X-ray Gantry Cable Break Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray machines lack a reliable method to detect cable breaks during gantry head movement, which can lead to unexpected drops and operational hazards due to the lack of timely detection of main cable failures.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a transmission assembly with a cable and wheel connected to a base, and a response assembly that includes a rotary arm and resetting components to generate a signal or stop the wheel's rotation upon cable breakage, ensuring safety and preventing sudden drops by changing the position of components relative to each other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a transmission assembly with cable is used to move the gantry head, then the gantry head can be moved efficiently, but the system cannot detect cable breaks timely leading to safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegantry head movement efficiencyVSAvoidcable break detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the response assembly that continuously monitors the cable's integrity. When the cable breaks, the change in tension state is detected and converted into a detectable signal (such as a position change of a component or an electrical signal), providing immediate feedback about the cable's status to prevent safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism between the cable and the gantry head movement system. This intermediary (such as a position-sensitive component or sensor assembly) translates the cable's mechanical state into a detectable form, enabling indirect but reliable detection of cable integrity without interfering with the primary movement function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If no detection mechanism is added to the transmission assembly, then the device complexity remains low, but the system cannot detect cable breaks leading to operational hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission assembly structureVSAvoidcable break consequences

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the response assembly in a state ready to detect cable breaks. The detection components are positioned and configured beforehand to immediately sense any cable failure, converting potential harmful effects into detectable signals before actual damage or safety incidents occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by preparing the response assembly to mitigate the harmful effects of cable breaks. The detection mechanism is pre-positioned to detect cable failures early, allowing the system to take preventive actions (such as stopping movement or alerting operators) before the cable break causes operational hazards or damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11793480B2Systems and methods for moving a component of an x-ray machine

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE

AI summary

A device may include a base, a transmission assembly, and a response assembly. The transmission assembly may be configured to move a component of a medical device. The transmission assembly may include a cable and a wheel connected to the base. An end of the cable may be connecting to a part of the component of the medical device. The response assembly may be connected to the transmission assembly. The response assembly may be configured to generate a response in response to a break of the cable.