Torque Sensor Drivetrain Assistance for Medical Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses require significant operator force to move heavy components due to their inertial mass, and current servo-motor assistance systems can lead to unintentional adjustments when smooth operation is achieved, posing a risk of accidental positioning.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a torque sensor in the drivetrain of medical apparatus components to detect moments and provide motorized assistance when a predefined threshold is exceeded, with an evaluation unit managing the assistance to prevent over-travel and collision detection by using multiple threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If servo motors are used to assist movement of heavy apparatus components, then operator force requirement is reduced, but unintentional adjustments may occur due to smooth operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors torque in the drivetrain and uses this feedback to dynamically control motor assistance. When torque exceeds a first threshold, motor assistance is activated; when it drops below a second threshold, assistance is deactivated. This closed-loop feedback prevents unintentional adjustments by ensuring motor assistance only operates when genuinely needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assistance system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time torque conditions rather than operating in a fixed state. The system transitions between active and inactive states based on threshold comparisons, creating a dynamic response that adapts to the operator's actual needs and prevents unintended movements.
2Ease of operation
If motorized assistance is provided to move components effortlessly, then positioning precision may be compromised due to lack of operator control
Solution Approach 1:
Continuous torque monitoring provides feedback that enables precise control of motor assistance. The system activates assistance only when torque exceeds the first threshold and deactivates it when torque falls below the second threshold, ensuring that positioning is maintained precisely without excessive motor intervention that could compromise accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator's own applied torque serves as the trigger for motor assistance. The system detects when the operator struggles (torque exceeds threshold) and automatically provides assistance, then stops when the operator no longer needs it. This self-service mechanism ensures that motor assistance complements rather than replaces operator control, maintaining positioning precision.
3Reliability
If torque threshold detection is implemented to control motor assistance, then device complexity increases, but collision avoidance capability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The torque sensor provides continuous feedback about forces in the drivetrain. When torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system activates motor assistance to prevent collision. This simple threshold-based feedback mechanism achieves collision avoidance without requiring complex control algorithms or multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in torque parameter and triggers motor assistance when the parameter exceeds a threshold value. This parameter-based control approach provides collision avoidance functionality through simple threshold comparison rather than complex multi-parameter analysis, minimizing added system 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
Enables effortless movement and precise positioning of medical apparatus components with reduced operator effort, preventing unintentional adjustments and collisions by dynamically controlling motor assistance based on torque thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
at least one torque sensor that is arranged in a drivetrain of a movable component of the medical apparatus. The torque sensor detects moments occurring in the drivetrain
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for motorized assistance in movement of manually movable components of medical apparatuses is provided. The arrangement includes at least one torque sensor that is arranged in a drivetrain of a movable component of a medical apparatus. The at least one torque sensor detects the moments occurring in the drivetrain in a stationary state and in motion. Using an evaluation unit, the torque detected by the at least one torque sensor may be compared against a predefinable first threshold value. The first threshold value is predefined according to a possible position of the movable component. The arrangement includes a drive unit, by which the drive of the drivetrain may be provided with motorized assistance when the first threshold value is exceeded.