Portable Medical Imaging System with Rotating C-Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems, particularly in non-radiology departments like operating rooms and intensive care units, face limitations in mobility and positioning, hindering the use of high-quality three-dimensional imaging due to their fixed nature and the need for precise positioning amidst space constraints and multiple personnel.
Innovation Solution
A portable medical imaging system with a movable station and gantry, featuring C-arms for 360-degree rotation and omni-directional wheels for multi-axis movement, along with sensors and a control system for precise positioning and control, allowing for flexible imaging in various directions and heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed bore imaging system is used, then imaging stability is improved, but mobility and adaptability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed imaging system into a mobile one through the use of a movable gantry mounted on wheeled bases. The gantry can be repositioned along tracks or rails while maintaining imaging stability during operation, thus achieving both mobility and imaging reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent components: a mobile gantry, C-arms, imaging detectors, and control systems. This segmentation allows the imaging components to be moved independently to different positions while maintaining operational stability, resolving the contradiction between mobility and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile imaging systems are used, then mobility is improved, but positioning precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors and control systems that monitor the position of the mobile gantry and C-arms. Real-time feedback allows for precise positioning adjustments, ensuring that the mobile system can achieve and maintain accurate imaging positions despite its mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with automated control systems that use electronic signals and feedback loops to achieve precise positioning. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic control systems enhances positioning precision while maintaining mobility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging system is made compact for portability, then mobility is improved, but field of view and imaging quality are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dimensional change by implementing a gantry system that moves along tracks in multiple dimensions (X, Y, Z axes). This allows a compact mobile unit to achieve a large field of view through multi-axis movement, effectively resolving the contradiction between compact size and imaging coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using movable C-arms and adjustable imaging detectors that can be positioned at various angles and distances from the patient. This dynamic positioning capability allows a compact system to achieve comprehensive imaging coverage equivalent to larger fixed systems.
4Reliability
If heavy-duty imaging equipment is used for quality imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but ease of movement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling of heavy equipment with automated motorized systems. The mobile gantry and C-arms are equipped with motors and control systems that enable easy movement and positioning of heavy imaging components without requiring manual effort, thus resolving the contradiction between imaging quality and ease of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal mobile platform that can accommodate various imaging components and configurations. The standardized mobile gantry system can be adapted to different imaging needs while maintaining ease of movement through its modular design and automated control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical imaging devices, systems, and methods thereof. The medical imaging system may include a movable station and a gantry. The movable station includes a gantry mount rotatably attached to the gantry. The gantry includes an outer C-arm slidably mounted to and operable to slide relative to the gantry mount, an inner C-arm slidably coupled to the outer C-arm and, an imaging signal transmitter and sensor attached to the C-arms. The two C-arms work together to provide a full 360 degree rotation of the imaging signal transmitter. In embodiment, the imaging signal transmitter and imaging sensor are offset from a center axis of the medical imaging system such that the portable medical imaging system is operable to capture an enlarged field of view.