Veterinary CT Scanner Gantry Linear Guide Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT devices for veterinary diagnostics, especially for large animals like horses, are technically complex and costly due to the need for precise coordination of platform and gantry movements, and anesthesia or sedation is often required to minimize movement artifacts, which poses challenges in animal comfort and logistical difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A CT device with a platform that can be raised and lowered, allowing the gantry to move relative to the platform using a linear guide, enabling flexible positioning without horizontal movement of the platform, and decoupling the control of the CT device from the platform's control system, simplifying the technical implementation and reducing the need for anesthesia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the CT scanner is mounted on a horizontally movable platform with precise coordination of platform and gantry movements, then the examination of large animals is enabled, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent components: a stationary platform, a separately controllable gantry with linear guide, and a CT scanner mounted on the gantry. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex coordinated movement between platform and gantry, as each component operates independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A linear guide serves as an intermediary mechanism between the stationary platform and the movable gantry, enabling precise horizontal movement of the gantry relative to the platform without requiring complex coordination systems. The linear guide simplifies the movement control while maintaining examination capability.
2Measurement precision
If anesthesia or sedation is administered to minimize movement artifacts, then the image quality improves, but the stress on the animal and logistical challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables conscious animals to undergo examination by themselves standing or walking on the stationary platform, without requiring anesthesia or sedation. The automated gantry movement and imaging capability allow the animal to remain in a natural state while still achieving high-quality images through rapid scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The gantry is designed to move dynamically along the linear guide, adapting its position and movement speed to the animal's size and shape. This dynamic adjustment allows the imaging system to track and capture images of conscious animals in various positions without requiring them to be completely still.
3Device complexity
If the gantry is moved relative to the stationary CT table using a linear guide, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical coordination system between movable platform and gantry is replaced with a simpler linear guide mechanism that provides controlled horizontal movement. The linear guide incorporates precision elements that mechanically ensure accurate positioning without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the gantry's position along the linear guide and make real-time adjustments to maintain precise positioning. This feedback loop compensates for any minor variations in the mechanical system, ensuring consistent imaging accuracy.
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
This design simplifies the structure and control of the CT device, making it more cost-effective and reducing stress on the animal during examination, allowing for more efficient use of the equipment and easier examination procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the lifting and lowering device comprises at least four threaded spindles arranged in the lateral frame parts of the supporting structure, as well as at least one drive for the threaded spindles
Implementation Method 2
A CT scanner consists of an X-ray source and a detector positioned opposite each other
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for veterinary diagnostics comprising a computed tomography (CT) scanner with a gantry (2) and a CT table traversing the opening of the gantry (2). It is proposed that a platform (1) defining a flat base is provided, which can be raised and lowered by means of a lifting and lowering device, wherein the CT table (3) is stationary on the platform (1) and the gantry (2) of the CT scanner is movable relative to the platform (1) by means of a linear guide (4) running in the base. The platform (1) is designed as a supporting structure with beams (6) running parallel to the base and is mounted in frame parts (5a, 5b) arranged laterally of the supporting structure so as to be raised and lowered.The invention thus provides a device for veterinary diagnostics using a CT scanner, which is technically simpler in its design and control, and therefore more cost-effective, than known designs. Furthermore, the examination procedure is made more comfortable for the animal.