Rotational X-Ray Arm Linkage for Source-Imaging Distance Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical imaging devices, particularly X-ray systems, face challenges in varying the source-imaging distance (SID) efficiently, require frequent maintenance due to complex linear motion mechanisms, and are not robust enough for challenging environments.

Innovation Solution

A radiation imaging apparatus with a rotatable arm system that adjusts SID through rotational movements, using a linking mechanism to couple the rotation of two arms, and incorporates sealed ball bearings for reduced maintenance and enhanced durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If linear motion mechanisms are used to adjust source-imaging distance, then adjustment capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and maintenance frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesource-imaging distance adjustmentVSAvoidlinear motion mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex linear motion mechanisms with a rotational arm system. The radiation source and imaging device are mounted on rotational arms that pivot around fixed points, allowing source-imaging distance adjustment through rotational movement rather than linear translation. This substitution simplifies the mechanical system while maintaining adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic linking mechanism that couples the rotation of two arms together. When one arm rotates to adjust the source position, the linking mechanism automatically adjusts the other arm to maintain proper geometric relationships. This dynamic coupling enables automatic adaptation without complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If linear motion mechanisms are used for SID adjustment, then adjustment capability is achieved, but maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSID adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces linear motion mechanisms with rotational arms and sealed ball bearings. Rotational joints with sealed ball bearings are inherently more durable and require less maintenance than linear motion systems, which are prone to wear, misalignment, and contamination. The rotational design simplifies the mechanical components while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If complex linear motion mechanisms are used, then SID adjustment is achieved, but durability in harsh environments decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSID adjustmentVSAvoiddurability in harsh environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex linear motion mechanisms with rotational arms featuring sealed ball bearings. The sealed design protects internal components from environmental contaminants such as dust, moisture, and corrosion, making the system more suitable for harsh clinical environments. Rotational joints are inherently more robust and better sealed against environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs sealed bearings and enclosed rotational joints that act as protective barriers. These sealed structures prevent environmental contaminants from entering the mechanical components, thereby protecting against corrosion and wear in harsh environments while maintaining smooth rotational movement for SID adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of repair

If rotational arm system with linking mechanism is used, then maintenance needs are reduced, but device complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance reductionVSAvoidrotational arm linking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the adjustment functions of two separate arms into a single coupled system. The linking mechanism combines the rotational movements of the source arm and imaging device arm, so that adjusting one arm automatically adjusts the other. This merging reduces the number of independent adjustment mechanisms and simplifies maintenance while maintaining geometric relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260033792A1Medical imaging apparatus having a radiation source and an imaging device with rotational arms

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 PRISTEM SA

AI summary

A radiation apparatus including a support column, a rotatable arm that is configured to rotate around a first pivot relative to the support column, a first arm rotatably attached to one side of the rotatable arm to rotate about a second pivot, the first arm holding a imaging device, and a second arm rotatably attached to an other side of the rotatable arm to rotate about a third pivot, the second arm holding a radiation source, wherein radiation axis of the radiation source is configured to irradiate an imaging plane of the imaging device.