Movable CT Gantry for Fixed and Mobile Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing medical device landscape is burdened by the need for both fixed and mobile CT devices, which are costly and spatially challenging to install, as users require both types for versatility and mobility, but equipping both poses financial and spatial difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A medical device design that incorporates a gantry movable between a fixed and mobile main body, utilizing a mobile platform with casters and a belt movement system, allowing the gantry to be electrically connected to either main body for seamless conversion between fixed and mobile modes, thereby reducing the need for separate devices and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both fixed CT device and mobile CT device are equipped, then imaging versatility is improved, but financial burden and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry is designed to be universally compatible with both fixed and mobile main bodies. It can be selectively installed on either type of main body and electrically connected to corresponding interfaces, allowing a single gantry to perform both fixed and mobile imaging functions, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of fixed and mobile CT devices into a single integrated system. By sharing common components (gantry, control systems) between fixed and mobile main bodies, the system merges previously separate functions into one versatile platform, reducing overall spatial and financial requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both fixed CT device and mobile CT device are equipped, then imaging versatility is improved, but financial burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry serves multiple functions by being compatible with both fixed and mobile main bodies. This multi-functionality allows a single expensive component to replace what would otherwise require two separate device purchases, directly reducing financial burden while maintaining imaging versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the imaging functionality into a shared system where the gantry can operate with either main body type, the patent reduces the total quantity of expensive medical equipment needed, thereby reducing financial burden while preserving versatile imaging capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gantry is made movable between fixed and mobile main bodies, then conversion flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components: the gantry as a separate movable unit, and the main bodies (fixed and mobile) as distinct platforms. This segmentation allows the gantry to be independently transferred and connected to either main body, achieving conversion flexibility while managing complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gantry acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the fixed and mobile main bodies. It includes interface mechanisms (such as coupling devices and electrical connections) that enable it to interact with either main body type, facilitating flexible conversion while standardizing the interaction protocol to manage complexity.
4Ease of operation
If mobile platform with casters and guide rails is added, then mobility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile main body incorporates a mobile platform with casters that enable dynamic movement. The guide rails provide guided motion constraints, allowing the mobile platform to move freely within controlled directions. This dynamic design improves mobility while the rail guidance mechanism keeps the complexity manageable by defining clear movement paths.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a medical device that is convertible to have mobility. The medical device includes a first main body and a second main body having mobility and arranged to be adjacent to the first main body. A gantry is movably installed on the first main body and the second main body. The gantry is electrically connected to the first main body or to the second body.