Vertical Gantry X-ray CT for Standing Patient Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems are not suitable for diagnosing deglutition disorders as they typically require patients to be in a lying position, whereas standing position scans are desirable but not practically implemented.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT apparatus with a gantry body and column configuration that allows vertical movement and rotation, equipped with a subject holder fixing system to securely position patients upright within the scanner's bore, enabling CT scans in a standing position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If X-ray CT apparatus is designed for conventional horizontal scanning, then patient safety and imaging stability are ensured, but patient mobility and comfort are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry is designed to rotate about a vertical axis instead of a horizontal axis, enabling the scanning plane to be oriented vertically. This dynamic reconfiguration allows standing patients to undergo CT scanning while maintaining imaging stability through the rotational capability of the gantry system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical scanning dimension by rotating the gantry about a vertical axis, changing the traditional horizontal scanning plane to a vertical scanning plane. This dimensional change enables standing patient imaging while preserving imaging quality and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gantry is configured for vertical movement and rotation, then patient position flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry is designed with multi-functionality to perform both vertical movement and rotation about a vertical axis. This universal design allows the same gantry structure to accommodate various patient positions (standing, sitting, lying) and scanning orientations, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If subject holder fixing system is added, then patient safety and positioning accuracy are improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A subject holder fixing system is introduced as an intermediary component between the patient and the scanning system. This fixing system provides accurate positioning and safety restraint for standing patients, while being designed to minimize interference with the vertical-rotation scanning mechanism.
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 safe and stable X-ray CT imaging for patients in a standing position, reducing unwanted body motions and ensuring patient safety, while minimizing installation complexity and time.
Implementation Method 1
The gantry body includes an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes a gantry body, a column, and fixing equipment. The gantry body includes a bore to form a field of view, and also includes an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. The column supports the gantry body so that the gantry body is vertically movable with a central axis of the bore extending vertically to a floor face. The fixing equipment fixes a subject holder so that the subject holder is located on a passage of the bore and partially in the bore in a phase of attaching a subject to the subject holder.