Mobile X-ray Telescopic Column Mechanical Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile x-ray devices rely on costly and complex balancing systems, such as counterweights and motorized brake systems, which require continuous maintenance and have a higher risk of failure, to manage vertical movements.
Innovation Solution
A mobile x-ray device with a telescopic column and arm that uses a mechanical balancing mechanism comprising a block and tackle, spring, and variable-radius pulley to balance the weight of the assembly, eliminating the need for electrical means and ensuring continuous functioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If counterweights and motorized brake systems are used to balance vertical movements, then the balancing function is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle through the block and tackle system where the spring is anchored to a counterweight that balances the vertical movements of the telescopic column and arm assembly. This mechanical counterweight system eliminates the need for complex motorized brake systems while maintaining reliable balancing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces motorized brake systems with a purely mechanical balancing system consisting of block and tackle, spring, and pulley. This substitution eliminates electrical components and continuous maintenance requirements while achieving the same balancing function through mechanical means.
2Reliability
If motorized brake systems are used for balancing, then vertical movements are controlled, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical balancing system is designed to be self-regulating through the spring-loaded block and tackle mechanism. The system automatically maintains balance during vertical movements without requiring external control systems or continuous maintenance, as the mechanical components self-adjust through their inherent physical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing motorized systems with a mechanical spring and pulley system, the patent eliminates components that require electrical maintenance. The mechanical system uses simple, durable components that are easier to repair and maintain, aligning with the self-service principle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic column and arm are extended to reach any point in space, then the positioning capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic column and arm utilize a nested structure where telescopic portions are housed within each other, allowing the mechanism to extend and retract while maintaining a compact form. This nesting principle enables the device to reach any point in space when extended but returns to a compact configuration that minimizes complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic mechanisms are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the column and arm to extend or retract as needed. This dynamic capability provides versatile positioning while maintaining a compact base state, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
4Length of moving object
If telescopic column is used for vertical movement, then the reachability is improved, but the field of vision is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic column employs a nested design where the movable portions are contained within the fixed portions when retracted. This allows the column to achieve full vertical extension for maximum reach while maintaining a compact, low-profile configuration during transport that does not obstruct the operator's field of vision.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic column is designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable, allowing it to adapt between a compact transport state that preserves field of vision and an extended operational state that provides vertical reach. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between reachability and visibility.
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 mechanical balancing system allows for manual and balanced movement of the device, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing reliability by using a combination of a first mechanism balancing the column and arm-head assembly, and a second mechanism that can be modified for additional telescopic portions, ensuring accurate positioning without obstructing the operator's field of vision.
Implementation Method 1
a first mechanism balancing the column and arm-head assembly, and a second mechanism that can be modified for additional telescopic portions
Implementation Method 2
A mobile x-ray device with a telescopic column on which there is a telescopic arm assembled that has an x-ray emitter assembled at its end, the mobile device having on the telescopic column means for balancing the vertical movement of the assembly
Implementation Method 3
The means used in balancing the two movements are counterweights and/or motorised brake systems
Data Source
AI summary
Device comprising: a chassis (1) which supports the entire assembly, a telescopic column (2) which comprises a lower fixed portion (5) rotating with respect to a vertical axis, and at least one upper mobile portion (6), a telescopic arm (3) that moves along the vertical column and that supports an x-ray emitter (4) at its end, wherein the telescopic arm-head assembly can be moved from the lower position of the mobile column in its retracted position to the upper position of the mobile column in its extended position, and also in that all the movements of the column are manual and have a mechanical balancing mechanism which comprises a first mechanism consisting of a spring, a block and tackle, and a variable radius pulley all housed in the fixed portion of the column, and a second balancing mechanism consisting of a recovery pulley and a two-radii pulley which balances the weight between the input of the cable and that of the telescopic arm and head assembly.