Flexible energy supply in a confined space for dynamic X-ray robots

This X-ray robot owes its dynamics and compactness to a "twisterchain®" energy chain

This newly developed X-ray robot from Buck Engineering & Consulting poses particular challenges for the energy supply system. This is because it has to be designed for a variety of media, fit into a very confined installation space and not restrict the robot's range of movement. Two reverse e-chain® from the twisterchain® series, which was specially developed for circular movements, are used here. Because the robot is mounted on the ceiling, the twisterchain® is used with a stationary upper run and a moving lower run.

Profile

What was needed: twisterchain®
Requirements: The cable guide had to have a low installation height and the smallest possible outer diameter. It also had to be able to carry a large number of media.
Industry: Medical technology
Success for the customer: By using the twister chain, it was possible to route all cables and still maintain the tight installation space. At the same time, the new system saves weight, which reduces the load on the robot.

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Problem

A cable guide was to be developed for this medical X-ray system based on a robot. In addition to a robot for patient positioning, the X-ray robot is part of a complete system for cancer therapy using particle beams from Siemens. The robot is suspended from the ceiling and guides an X-ray C-sag. Due to the limited ceiling height, the base frame of the robot was removed. The robot's energy supply system and the X-ray components were raised so that the robot's range of movement was not restricted but the installation height was reduced to a minimum. Care had to be taken to ensure that the outer diameter was kept as small as possible so that there was no collision between the robot and the cable guide. The cable guide had to be designed for a variety of media.

Solution

The pioneering approach was the use of a twisterchain® of type 4008.15.250/850, which is not used with a stationary lower drum and moving upper drum as is usually the case. Because the robot is mounted on the ceiling, the twister chain is used with a stationary upper run and moving lower run. The support of the chain with a rotation range of +/-100 degrees must therefore be moved along with the upper run. Another special feature is that two reverse chains are used. This is necessary in order to be able to feed all the necessary media lines through the cable guide. Due to the number of media and cables, the total weight that the robot can hold was exceeded, which meant that the cable guide was designed to be self-supporting so as not to overload the robot.

twisterchain overview