Movable Imaging Arm With Segmented Shoulder Joint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mini C-arm imaging systems have limited arc depth and vertical range of motion, restricting the operator's ability to access patient anatomy during fluoroscopic examinations, especially in surgical or clinical scenarios where greater flexibility and versatility are needed.
Innovation Solution
The imaging system incorporates a mechanism with a shoulder joint, elbow joint, and articulation assembly, providing vertical and rotational motion to the imaging arm, allowing for increased arc depth and vertical range, enabling the imaging arm to move radially and horizontally, thus accommodating various patient positions and anatomical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the C-arm assembly uses conventional circular arc movement to connect x-ray source to image intensifier, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the arc depth is limited and vertical range of motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly is divided into multiple segments including a base, vertical column, and C-arm assembly with independent degrees of freedom. The vertical column is segmented into adjustable sections, and the C-arm assembly separates the x-ray source and image intensifier positioning from the overall arm structure, allowing each segment to contribute to the total arc depth without requiring a single complex rigid structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed circular arc structure to a dynamic multi-degree-of-freedom mechanism. The C-arm assembly can rotate independently around the vertical column, and the vertical column itself can be adjusted in height, creating a dynamic system that adapts its configuration to achieve greater arc depth while maintaining structural simplicity through modular components
2Ease of operation
If the C-arm assembly is designed with limited vertical range of motion, then the structure remains compact and manageable, but the operator's ability to position the C-arm relative to the patient is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical column serves multiple functions: it supports the C-arm assembly, provides vertical adjustment range, acts as a rotation axis for the C-arm, and can be adjusted in height to accommodate different patient positions and anatomical regions. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve greater vertical range without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The C-arm assembly is nested around the vertical column, with the x-ray source and image intensifier positioned at opposite ends of the C-shaped structure. This nested configuration allows the C-arm to rotate 360 degrees around the vertical column while maintaining a compact footprint, effectively increasing the operational vertical range without requiring a proportional increase in the stationary structure's height
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
In an exemplary embodiment, an imaging apparatus comprises an arm assembly coupled to an imaging arm. The arm assembly includes a shoulder joint, an elbow joint, and an articulation assembly. The shoulder joint is configured to travel a vertical distance in a substantially linear fashion and provide rotational movement. The imaging arm comprises a first end and a second end. As such, the imaging apparatus is configured to provide radial motion along a path equal to the length of the arm assembly and the imaging arm along the vertical distance and the horizontal distance of the shoulder joint. The imaging apparatus may also comprise a movable cabinet, a monitor, and a control, with the arm assembly coupled to the movable cabinet. Furthermore, the imaging arm may comprise an x-ray source and a sensor, with the monitor displaying data detected by the sensor.