Single-Hand Clamping Mechanism for Portable X-Ray C-Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray devices with C-arm configurations have limited mobility due to permanent or semi-permanent attachment to gantries or mobile bases, making it difficult to quickly and easily attach or detach them from support structures, especially in clinical environments where rapid repositioning is needed.
Innovation Solution
A clamping mechanism comprising a cradle with a mounting plate and registration insert, along with two clamps that allow for secure attachment and detachment of portable X-ray devices to a support structure using a single hand, enabling quick and secure positioning and repositioning without accidental removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent or semi-permanent attachment is used to secure X-ray devices to gantries or mobile bases, then device stability and security are improved, but mobility and ease of attachment/detachment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a mounting plate with registration insert that remains on the support structure, and a detachable C-arm with corresponding clamping mechanism. This segmentation allows the device to be securely attached when needed while enabling quick detachment when mobility is required, resolving the contradiction between device security and ease of attachment/detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism incorporates a dynamic release system that transitions from a locked secure state to an unlocked mobile state. The release mechanism allows the C-arm to be quickly detached from the mounting plate by actuating a single release component, enabling the device to adapt between stable fixed positioning and mobile repositioning based on operational needs.
2Reliability
If complex mounting mechanisms are used to ensure secure attachment, then device security and stability are improved, but operational complexity and time required for attachment/detachment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate with registration insert is pre-installed on the support structure, and the C-arm is pre-equipped with the clamping mechanism. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid attachment by simply aligning and clamping, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures during positioning operations and significantly reducing the time required for attachment and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex secure attachment function is extracted into a dedicated clamping mechanism with registration features. This specialized component handles all the security requirements through a simple clamping and locking action, eliminating the need for multiple fasteners, bolts, or complex mounting procedures, thereby reducing attachment time while maintaining security.
3Ease of operation
If simple attachment mechanisms are used for quick positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but device security and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism employs asymmetric geometry where the C-arm fits into a specifically shaped cradle with non-symmetric contact surfaces. This asymmetric design provides stable, secure attachment in the intended orientation while maintaining simple operation, as the geometry itself prevents accidental detachment while allowing easy placement and removal by hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The registration insert acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the simple clamping action and secure attachment. This intermediate element provides precise alignment and positive engagement, ensuring that even a simple single-handed operation results in a secure, stable attachment that prevents accidental removal during use.
Data Source
AI summary
Clamping mechanisms that assist with the operation of small, portable x-ray devices are described. A support structure contains a clamping device for a portable X-ray device having a C-arm and a bottom containing a cradle configured to abut and support a C-arm of the portable x-ray device, a mounting plate configured to support a bottom portion of the portable x-ray device. The mounting plate has length members with ridges and a width member extending between the length members, a registration insert configured to mate with an opening in the portable x-ray device, and two clamps configured to secure the portable x-ray device to a cradle and the mounting plate. This clamping device allows the portable x-ray device to be quickly and easily attached to, and detached from, the support structure using only a single hand, while simultaneously preventing the portable x-ray device from accidentally being removed. Other embodiments are described.