O-Arm CT Imaging with Adjustable Ring and Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computed tomography (CT) apparatuses are large, expensive, and not designed for specific anatomies, making them unsuitable for emergency clinics, and they often require patients to be positioned in a recumbent position, which can be uncomfortable and intimidating.
Innovation Solution
A cone-beam CT imaging apparatus with a ring-shaped O-arm structure that allows for adjustable height and orientation, featuring a display and camera system to facilitate patient positioning and comfort, particularly designed for imaging extremities, with a smaller and more affordable design that includes a movable x-ray source and receiver within a ring-shaped structure, enabling easier imaging of lower extremities and improved ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional CT apparatuses are used, then imaging capability is provided, but the apparatus is large, expensive, and not designed for specific anatomies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the CT apparatus into modular components: a movable ring-shaped O-arm structure that can be independently positioned, a separate x-ray source and receiver system, and a control unit. This segmentation allows the apparatus to be customized for specific anatomies (e.g., extremities) while reducing overall size and cost compared to conventional full-body CT scanners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by designing the O-arm ring structure with specific dimensional characteristics tailored to the anatomy being imaged. The ring can be adjusted in size and position to match the patient's extremity, providing optimized imaging parameters for that specific body part rather than using a generic full-body scanner.
2Ease of operation
If conventional CT apparatuses are used, then imaging is provided, but patients must be positioned in recumbent position which is uncomfortable and intimidating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic O-arm ring structure that can move and adjust its position dynamically during the imaging process. The ring can be positioned at different heights and orientations to accommodate various patient positions (not just recumbent), and can even be adjusted during the scan to maintain optimal imaging geometry while improving patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the fixed recumbent positioning of conventional CT to a multi-dimensional positioning system. The O-arm ring can be adjusted in vertical position, angular orientation, and radial distance, allowing patients to be imaged in sitting, standing, or lying positions, thereby eliminating the discomfort and anxiety associated with fixed recumbent positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional CT apparatuses are used, then imaging is provided, but the apparatus is not designed for extremities and requires proportional implementation for whole torso imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system to focus exclusively on extremity imaging, eliminating the need for proportional design required for whole-body imaging. The O-arm ring and x-ray components can be sized and positioned specifically for limb imaging, reducing the overall apparatus dimensions while maintaining imaging quality for the target anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the ring diameter, x-ray source-to-detector distance, and collimation settings specifically for extremity anatomy. This localized optimization allows the apparatus to provide superior imaging for hands, wrists, ankles, and legs without requiring the oversized proportions needed for whole-torso imaging.
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 provides better visibility and comfort for patients during imaging, reduces the need for extensive patient movement, and allows for more compact and cost-effective implementation in emergency clinics, enabling effective imaging of extremities with improved working ergonomics and patient positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a source of radiation which is used together with a film cassette separate from the source of radiation
Implementation Method 2
a video camera fixed to the gantry and aimed at inside the examination opening and a display outside the apparatus, showing images from the video camera
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical computed tomography imaging apparatus which includes a support construction (1) which is arranged to support a substantially ring-shaped structure (2) supporting x-ray imaging means (21, 22), which x-ray imaging means (21, 22) are arranged within said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means (2) and movable within said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means (2), which ring-shaped structure (2) supporting the imaging means (21, 22) includes an examination opening (4), whereto the object to be imaged can be positioned for imaging. According to the invention, at least one display (11) is arranged to the apparatus. The display is arranged in functional connection with at least one video camera (12), which at least one video camera (12) is arranged in connection with said ring-shaped structure (2) and as aimed, or so that it can be aimed inside said examination opening (4).