Multiconfiguration braking system
View Patent ↗Certain embodiments include a system and method for braking in a patient positioning system. The system includes a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient, a first brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface, and a second brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface. In an embodiment, the first brake is a power-off brake that is active when power is removed from the brake. The second brake is a power-on brake that is active when power is applied to the brake. Power may be applied and/or removed from the first and second brakes o affect the motion of the patient positioning surface.
1. A patient positioning system for medical applications, said system comprising:
a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient;
a lift subsystem for adjusting elevation of said patient positioning surface;
a longitudinal subsystem for moving said patient positioning surface in a longitudinal direction;
a tilt subsystem for tilting said patient positioning surface;
a rotation subsystem for rotating said patient positioning surface;
a first brake and a second brake for securing said patient positioning surface,
wherein said first brake and said second brake hold said patient positioning surface through torque multiplication;
a position sensor for determining a position of said patient positioning surface; and
a control subsystem for controlling operation of said patient positioning system.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said first brake comprises a power-off brake, said power-off brake active when power is removed from said power-off brake.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein said second brake comprises a power-on brake, said power-on brake active when power is applied to said power-on brake.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein a bull gear and pinion are used in combination with said first brake and said second brake to secure said patient positioning surface.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein said first brake and said second brake secure said patient positioning surface using interlocking teeth.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein said first brake and said second brake are used in combination to secure said patient positioning surface.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein said first brake and said second brake may be used in at least three states, said at least three states including:
a 100% capacity state with said first and second brakes activated;
a 50% capacity stale with said first brake released and said second brake activated; and
a 0% capacity, state with said first and second brakes released.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein said first brake is mounted on a first pinion and said second brake is mounted on a second pinion.