Rail-Mounted X-Ray Workstation for Flexible Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray workstations lack flexibility and measurement accuracy, particularly in accommodating various object sizes and orientations, which limits their diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in medicine.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray workstation features at least two x-ray sources and detectors that can be freely aligned in space, mounted on a rail system for movement in multiple dimensions, with telescopic and pivoting capabilities, allowing for adjustable positions and orientations to accommodate objects of different sizes and types, along with a collimator for controlled radiation exposure and safety features like alignment sighting devices and motion analysis tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If X-ray sources and detectors are fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility and adaptability for different object sizes and orientations deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning systems where X-ray sources and detectors are mounted on movable rails and can be adjusted in multiple dimensions. The sources and detectors can be positioned at different locations along the rails and angled at various orientations, allowing the system to adapt to different object sizes and examination requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through standardized motion mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the X-ray imaging apparatus into separable modules - multiple independent X-ray sources and detectors that can be individually positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted to optimize imaging geometry for different objects, providing flexibility without requiring complete system redesign for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple X-ray sources and detectors are added to improve measurement accuracy, then stereotactic and three-dimensional recording quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple X-ray sources and detectors into a single integrated workstation platform. By merging these components onto shared rails and control systems, the patent achieves high measurement accuracy through multi-angle imaging while avoiding the proportional increase in device complexity that would result from separate standalone systems. The consolidated design allows coordinated operation of multiple sources and detectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The workstation is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple imaging functions - stereotactic imaging, three-dimensional recording, and various diagnostic examinations - using the same set of X-ray sources and detectors. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity compared to having separate specialized systems for each imaging modality, while maintaining high measurement accuracy across all applications.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If X-ray sources are positioned closer to detectors, then radiation exposure is reduced, but imaging flexibility for large objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidimaging flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes multi-dimensional rail systems that allow X-ray sources and detectors to be positioned not only in the horizontal plane but also at different vertical heights and angular orientations. This dimensional freedom enables the system to optimize the source-to-detector distance for each specific imaging task - using shorter distances for small objects to minimize radiation and longer distances for large objects to maintain imaging flexibility, while still achieving high-quality images through geometric correction algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration enhances the flexibility and accuracy of X-ray imaging, enabling high-quality stereotactic and three-dimensional recordings for both small and large objects, minimizing radiation exposure and improving safety through controlled alignment and movement analysis.

Implementation Method 1

at least two x-ray sources and at least one x-ray detector are provided for imaging the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray radiation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

at least one x-ray source has a collimator with a collimator screen, which has an opening that can be changed depending on the distance to an x-ray detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollimation:

Data Source

PatentEP2919654B1Radiology workstation
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 BOHME MEDICAL TECH GMBH
  • EP2919654B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2919654B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2919654B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an X-ray table (1) and to a radiology workstation provided with same. The X-ray table (1) has a support surface (3) for an object to be examined, a lifting unit (15) for raising the X-ray table (1) on a floor surface with a floor surface plane, and an X-ray detector (7), and it is characterized in that the X-ray detector (7), with its detector surface parallel to the support surface (3), is arranged to be able to be changed in terms of its position with respect to the lifting unit (15), such that it can be arranged substantially along the entire support length. Greater flexibility of the examinations is thereby made possible. Moreover, the X-ray table (1) is smaller in size, while allowing the same imaging possibilities, and takes up less space.