Device for implementing a locking function of an adjustment axis of an X-ray C-arm system
Inventors
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12193856-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device for implementing a latching function of an adjustment axis of an X-ray C-arm comprises at least two magnetic bodies and two components of the adjustment axis that are movable relative to one another. A first component of the two relatively movable components of the adjustment axis is operatively connected to a magnetic body of the at least two magnetic bodies. A second component of the components of the adjustment axis movable relative to one another is a component of the X-ray C-arm system and the second magnetic of the at least two magnetic bodies is operatively connected to this component.
Core Innovation
A device for implementing a latching function of an adjustment axis of an X-ray C-arm is provided. The device includes at least two magnetic bodies and at least two components of the adjustment axis that are movable relative to one another, where a first axis component is operatively connected to a first magnetic body and a second axis component is a component of the X-ray C-arm system with a second magnetic body operatively connected to it. When the first magnetic body is aligned in proximity to the second magnetic body, they are configured to retain the first component relative to the second component in a first latching position.
The invention replaces conventional mechanical detents used for X-ray C-arm adjustment axis positioning with magnetic latching so that a latching position is retained by magnetic bodies aligned in proximity. Magnetic body types include permanent magnets, ferromagnets, paramagnets, diamagnets, ferrimagnets, and electromagnets, including configurations where latching can be enabled or disabled. Magnetic mounting can be internal, and connectivity between magnetic bodies and axis components can be via friction fit, integral bonding, or interlocking.
The disclosed latching concept is applied to mobile or fixedly installed X-ray C-arm systems and is described as enabling repeatable positioning and improved cleanliness while reducing wear and maintenance associated with mechanical detents. Additional embodiments include multi-point latching along an orbital axis using multiple magnets on tracks, adjustable magnet mounting to compensate for tolerances and regulate latching force, and optional supplementary features such as a spring device that produces an acoustic signal on latching and mechanical catch features.
Claims Coverage
The claim set covers magnetic latching of a movable adjustment-axis component in an X-ray C-arm, with one independent feature and several dependent refinements. The refinements add connection mechanisms, magnetic body categories, mobile or fixed installation, additional latching positions, and optional spring-device features.
Magnetic bodies retain a movable adjustment-axis component in a first latching position
A device for implementing a latching function of an adjustment axis of an X-ray C-arm, comprising at least two magnetic bodies and at least two components of the adjustment axis movable relative to one another, wherein a first axis component is operatively connected to a first magnetic body and a second axis component is a component of the X-ray C-arm system with a second magnetic body operatively connected, and wherein the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are configured to retain the first axis component relative to the second axis component in a first latching position when the first magnetic body is aligned in proximity to the second magnetic body.
Operative connection via friction fit, integral bond, or interlocking
At least one of the first and second magnetic bodies is operatively connected to the corresponding component of the adjustment axis via a friction fit, an integral bond, or an interlocking connection.
Magnetic bodies are diamagnetic, paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, or electromagnetic
Each of its at least two magnetic bodies is configured to be one of diamagnetic, paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, or electromagnetic.
X-ray C-arm system is mobile or fixedly installed
The device includes an X-ray C-arm system that is either a mobile X-ray C-arm or fixedly installed X-ray C-arm.
Third magnetic body to provide a second latching position
A third magnetic body is operatively connected to the first component and spaced from the first magnetic body along the adjustment axis such that the second magnetic body and the third magnetic body are configured to retain the first component relative to the second component in a second latching position when the second magnetic body is aligned in proximity to the third magnetic body.
Spring device with latching surface and complementary latching button
The device includes a spring device having a latching surface coupled to the first component and a complementary latching button coupled to the second component.
Overall, the claims center on magnetic retention-based latching of movable components of an X-ray C-arm adjustment axis in defined latching positions, with dependent claims refining the magnetic-body categories, connection types, mobile-versus-fixed C-arm deployment, additional latching positions via a third magnetic body, and optional spring-device features.
Stated Advantages
Reduce wear and maintenance by replacing conventional mechanical detents used for X-ray C-arm adjustment axis positioning.
Improve repeatable positioning by using magnetic latching retention when magnetic bodies are aligned in proximity.
Improve cleanliness by using magnetic latching instead of conventional mechanical detents.
Documented Applications
Latching function for an adjustment axis of an X-ray C-arm in both mobile X-ray C-arm systems and fixedly installed X-ray C-arm systems.
Interested in licensing this patent?