Motorized C-Arm Drive Assembly with Electromagnetic Manual Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing C-arm systems face challenges in achieving compactness and ease of assembly/disassembly, particularly in motorized assemblies that drive rotational movements, which are crucial for mobile X-ray systems used in diverse environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact drive arrangement for the C-arm system utilizing a motor with a rotor and stator, coupled with a transmission mechanism, such as a harmonic drive, that allows for a reduced gear ratio and includes an electromagnetic lock for easy switching between manual and automatic modes, mounted on a yoke to minimize assembly complexity and facilitate maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the motor is mounted directly to the carriage, then the assembly is simpler, but the footprint and complexity of fixation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor housing is merged with the stator assembly, creating an integrated unit that reduces the number of separate components and fixation points required when mounting to the carriage. This combining of motor elements simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stator is mounted to the carriage, then the motor is more stable, but the assembly requires cumbersome fixation and damping elements
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is integrated with the motor housing to form a unified assembly unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate fixation mechanisms and damping elements that would be required if the stator were mounted independently to the carriage, thereby maintaining stability while reducing complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the C-arc is positioned closer to the core, then the imaging quality is improved, but the rotational drive system becomes more compact and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational drive system components are nested within each other in a compact arrangement, with the motor integrated into the C-arc structure. This nesting allows the drive system to occupy minimal space while maintaining the necessary functionality for high-quality imaging at the core position.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual use is required, then operational flexibility is improved, but the system requires additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing it to switch between locked and unlocked states based on operational mode requirements. This dynamic capability enables the system to accommodate both manual and motorized operations without requiring permanently installed complex locking hardware.
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 solution provides a compact, easily maintainable, and versatile drive system that enhances the mobility and operational flexibility of C-arm systems, reducing assembly complexity and enabling efficient switching between manual and automatic modes.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism comprising an electromagnetic lock (150) arranged to hold the rotor (11) in a position preventing rotation of the rotor
Implementation Method 2
a motor (110) comprising a rotor (111) and a stator (112) arranged to transform an electrical signal into a rotation of the rotor
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7A
AI summary
The invention is about an X-ray system comprising a C-arc (102) provided with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, and a carriage (101) of the C-arc (102) adapted to fixedly hold the C-arc (102) on the carriage (101). In addition, a drive arrangement to drive the rotation of the C-arc (102) about a main axis (1000) comprises a motor (10, 110) (with a rotor (11, 111) and a stator (12, 112)) and a transmission mechanism (20, 120) arranged to transmit the motion generated by the motor (10, 110) to the C-arc (102) rotating about the main axis (1000). The transmission mechanism (20, 120), having a predetermined ratio of transmission, comprises an input to which the rotor (11, 111) is mounted and an output to which the stator (12, 112) and the C-arc (102) are mounted.