Mobile X-ray Elevating Column Threaded Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile X-ray apparatuses with elevating columns face challenges such as limited reach towards the floor, complexity, heaviness, and difficulty in achieving precise and fast elevation adjustments due to the use of counter-weights and multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A mobile X-ray apparatus with a simplified elevating column design featuring two segments and a dual-threaded elevation adjustment system, where the second segment is movable relative to the first, and a connecting segment allows for precise and rapid vertical movement, controlled by electrical motors and position sensors, optimizing reach and reducing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a counter-weight is used in the elevating column, then the apparatus can achieve elevation adjustment, but the apparatus becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the counter-weight component from the elevating column system entirely. Instead of using a counter-weight to balance the column weight, the invention employs an electric motor-driven threaded mechanism to directly control the elevation of the column segments, thereby eliminating the heavy counter-weight while maintaining elevation adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical counter-weight balance system with an electrically-driven threaded adjustment mechanism. The electric motor converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, which is then transformed into linear motion through the threaded connection between the first and second threaded elements, substituting the heavy mechanical counter-weight system with a lighter electromechanical system.
2Ease of operation
If multiple components are used in the elevating column, then elevation adjustment is achieved, but the construction becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple elevation adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated system. The first and second threaded elements work together as a coordinated pair, where the rotation of one threaded element directly controls the relative movement of column segments. This unified threaded mechanism replaces what would traditionally require separate actuators and control systems for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the driving force for elevation adjustment, acts as a mechanical transmission element converting rotation to linear motion, and serves as a structural connection between column segments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If a counter-weight drive mechanism is used, then elevation adjustment is achieved, but sufficient accuracy is difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the imprecise mechanical counter-weight drive mechanism with an electric motor-driven threaded system. The threaded connection provides inherent mechanical precision through its thread pitch geometry, allowing for controlled, incremental movements. The electric motor enables precise control of the rotation, which translates to precise control of the linear displacement of column segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position of the elevating column and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to monitor the actual elevation and make precise adjustments to achieve the desired position, thereby obtaining sufficient accuracy that was difficult to achieve with the counter-weight mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If a counter-weight drive mechanism is used, then elevation adjustment is achieved, but fast adjustment is difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow mechanical counter-weight system with an electric motor-driven mechanism. Electric motors can rapidly rotate the threaded elements, enabling fast elevation adjustments. The direct coupling between the motor rotation and the threaded linear motion provides a high-speed adjustment capability that was limited by the inertia and mechanical complexity of the counter-weight system.
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 solution enables high-precision, fast elevation adjustments, extends the range of image capture towards low positions, reduces weight and complexity, and facilitates easier transportation, while maintaining a compact size and improved stability, allowing for the use of larger front wheels and smaller vehicles for transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a first threaded elongate member fixed at one of the first and second segments; The first elevation adjustment unit also includes a first threaded receiving element arranged at the other of the first and second segments, matingly engaged with the threaded elongate member
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~6
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
An elevating column (4) for a mobile X-ray apparatus, wherein the column is preferably rotationally fixed in relation to a base (100) of the X ray apparatus, and the column having a plurality of segments, including: a first segment, having a first end and an opposite second end, arranged at the base with the first end, and a second segment having a first end and an opposite second end; wherein the second segment is arranged at its first end with an overlap of the first segment's second end and is moveable relative the first segment; and a first elevation adjustment unit including: at least a first threaded elongate member fixed at one of the first and second segments, and a first threaded receiving element arranged at the other of the first and second segments, matingly engaged with the threaded elongate member for elevation adjustment of said column.