Radiography Column Counterbalance With Independent Arm Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current counterbalancing mechanisms in mobile radiographic imaging apparatuses add weight and bulk, making them difficult to operate in hospital environments.

Innovation Solution

A positioning system with separate column and arm balancer assemblies, using spring balancers and variable radius pulleys, allows independent counterbalancing of a collapsible column and arm assembly, reducing weight and footprint while maintaining static balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single integrated counterbalancing mechanism is used for both the collapsible column and arm assembly, then the balancing function is achieved, but the device becomes heavier and bulkier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalancing functionVSAvoidweight of counterbalancing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The counterbalancing mechanism is divided into two independent assemblies: a column balancer assembly for counterbalancing the collapsible column, and a separate arm balancer assembly for counterbalancing the arm assembly with head assembly. This segmentation allows each assembly to be optimized independently and reduces the overall weight and complexity compared to a single integrated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a single integrated counterbalancing mechanism is used for both the collapsible column and arm assembly, then the balancing function is achieved, but the device becomes more complex and less compact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalancing functionVSAvoidcomplexity of counterbalancing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional counterbalancing mechanisms are used, then the radiographic imaging device is balanced, but the apparatus becomes difficult to operate in hospital environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalancing capabilityVSAvoidease of operation in hospital environment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The counterbalancing mechanism is divided into two independent assemblies that can operate autonomously. The column balancer assembly counterbalances the collapsible column while the arm balancer assembly counterbalances the arm assembly with head assembly. This independent operation simplifies the overall system control and improves ease of operation in hospital environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring balancers in both assemblies provide automatic counterbalancing forces that adapt to the position of the collapsible column and arm assembly. The first spring balancer automatically adjusts to counterbalance the column at any height, while the second spring balancer automatically adjusts to counterbalance the arm assembly, reducing the need for manual adjustment and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 achieves reduced weight and complexity, enabling easier operation and compact design without the need for motorized sequencing, using friction and brakes for stability.

Implementation Method 1

The first spring balancer may comprises a first spiral spring and a first variable radius pulley configured to convert the force exerted by the first spiral spring into a constant force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the second spring balancer comprises a second spiral spring and a second variable radius pulley configured to convert the force exerted by the second spiral spring into a constant force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

a first variable radius pulley configured to convert the force exerted by the first spiral spring into a constant force, and wherein the second spring balancer comprises a second spiral spring and a second variable radius pulley configured to convert the force exerted by the second spiral spring into a constant force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 4

using friction and brakes for stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12564363B2Counterbalancing mechanism for a mobile radiographic imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

There is provided a positioning system for a mobile radiographic imaging apparatus. The positioning system comprises: a fixed column (31) mountable to a chassis of a transport cart, the fixed column supporting a collapsible column (24) that can be extended and retracted relative to the fixed column, the collapsible column supporting an arm assembly that can be translated relative to the collapsible column, the arm assembly being configured to support a radiographic head assembly; and a counterbalancing mechanism which is configured to counterbalance the collapsible column independently of the arm assembly and the radiographic head assembly.