Segmented C-Arm X-Ray Imaging Apparatus for Compact Operating Room Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional C-arm X-ray machines with large and complex driving mechanisms face challenges such as long imaging times, difficult precise control, and increased load and volume, making them difficult to use in operating rooms or even move into these spaces.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray imaging apparatus features a lightweight and simple arm part and C-arm supporter, allowing for stable operation and control while maintaining a limited footprint. This design includes a movable mobile base, a rotating arm part, a C-arm supporter, and a C-shaped arm with an X-ray generator and detector at opposite ends, enabling tomosynthesis without exposing the drive system movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the entire C-shaped arm is rotated to obtain multiple projection images, then tomosynthesis can be achieved, but the imaging time becomes long and precise control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the C-shaped arm into two independent rotatable segments: the upper C-shaped arm and the lower C-shaped arm. Each segment can rotate independently around its own axis, allowing the system to obtain multiple projection images without rotating the entire arm. This segmentation reduces the angular range required for each segment, thereby decreasing imaging time and improving control precision while maintaining tomosynthesis capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the C-shaped arm is made large and complex to achieve tomosynthesis, then imaging functionality is improved, but the volume and load increase making it difficult to use in operating rooms
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the C-shaped arm into upper and lower portions that can rotate independently, the patent enables tomosynthesis functionality without requiring a single large complex arm. Each segment can be smaller and more manageable, reducing the overall volume and load while maintaining the imaging functionality through coordinated rotation of the segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic independence where the upper and lower C-shaped arms can rotate at different speeds and angles according to operational requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to achieve tomosynthesis with smaller individual components rather than a single large rigid structure, improving adaptability to operating room constraints.
3Ease of operation
If the degree of freedom of the multi-joint arm is increased to improve usability, then mobility is enhanced, but operation difficulty increases and imaging posture accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the arm into upper and lower C-shaped portions with independent rotation capabilities. This segmentation provides controlled degrees of freedom that enhance mobility while maintaining precision through independent control of each segment's rotation. The system can achieve various positions and angles without the operational complexity associated with high-degree-of-freedom mechanisms.
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 achieves efficient and precise X-ray imaging with reduced imaging time and improved control, allowing it to be used and moved within tight spaces such as operating rooms, while maintaining the stability and accuracy required for tomosynthesis.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector are respectively disposed at opposite ends of a C-shaped arm
Implementation Method 2
the C-shaped arm connected to the multi-joint arm... capable of rotating
Implementation Method 3
obtains an X-ray image from the X-rays that travel through the subject to display the internal structure of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a C-arm X-ray imaging apparatus in which an arm part connecting a main body part and a C-arm part and a C-arm supporter are lightweight and simple, and have stable operating and stationary postures. The apparatus includes a main body part including a movable mobile base, an arm part connected to the main body part through a first axis and capable of rotating up, down, left and right based on the first axis, a C-arm supporter connected to the arm part through a second axis and capable of rotating left and right based on the second axis, and a C-arm part including a C-shaped arm connected to the C-arm supporter through a third axis and capable of rotating, and an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector respectively disposed at opposite ends of the C-shaped arm, wherein the first axis and the second axis remain parallel to each other with respect to the up-down, left-right rotation of the arm part.