Ceiling-Suspended X-Ray Arm for Unobstructed Six-Axis Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling-suspended X-ray systems are bulky, heavy, and obstructed by electrical cables, limiting the unobstructed movement of the X-ray tube head assembly, particularly during vertical and rotational movements.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-suspended holding system using a robotic arm with interconnected elongate members and hinged/rotary joints, allowing six-axis movement without telescopic mechanisms, and incorporating an energy chain for cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic column assembly is used to enable vertical movement of the X-ray tube head, then vertical movement capability is improved, but the system becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional telescopic column assembly with a robotic arm mechanism comprising multiple elongate members and actuating mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy telescopic structures while achieving the same vertical movement capability through controlled articulation of the robotic arm segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the support structure into multiple segmented elongate members (first elongate member, second elongate member, etc.) connected by hinges. This segmentation allows vertical movement to be achieved through coordinated rotation of multiple lighter segments rather than a single heavy telescopic column, reducing overall system weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate hardware mechanisms are used for swing axis and tilt axis movements, then five-axis movement capability is improved, but the system becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the swing axis and tilt axis mechanisms into a single integrated robotic arm structure. The first and second elongate members work together to provide both swing and tilt movements, eliminating the need for separate hardware mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vertical movement, swing axis rotation, and tilt axis rotation. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate specialized mechanisms, simplifying the overall system design.
3Reliability
If electrical cables are guided through a flexible corrugated tube fixed at several positions, then cable protection is improved, but the movement range is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable management function from the mechanical support structure. By separating the cable routing system from the robotic arm and rail system, the cables no longer constrain the movement range, while the robotic arm's degrees of freedom remain fully available for positioning the X-ray tube head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cable management system that decouples cable protection from mechanical constraints. This intermediary system allows cables to be protected and routed without interfering with the full range of motion of the robotic arm and X-ray tube head assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a ceiling-suspended holding system for an X-ray tube head assembly. The holding system comprises a stationary rail system configured to be mounted to a ceiling of an X-ray examination room, a movable rail system configured to be mounted to the stationary rail system, wherein the movable rail system is configured to move along the stationary rail system in a first direction, a carriage configured to be mounted to the movable rail system, wherein the carriage is configured to move along the movable rail system in a second direction, and a manipulator comprising at least a first elongate member and a second elongate member. The first elongate member is configured to be mounted with a first end of the first elongate member to the carriage, and with a second end of the first elongate member to a first end of the second elongate member, and the second elongate member is configured to be mounted with a second end of the second elongate member to an X-ray tube head assembly. The manipulator comprises a first hinge in-between the first elongate member and the second elongate member.