Portable Fluoroscopic Imaging System Modular Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mini C-arm units lack superior form factors and modular configurations for improved mobility and imaging flexibility, limiting their use in various applications due to bulkiness and weight.
Innovation Solution
A portable, reconfigurable imaging system with a support, adjustable x-ray source, and detector, allowing horizontal and vertical orientations, and the ability to attach to carts or wall mounts, featuring a compact design and wireless connectivity for enhanced mobility and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mini C-arm units are designed for real-time imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but mobility and form factor are worsened due to bulkiness and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into separate modular components: a C-arm assembly containing the x-ray source and detector, a support structure with positioning mechanisms, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy reconfiguration and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements including height-adjustable support legs, rotatable C-arm positioning, and movable x-ray source/detector assemblies. These dynamic features enable the system to adapt to different imaging scenarios while maintaining a compact footprint.
2Reliability
If mini C-arm units are designed for real-time imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but mobility is worsened due to bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a compact C-arm imaging assembly that can be independently positioned and adjusted, separating the heavy imaging components from the support structure. This allows the imaging unit to be moved and repositioned more easily while maintaining full imaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure includes adjustable legs and positioning mechanisms that enable quick setup and reconfiguration. The C-arm can be rotated and positioned at various angles, providing imaging flexibility without requiring the entire system to be moved.
3Device complexity
If the system is designed with fixed source-detector distance, then structural simplicity is improved, but imaging flexibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between the x-ray source and detector is made adjustable through mechanical positioning mechanisms. The C-arm allows the source and detector to be moved independently along the arm structure, enabling variable source-to-detector distances while maintaining a relatively simple overall framework.
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 system provides lightweight, flexible, and versatile imaging capabilities, suitable for diverse applications, including emergency situations and underserved areas, with improved portability and ease of use, while maintaining effective imaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source carried by the support, an x-ray detector carried by the support
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a mobile fluoroscopic imaging system, and methods of use. A table top imaging system can include a support, an x-ray source carried by the support, an x-ray detector carried by the support and positionable at a distance from the source; a primary x-ray propagation axis extending between the source and the detector. The distance between the source and the detector can be adjustable along the axis, and the axis can be angularly adjustable throughout an angular range.