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Compact cable protection at high speed on the dual-plane fluoroscope

Biomechanics research team relies on e-chains in innovative fluoroscopy system

The Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics (LMB) at ETH Zurich analyses the kinematics and kinetics of healthy, reconstructed and replaced joints. To this end, it developed a two-plane fluoroscope that can track highly dynamic human joint movements in 3D and capture high-resolution, biplanar X-ray images at high speed. Two types of igus energy chains are used to safely guide the many power and signal cables on the high-speed imaging units during fluoroscopy.

What was needed: Energy chains to guide the power and signalling cables horizontally and vertically
Requirements: Suitable for high accelerations and speeds, space-saving, lightweight, long service life, minimum maintenance requirements
Industry: Medical technology, medical equipment
Success for the customer: With P4 energy chains, the cables can be guided in the existing floor channels in a space-saving manner. Thanks to the built-in profile rollers, the chains move with low friction even with high fill weights and speeds and require little drive force. Our robust and easy-to-fill E4.1 chains ensure vertical cable guidance. The modular design of both e-chain series offers flexibility for future customisation.

Energy chains P4.1 and E4.1 in the two-level fluoroscope of the LMB

Walking, climbing stairs, running, jumping: with the LMB's two-level fluoroscope, a knee joint can be tracked three-dimensionally in space.

The bi-planar mobile X-ray system developed by the LMB is capable of tracking highly dynamic human joint movements in 3D. By using two overlapping image planes, the device overcomes the problems of out-of-plane errors and thus enables accurate 3D registration of the implant and natural skeletal kinematics. The design, in which the image intensifier and image source are separate, offers greater freedom of movement, both horizontally and vertically.

The new technology expands the basis for understanding and monitoring degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal system and the results of orthopaedic treatments and rehabilitation measures.

Problem

The development team was looking for suitable energy chains to safely guide the many different power and signal cables of the motion track system. In order to precisely track the human knee during dynamic activities, the heavy support carriages with the imaging units have to accelerate rapidly. Finding energy chains that are suitable for such high accelerations was a challenge - especially in conjunction with the tight installation space. The chains had to be compact enough to fit into the 24m long / 1.20m wide / 0.15m deep channels embedded in the laboratory floor.

Conditions for the horizontal | vertical axis:
Track length: 20m | 1.5 m
Acceleration: ≥ 20m/s² | ≥ 13m/s²
Speed: ≥ 5.5m/s | ≥ 2.5m/s
Weight to be carried per unit: 500kg | 150kg
Cables to be transported: 7 power cables and 20 signal cables | 4 power cables and 14 signal cables

Solution

The team sought advice from our e-chain experts in Switzerland and came up with a solution that fulfils all requirements: E4.56 chains for vertical movement and a double chain solution with P4.42 chains for the two horizontally travelling carriages. We have developed the P4 series for applications with very high fill weights and speeds. As the P4 is equipped with profile rollers, the drive force required to move the e-chain is reduced to less than 25%, and it also scores points for its quiet, low-vibration operation and long service life. As a modular construction kit, the system also offers the LMB team a great deal of flexibility for future customisations.
The vertical chains belong to the E4.1 series, which is suitable for almost all applications. It is also robust, quiet and modular. It is also quick to assemble and easily openable. If cables need to be replaced or supplemented, this does not require a great deal of effort.

Two-plane fluoroscope of the LMB, detail at the knee

The fluoroscope can be used to obtain key information about the kinematics and performance of a knee joint.

Two-level fluoroscope of the LMB, sketch

The imaging units travel along with the test subject on a 20-metre long track.

Two-level fluoroscope of the LMB being developed

e-chains from igus are used to guide the many power and signal cables.

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E4.1 energy chain

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