Telescopic X-Ray Column Counterbalance Using Compression Spring Pulleys
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile x-ray devices face challenges with complex and costly counterbalance systems, such as counterweights and motorized brakes, which require significant mass and maintenance, and tension spring-based systems have intricate arrangements and fixed connection points, leading to complexity and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A counterbalancing mechanism using a compression spring connected to a block and tackle system with a dual scroll pulley, simplifying the construction and providing balanced movement of telescopic components through a wire rope, allowing for both synchronous and asynchronous motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If counterweights and motorized brake systems are used for counterbalancing, then the counterbalancing function is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex counterweight and motorized brake systems from the mobile x-ray device, replacing them with a simplified spring-based counterbalancing mechanism. This removal of unnecessary components directly reduces device complexity while maintaining the essential counterbalancing function through the telescopic column and spring assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the counterbalancing mechanism from heavy counterweights (4-8 times the actual mass) to lightweight springs. This parameter change dramatically reduces the mass and complexity of the counterbalancing system while achieving the same functional effect of balancing the telescopic column and arm during vertical movement.
2Force
If counterweights of multiple times the actual mass are used, then the counterbalancing force is sufficient, but the weight and size of the device increase greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the mass parameter of the counterbalancing system from heavy counterweights (4-8 times the actual mass) to lightweight springs. The springs generate the necessary counterbalancing force through elastic deformation rather than gravitational force from large masses, dramatically reducing the weight and size of the counterbalancing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the gravitational mechanical system of counterweights with an elastic mechanical system using springs. This substitution eliminates the need for large masses while maintaining sufficient counterbalancing force through the elastic properties of the spring mechanism integrated into the telescopic column.
3Reliability
If tension spring systems with fixed connection points are used, then counterbalancing is achieved, but the arrangement becomes intricate and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the counterbalancing spring mechanism with the telescopic column structure itself, integrating the springs within the column rather than using separate fixed connection points and intricate wire arrangements. This merging simplifies the overall arrangement, reduces the number of components, and improves reliability by eliminating potential failure points in the connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex wire and pulley arrangements with fixed connection points from the tension spring system. By removing these intricate components and replacing them with a simplified spring mechanism integrated into the telescopic column, the system achieves counterbalancing with fewer parts and higher reliability.
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
The mechanism offers a simplified, reliable, and cost-effective solution for balancing telescopic components in x-ray devices, reducing the risk of failure and maintaining stable positioning without complex arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring connected to and extending between the fixed portion and the block and tackle for storing potential gravitational energy of the upper telescopic portion and telescoping arm
Implementation Method 2
a counterbalancing mechanism housed within the fixed portion for balancing the weight of the upper telescopic portion and the telescopic arm during the vertical movement thereof, the counterbalancing mechanism having a block and tackle connected to the wire rope
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile x-ray device includes a telescopic column including a fixed portion and an telescopic portion vertically moveable relative to the fixed portion, a telescopic arm moveably connected to the upper telescopic portion of the telescopic column, a head assembly for obtaining x-ray images on the telescoping arm, a wire rope connected to the telescopic portion and the telescoping arm for providing the vertical movement of the telescopic portion and telescoping arm, and a counterbalancing mechanism for balancing the weight of the telescopic portion and the telescopic arm during movement thereof. The counterbalancing mechanism includes a block and tackle connected to the wire rope and a compression spring connected to and extending between the fixed portion and the block and tackle for storing potential gravitational energy of the telescopic portion and telescoping arm during either synchronous or non-synchronous movement of the upper telescopic portion and telescoping arm.