Telescoping Support Arm for X-Ray Imaging System Footprint Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging systems face challenges with space occupancy and flexibility in positioning due to fixed supporting arms, which restricts the adjustment of the platform for optimal imaging, especially when dealing with varying patient positions.
Innovation Solution
A platform telescoping mechanism with a first and second supporting arm, a linear driving mechanism, and a rotational driving mechanism, allowing the platform to pivot and move horizontally, enabling two degrees of freedom for position adjustment while minimizing the system's footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting arm is made longer to extend the platform farther from the upright column, then the flexibility in positioning patients for imaging is improved, but the space occupied by the system increases and manipulation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting arm is divided into two segments: a first supporting arm connected to the upright column and a second supporting arm connected to the first supporting arm. This segmentation allows the second supporting arm to telescope relative to the first, enabling extended reach when needed while retracting to minimize space when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting arm structure is made dynamic through the telescoping mechanism, allowing it to change its effective length. The second supporting arm can extend horizontally relative to the first supporting arm, providing variable reach that adapts to different positioning needs while maintaining a compact form when retracted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting arm is made longer to improve positioning flexibility, then the ability to reach various target locations is improved, but the ease of operation for hospital staff deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism allows the supporting arm to dynamically adjust its length, providing extended reach capability when needed while maintaining a compact, easy-to-manipulate form when retracted. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reaching capability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second supporting arm is nested within or alongside the first supporting arm, allowing it to telescope out when extended positioning is needed and retract into a compact configuration when not needed, maintaining ease of operation while providing extended capability.
3Area of stationary object
If the supporting arm is made shorter to reduce space occupancy, then the footprint of the imaging system is reduced, but the ability to fine-tune patient positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism enables the supporting arm to transition from a compact retracted state to an extended state, providing fine adjustment capability through controlled extension while maintaining a small footprint when retracted. The linear driving mechanism enables precise control of the telescoping motion.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the supporting arm into telescoping segments, the system achieves extended reach and fine adjustment capability only when needed, while maintaining a compact footprint during normal operation or when extended positioning is not required.
4Device complexity
If a fixed-length supporting arm is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the degree of freedom for platform adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting arm structure is made dynamic with the telescoping mechanism, adding the ability to adjust length while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of a linear driving mechanism and guide rails. This provides an additional degree of freedom without excessive complexity.
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 mechanism allows for flexible positioning of the platform, reducing space occupancy and enhancing imaging flexibility by enabling the platform to adjust between upright and horizontal positions, accommodating different patient positions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a linear driving mechanism which comprises a first power output end... the first power output end may be coupled to the second supporting arm and drives the second supporting arm to move substantially horizontally
Implementation Method 2
a rotational driving mechanism which comprises a second power output end... the second power output end is coupled with the platform and drives the platform to pivot between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 3
the platform and the second supporting arm may be pivotally connected to each other directly or indirectly at a pivot joint
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments of a platform telescoping system which comprises a platform, a first supporting arm, a second supporting arm, a telescopic driving mechanism which comprises a first power output, end and a rotational driving mechanism which comprises a second power output end. The first power output end is integrated with the second supporting arm and causes the second supporting arm to move in a first direction, and the second power output end is integrated with the platform and causes the platform to pivot between a first position and a second position. The second supporting arm telescopes with respect to the first supporting arm for adjusting the position of the platform. The space occupied by the platform telescoping system may be reduced while its functions enhanced.