Pivoting Table-Mounted Apparatus for Passive Collision Accommodation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical imaging and therapeutic systems with gantry-based configurations are prone to collisions involving the patient table, which can lead to mechanical buckling and potential harm to subjects and equipment due to the inability to effectively manage and mitigate collision forces.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a pivot joint in the apparatus secured to the table, allowing it to rotate about the joint during collisions, thereby passively accommodating forces and preventing mechanical buckling, with additional features like stop means and restoring means to control rotation angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the apparatus is rigidly secured to the table, then stability and positioning precision are improved, but mechanical buckling and collision damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus stabilityVSAvoidcollision damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is connected to the table through a pivot joint that allows rotational movement, transforming the rigid connection into a dynamic one. This enables the apparatus to rotate about the pivot joint when collision forces are applied, preventing mechanical buckling while maintaining operational stability during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot joint is pre-configured in the apparatus-table connection to provide collision accommodation capability before actual collisions occur. This beforehand cushioning mechanism allows the apparatus to passively absorb collision forces through rotation, preventing damage without requiring active detection or response systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the apparatus is allowed to rotate freely during collision, then collision force accommodation is improved, but positioning precision and control are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision force accommodationVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot joint provides controlled rotational freedom that allows the apparatus to accommodate collision forces dynamically while maintaining precise positioning during normal operation. The rotational degree of freedom is activated only when needed during collisions, preserving positioning precision during standard use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the rotational parameter of the apparatus-table connection from fixed (zero rotation) during normal operation to variable (allowing rotation) during collisions. This parameter change enables the system to adapt its behavior based on operational conditions, maintaining precision when needed and accommodating forces when collisions occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution effectively reduces the risk of mechanical buckling and damage by allowing the apparatus to rotate and translate, minimizing harm to subjects and equipment while maintaining operational safety.

Implementation Method 1

the force results in rotation of a rotatable portion of the apparatus about the pivot joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Implementation Method 2

a gravitational torque applied to the rotatable portion opposes further rotation of the rotatable portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational torque: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

when a force is applied to the distal portion during a collision involving contact of the distal portion with an object during motion of the table

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS12582364B2Systems and methods for passive collision control during medical imaging or therapeutic procedures

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 INNOVERE MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for managing and reducing the severity or impact of a collision involving an apparatus secured to a table associated with a medical imaging and/or therapeutic gantry. Example systems are provided in which an apparatus is secured to the table such that a distal region of the apparatus extends beyond a longitudinal end of the table. A pivot joint associated with the apparatus is provided such that when a collision between the distal region of the apparatus and an object occurs due to motion of the table, the resulting force causes the apparatus to rotate relative to the pivot joint, thus passively accommodating the applied force and preventing, or reducing the likelihood of, mechanical buckling of the apparatus in the presence of the force. In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to rotate and/or translate as a result of the force applied during the collision.