X-ray Device C-arm Lateral Scanning Trajectory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray devices face challenges in performing collision-free, high-quality three-dimensional scans due to structural complexity and the risk of collisions when using a laterally positioned C-arm, limiting accessibility to certain patient areas and requiring expensive, complex telescopic solutions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method utilizing a tripod-mounted X-ray device with three degrees of freedom allows a lateral three-dimensional scan by deviating from a reference plane, enabling a projection angle range of at least 200° without collisions, using a simple and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the C-arm is kept short to prevent obstruction of personnel, then the device compactness and ease of operation are improved, but the projection angle range coverage is limited and certain patient areas become inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional circular arc trajectory to a three-dimensional trajectory by adding vertical movement capability. The C-arm can now move not only horizontally along an arc but also vertically along the support arm, enabling coverage of projection angles greater than 180 degrees without increasing the C-arm length, thus maintaining personnel accessibility while expanding patient area coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the C-arm is positioned laterally to access certain patient areas, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of collision with patient table and equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic positioning capabilities with three degrees of freedom (horizontal rotation, vertical rotation, and vertical translation). This allows the C-arm to dynamically adjust its position and trajectory to access different patient areas while automatically avoiding collision zones such as the patient table and other equipment, replacing static lateral positioning with flexible real-time adaptation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic solutions are used to enable lateral scanning, then the projection angle range is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the positioning function into three independent degrees of freedom, each controlled by separate actuators. Instead of using a complex telescopic mechanism, the system segments the movement into horizontal rotation about a first axis, vertical rotation about a second axis, and vertical translation along the support arm, simplifying the mechanical structure while achieving lateral scanning capability.
4Productivity
If the C-arm is rotated to cover large projection angle ranges, then the image acquisition capability is improved, but the device stability and precision are reduced due to mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical constraint systems with electronically controlled actuators for each degree of freedom. This substitution allows for precise digital control of the C-arm position and orientation, maintaining positioning precision even when covering large projection angle ranges, while improving image acquisition capability through flexible trajectory control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for operating an X-ray device (1) for recording projection images of a patient's (3) area of imaging, wherein the X-ray device (1) comprises a tripod (4), a support arm (5), a holder (9) and a C-arm (10) on which an X-ray source (11) and an X-ray detector (12) are arranged opposite each other, wherein the support arm (5) is rotatably coupled to the tripod (4) at one end about a first axis of rotation (7) to provide a first degree of freedom of movement, and the holder (9) is rotatably coupled to the support arm (5) at the other end about a second axis of rotation (14) to provide a second degree of freedom of movement, such that the first and second axes of rotation (7, 14) and a central beam (13) of the X-ray source (11) intersect at a point (17) in all positions of the support arm (5) and the holder (9).