Rhombus-Shaped X-Ray Support Structure for Iso-Centric Rotation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray imaging systems with C-arc structures are bulky, heavy, and cumbersome to operate, with limited rotation range and synchronization challenges during angulation rotation.

Innovation Solution

An imaging support arrangement featuring a support structure with a primary and secondary beam connected via pivotable points forming a rhombus shape, allowing for Iso-centric angulation rotation with a transmission mechanism for smooth and repeatable positioning, and additional rotation functions for extended range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a C-arc structure is used to suspend X-ray source and detector, then rotational movement around object is achieved, but the structure becomes bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational movement capabilityVSAvoidsupport structure weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The C-arc structure is divided into multiple segments connected by pivot joints, allowing the support structure to be assembled from lighter individual components rather than using a single heavy continuous arc

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure transitions from a static C-arc to a dynamic assembly of linked segments that can rotate and pivot, enabling the same rotational functionality with reduced structural mass

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a C-arc structure is used for suspension, then rotational movement is enabled, but the structure becomes cumbersome to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational movement capabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the C-arc into multiple pivot-connected sections, each segment can be independently positioned and controlled, simplifying the operation compared to maneuvering a single heavy continuous structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Pivot joints serve as intermediary elements between segments, providing simple rotational connections that ease the transmission of movement and reduce the complexity of controlling the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a C-arc structure is used, then angular rotation is achieved, but rotation range is limited due to size and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular rotation capabilityVSAvoidsupporting arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linked segment structure with pivot joints creates a more flexible system that can achieve larger angular rotations without the size constraints of a traditional continuous C-arc

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot joints introduce additional degrees of freedom beyond simple angular rotation, allowing movement in multiple dimensions that expands the effective rotation range

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

4Reliability

If traditional C-arc suspension is used, then imaging devices are supported, but synchronization of components for angulation rotation requires considerable effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging device supportVSAvoidsynchronization effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple support functions are merged into the unified pivot-linked structure, where all imaging devices are automatically synchronized through their common mechanical connection rather than requiring independent synchronization control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11737716B2Kinematical joints for x-ray systems
Publication Date: 2023.08.29 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • US11737716B2 patent drawing
  • US11737716B2 patent drawing
  • US11737716B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A support arrangement for generating an X-ray image is provided. The arrangement includes a support structure configured to hold an image detector at a first end and an X-ray source at a second end, with a connection line in between on which an Iso-centre is located. The support structure connects to a primary supporting beam in a first pivotable connection point; the primary supporting beam connects to a secondary supporting beam in a second pivotable connection point; and the secondary supporting beam connects to a mounting arrangement in a third pivotable connection point. A rhombus shape is defined by: (i) a connection line between the first and second pivotable connection points; (ii) a connection line between the second and third pivotable connection points; (iii) a connection line between the third pivotable connection point and the Iso-centre; and (iv) a connection line between the Iso-centre and the first pivotable connection point.