) of X-rays produced by the generator (31) centres the detector (32). In particular, the frame is a monocoque (2) and fully supports, at the support surface (21), the arm (3) in order to leave the space underneath the frame (2) free. Advantageously, moreover, in the case of apparatus with frame (2) made of aluminium, the frame itself also serves as a filter for X-rays.