Variable Angle Rod Table Movement System for Radiological Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiological apparatuses require a flexible and adaptable table movement system that can adjust to various patient positions and examination conditions, while also optimizing space usage in diagnostic rooms, but existing solutions lack the necessary flexibility and simplicity.

Innovation Solution

A table movement system utilizing two obliquely arranged, non-hinged rods constrained by motorized carriages and a spring actuator, allowing for variable positioning and reduced motor torque requirements, enabling translation, elevation, and tilting of the table with precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two rods are hinged to each other at a central point to move the table, then the table movement is controlled, but the system complexity increases and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable movement controlVSAvoidrod hinging mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the table movement control into two independent rods (first rod and second rod) that are not hinged to each other. Each rod is independently constrained by motorized carriages sliding on separate rails, allowing separate control of table position and orientation without the complexity of a central hinge connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Motorized carriages act as intermediary elements between the rods and the table. These carriages slide on rails and provide controlled constraints on the rods, enabling precise table movement control while maintaining system simplicity and flexibility through decoupled mechanical elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the table movement system is designed for fixed positioning, then structural stability is achieved, but adaptability to various patient positions and examination conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable structural stabilityVSAvoidtable positioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed positioning to dynamic positioning by using motorized carriages that can slide along rails. The carriages are controlled by motors that receive commands from a control unit, enabling the table to adapt to various positions and orientations while maintaining stability through controlled mechanical constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The table movement system is designed to perform multiple functions: positioning the table at different heights, angles, and locations to accommodate various patient positions and examination conditions. The independent rod and carriage mechanism provides universal adaptability while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If motorized carriages are used to constrain the rods, then precise table positioning is achieved, but the space required for rail installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable positioning precisionVSAvoidrail installation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses rails that extend in specific directions to constrain rod movement along desired paths. By orienting rails in appropriate dimensions and using carriages that slide along these rails, precise table positioning is achieved while optimizing space utilization in the diagnostic room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system provides enhanced flexibility and adaptability for patient positioning, optimizes space usage in diagnostic rooms, and reduces the mechanical stress on motors through energy accumulation by the spring actuator, facilitating efficient and precise table movement.

Implementation Method 1

reduces the mechanical stress on motors through energy accumulation by the spring actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy accumulation by spring actuator: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3217882B1Radiological apparatus with a table movement system with variable angle rods
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 GENERAL MEDICAL MERATE SPA
  • EP3217882B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3217882B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3217882B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The radiological apparatus comprises a base (101), a table (110) with a patient plane (111) and a movement system of said table; the movement system comprises: a first rod (102) hinged at a first end to a first point of said base (101), a second rod (103) hinged at a first end to a second point of said base, said second point being at a predetermined and fixed distance from said first point, a first motorized carriage (104) adapted to slide along a first rail of said table, a second motorized carriage (105) adapted to slide along a second rail of said table, said second rail being distinct from or coinciding with said first rail; a second end of said first rod (102) is hinged to said first carriage (104); a second end of said second rod (103) is hinged to said second carriage (105); the radiological apparatus further comprises means (106) adapted to constrain the rotation of said first rod (102) and/or of said second rod (103).