Ceiling-Mounted X-Ray Carriage Airflow Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The arrangement of X-ray imaging devices in operating rooms can disrupt the laminar airflow used for infection control, limiting design options and the effectiveness of air supply in the operating area.
Innovation Solution
A medical X-ray imaging arrangement with a movable carriage equipped with air outlets on its bottom side to maintain a laminar airflow zone, ensuring that treated air is provided to the operating zone without blocking the ceiling airflow, even when the X-ray imaging device is moved to different positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable X-ray imaging device is mounted to the ceiling, then imaging flexibility and positioning options are improved, but the laminar airflow is blocked and disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into two independent parts: a ceiling-mounted air supply that provides airflow to the operating zone, and a carriage-mounted air supply that provides airflow to the imaging device. This segmentation allows the imaging device to be moved without blocking the ceiling airflow path, as each component has its own dedicated air supply channel.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable partition wall is introduced as an intermediary element between the imaging device and the operating zone. This partition wall can be positioned to separate the imaging device from the operating zone when needed, allowing the imaging device to be moved without directly blocking the airflow path to the operating zone, thus mediating between imaging flexibility and airflow requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the X-ray imaging device is moved to different positions, then imaging coverage is improved, but the air supply effectiveness in the operating zone is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is divided into independent ceiling-mounted and carriage-mounted components, each serving its own zone. The carriage-mounted air supply ensures that when the imaging device is moved to different positions, it maintains its own air supply effectiveness without compromising the ceiling airflow to the operating zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on the imaging device's location. This dynamic positioning ensures that the air supply effectiveness is maintained in the operating zone regardless of where the imaging device is positioned.
3Reliability
If a ceiling air supply is provided, then laminar flow is maintained in the operating zone, but the movable carriage blocks the airflow path
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into ceiling-mounted and carriage-mounted independent channels. The ceiling-mounted air supply maintains laminar flow in the operating zone by providing a dedicated airflow path that does not interfere with the movable carriage's movement, as the carriage has its own separate air supply channel.
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 solution ensures a consistent and sterile laminar airflow throughout the operating zone, reducing obstructions and maintaining clean air supply, even when the X-ray imaging device is in various positions, thus enhancing the hygiene and operational flexibility of the operating room.
Implementation Method 1
the air-supply comprises a plurality of air outlets provided on a bottom side of the carriage arranged to provide treated air from an air-feed as a primary laminar downflow defining a carriage laminar flow zone for the operating zone
Data Source
AI summary
A medical X-ray imaging arrangement includes an X-ray image acquisition device, a movable carriage, and an air-supply for an operating zone. The carriage is movably mountable to a ceiling of an operating room. The X-ray image acquisition device has an Xray source, and the X-ray image acquisition device is movably mounted to the movable carriage for acquiring image information of an object. Further, the air-supply includes a plurality of air outlets provided on a bottom side of the carriage arranged to provide treated air from an air-feed as a primary laminar downflow defining a carriage laminar flow zone for the operating zone.