Multi-Axis Support Table Drive Using a Single Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient positioning systems require multiple expensive and space-consuming drive motors to move a support table along multiple axes, leading to underutilization of motor capacity and increased complexity, maintenance, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A table drive system utilizing a single drive motor coupled to multiple drive assemblies, such as screw, rack and pinion, and cross bar drive assemblies, allowing for motion in multiple directions with a compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent drive motors are used to move the support table along multiple axes, then the drive system can achieve motion in multiple directions, but the device complexity increases, the cost increases, and the space required for assembly and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive functions into a single drive motor by integrating a screw drive assembly and a rack and pinion drive assembly. The screw drive assembly drives motion along the X-axis while the rack and pinion drive assembly drives motion along the Y-axis, both powered by one motor instead of requiring separate motors for each axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive motor is designed to perform multiple functions by simultaneously driving both the screw drive assembly and the rack and pinion drive assembly. This multi-functional approach allows one motor to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized motors, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent drive motors are used, then each axis can be driven independently, but the cost of the drive system increases due to the expense of multiple motors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple expensive drive motor requirements into a single motor solution. By integrating the screw drive and rack and pinion drive on a common motor shaft, the system achieves independent axis control without the cost penalty of multiple independent motors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent drive motors are used, then each drive assembly can be independently controlled, but the space required for assembly, maintenance, and repair increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive assemblies that would traditionally require separate motor allocations into a compact integrated design. The screw drive assembly and rack and pinion drive assembly share a common motor mount and control interface, reducing the overall footprint and improving accessibility for maintenance.
4Power
If multiple independent drive motors are used, then each motor can be optimized for its specific axis, but the motor capacity is underutilized due to idle time when other axes are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive motor is designed to be universally applicable to multiple drive functions. By controlling the screw drive and rack and pinion drive through a single motor, the system ensures that the motor's capacity is fully utilized across different time periods rather than having dedicated motors sit idle when their specific axis is not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
A table drive system comprising a first drive assembly configured for moving a support table in a first direction, a second drive assembly configured for moving the support table in a second direction and a drive motor coupled to the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly is provided. The drive motor is configured to drive the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly.