Radiological Apparatus with Modular Multi-Movement Chassis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiological apparatuses are limited in their adaptability to various clinical and diagnostic needs, requiring multiple specialized devices for different applications.

Innovation Solution

A radiological apparatus with a modular design allowing for twelve independent movements of its components, including the X-ray detector and emitter, enabling versatile positioning and movement to accommodate diverse examination requirements, combined with a variable X-ray emission aperture and electronic control for safe and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized devices are used for different clinical applications, then diagnostic versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal radiological apparatus that can perform multiple diagnostic functions (radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography, pediatric examinations) through a single integrated system. The apparatus uses a common X-ray generator, detector, and positioning mechanism that can be configured for different examination types, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining diagnostic versatility across all clinical applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized devices are used for different clinical applications, then diagnostic versatility is improved, but operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic versatilityVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus consolidates multiple diagnostic functions into one system, reducing the total number of devices needed in a radiology department. This single investment replaces what would otherwise require several separate specialized devices, thereby reducing operational costs including maintenance, staffing, and facility requirements while maintaining the ability to perform diverse clinical examinations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If patient repositioning is required for different examinations, then examination accuracy is improved, but examination time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexamination accuracyVSAvoidexamination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus employs dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow the detector and X-ray emitter to be moved and repositioned automatically during the examination process. The detector can be positioned behind, in front, or at the side of the patient, and the system can transition between radiography and fluoroscopy modes without requiring patient repositioning, thereby maintaining examination accuracy while minimizing time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 a highly flexible and adaptable solution for conducting radiographic examinations, capable of meeting multiple clinical and diagnostic needs with enhanced operational efficiency and safety, allowing for precise image capture without the need for patient repositioning.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray emitter (generally a radiogenic tube)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray emission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detector (generally, a cassette holder in the past and, more recently, increasingly frequently a static or dynamic digital image detector)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP2403409B1Radiological apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.05.11 GENERAL MEDICAL MERATE SPA
  • EP2403409B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2403409B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2403409B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a radiological apparatus (1 ) comprising a base (2) adapted to stand on a floor, a column-shaped chassis (3) mounted on the base, a column-shaped stand (4) mounted on the chassis, a patient bed (5) mounted on the chassis, an X-ray detector (6) mounted on the chassis, a slide (7) mounted on the stand, an arm (8) mounted on the slide, an X-ray emitter (9) mounted on the arm; the axis of the chassis column and the axis of the stand column are perpendicular to one another; the apparatus comprises further mechanisms adapted to implement a plurality of movements between its parts (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) so as to achieve a highly flexible functionality sufficient to meet a variety of clinical and diagnostic needs.