Compact mechanism for adjusting source to detector distance on C-arm
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Publication Number
US-12419597-B1
Publication Date
2025-09-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
A radiographic C-arm system uses a scissor extender assembly to retract and extend a detector in relation to an x-ray source of the C-arm system. The scissor extender assembly is attached to the C-arm near one end of the C-arm. The assembly comprises pivoting arms for extending and retracting the detector away from and toward the x-ray source.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a radiographic C-arm system including a digital radiographic (DR) detector and an x-ray source assembly, where a retractable and extendable support is attached to the C-arm. The support uses a scissor extender assembly with pivoting arms instead of a telescopic detector drive, and the pivoting arms extend and retract a radiographic system component away from and closer to the C-arm in compact positioning scenarios.
A scissor extender geometry is provided as either a single stage scissor extender or a multi-stage scissor extender. During extension and retraction, the detector orientation relative to the x-ray source assembly remains unchanged while the detector housing is moved closer for tight space positioning.
The system includes control system interaction for operation of the extender and positioning, including driving and tracking components along a motor path. The concept is contrasted with prior telescopic assemblies, emphasizing that the scissor extender replaces the telescopic detector drive while maintaining functional positioning of the DR detector relative to the x-ray source assembly.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a radiographic C-arm system and method centered on a retractable and extendable scissor extender with pivoting arms, driven by motor(s) that travel along a track in the C-arm. The claims identify multiple inventive features, including single-stage or multi-stage scissor extender options, a motor attached to the scissor extender with track-guided motion, and a two-motor arrangement connected to respective pivoting arms.
Retractable and extendable support using pivoting arms for scissor extension
A retractable and extendable support attached to the C-arm, the support comprising pivoting arms for extending and retracting a radiographic system component away from and closer to the C-arm.
Single-stage or multi-stage scissor extender
The support further comprises one of a single stage scissor extender and a multi-stage scissor extender.
Motor attached to the scissor extender with track-guided motor path
The support comprises a motor attached to the scissor extender for extending and retracting the scissor extender, and wherein the C-arm further comprises a track for guiding the motor along a motor path.
Two drive motors connected to respective pivoting arms and converging along the track
Two drive motors are configured to drive along a track in the C-arm, and the scissor extender comprises pivoting arms connected to respective drive motors, wherein the two drive motors converge along the track to extend the DR detector away from the C-arm.
Method of operating a C-arm by attaching DR detector to scissor extender and driving pivoting arms via motors on a track
Attaching the DR detector to a scissor extender with two pivoting arms, attaching two motors to the pivoting arms, configuring the motors to travel along a track in the C-arm, positioning the C-arm imaging system about an object to be radiographically imaged, and adjusting the position of the DR detector relative to the x-ray source assembly by driving the motors along the track.
The claimed coverage is directed to a radiographic C-arm system and method using a retractable and extendable scissor extender with pivoting arms and motor-driven movement along a track. The claims specifically encompass track-guided motor actuation, single-stage or multi-stage scissor extender configurations, and a two-motor arrangement that moves the DR detector relative to the x-ray source assembly.
Stated Advantages
The detector orientation relative to the x-ray source assembly remains unchanged during extension and retraction.
The detector housing is moved closer for tight space positioning.
The scissor extender replaces the telescopic detector drive while maintaining functional positioning of the DR detector relative to the x-ray source assembly.
Documented Applications
Radiographic C-arm system positioning in compact or tight space scenarios.
Positioning of a DR detector relative to an x-ray source assembly in a C-arm radiographic imaging system.
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