At least 20 years service life: energy supply system for innovative X-ray system

A compact, quiet E4.1 energy chain ensures safe cable guidance

In 2011, GE Healthcare presented this X-ray system to the public as a world's first. Unlike conventional systems, which are fixed to the floor and the deck above the patient, this innovation can be moved to the patient in any position using an AGV. The energy supply is realised via one of our E4.1 e-chains, which follows the movements of the AGV via a single fixed point on the ceiling. With a side-mounted installation position, the very strong e-chain ensures reliable cable guidance for many years.

Profile

What was needed: E4.1 energy chain
Requirements: A space-saving system was needed that was very strong, quiet and guaranteed to last at least 20 years without maintenance.
Industry: Medical technology
Success for the customer: The E4.1 energy chain was selected because it combines a low-noise function with exceptionally high stability and a long service life. The use of "Quick Opening" spacers also makes it much easier to insert and maintain the cables and saves valuable time during installation.

Problem

The Discovery IGS 730 is a vascular imaging system introduced by GE Healthcare in 2011. It is an X-ray and digital detector system that is laser-controlled and travels on an automated guided vehicle (AGV). The adjustment of the system is designed to be particularly fast, predictable, precise and easy to use and to enable fine control and positioning at any point during the procedure.

To enable the AGV to move freely from several imaging positions to parking or retraction positions, the cables for power, data and water must be guided from the ceiling. The key requirements for the cable guide system are therefore a design as compact as possible, and also to avoid obstructing the laser beam and several monitors suspended in the operating theatre. As the guide system only has a single fixation on the ceiling of the operating theatre, it must have a high load-bearing capacity and must only sag to a very small extent. It must support a cable load of 7kg/m with a safety factor of 12, as required by the IEC60601 medical standard.

Last but not least, the quietest possible operation and a service life of at least 20 years without any maintenance are of crucial importance.

Solution

Our type E4.1 plastic energy chain fulfils all the high demands placed on the cable management system, which the designers selected primarily due to its particularly long service life and stability.

With a side-mounted installation position, the e-chain moves back and forth on a horizontal plane, perfectly adapted to the movements of the AGV. The moving ends of the chain are mounted on turntables to give the X-ray unit additional clearance. The span of the system, which consists of a total of 29 links, is approximately 3.2 metres.

The use of "quick opening" separators makes it much easier to insert and maintain the cables and saves valuable time during installation. In addition, the chain is protected against overvoltage by an electrical and mechanical device.

The E4.1 series is characterised by a very quiet operation, which is achieved by a particularly noise-reducing design of the radius stops.

The double stop-dog system and large pin connections ensure high force absorption and make the chain particularly strong. The cables are optimally protected thanks to the safe minimum bend radius and smooth chain interior.