Sliding C-Arm X-Ray Unit with Variable Pivot Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable C-arm x-ray systems face limitations in achieving head-to-foot angulation without image rotation, especially for cardiac angiography, due to the interaction of rotation axes, which restricts access and image quality, particularly when the x-ray beam approaches horizontal.
Innovation Solution
A portable C-arm system with a sliding C-arm and a motor-driven, variable pivot point that repositions the axle pivot from a horizontal position to approximately 60 degrees below horizontal, allowing for head-to-foot angulation without significant image rotation, by using a rotatable tilt bearing and sliding pivot point mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a sliding C-arm mechanism is used to achieve compact design and portability, then device size and portability are improved, but the ability to achieve head-to-foot angulation without image rotation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot point is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The mechanism allows the pivot point to be repositioned along the C-arm's rotation axis, enabling the system to adapt its geometry to achieve proper angulation for different imaging scenarios while maintaining a compact sliding C-arm structure.
2Device complexity
If the pivot point is fixed at a single position, then device complexity is reduced, but the versatility for different imaging angles and positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent components: the sliding C-arm mechanism for basic positioning and the adjustable pivot point for angular adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while together they provide comprehensive positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot point position is made dynamically adjustable along the rotation axis, allowing the system to adapt its geometry for different imaging scenarios. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility for various imaging angles without significantly increasing overall mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the C-arm is positioned horizontally for certain imaging angles, then access to certain patient areas is improved, but image rotation occurs degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable pivot point allows the system to dynamically adjust its rotation axis position to maintain proper imaging geometry even when the C-arm is positioned horizontally. This prevents image rotation and maintains image quality while still allowing access to different patient areas.
Data Source
AI summary
An “Angio Capable Portable X-Ray Fluoroscopy Unit with Sliding C-Arm and Variable Pivot Point” is disclosed. It is a new Portable C-Arm x-ray system for fluoroscopy (e.g., angio fluoroscopy) that permits head-to-foot, or cranio-caudal, angulation without appreciable degradation or rotation of the recorded image in the segment of possible views most desired to be used for cardiac angiography, generally between a vertical beam and 60 degrees to the patient's left side from vertical. Applicant's preferred embodiment comprises an portable x-ray device of the type having a C-arm which “slides” through a fixed C-slider housing or sleeve mounted onto a portable base, wherein: the C-slider housing is mounted onto the portable base through a rotatable tilt bearing, and the rotation axis of the bearing and fixed sleeve can be repositioned, within an arcuate slot in the base, from approximately horizontal, when the x-ray beam is vertical, to between approximately 60 degrees and 40 degrees below horizontal in a vertical plane.