Accessory Mounting Device with Visual Lock State Indicator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accessory mounting devices for X-ray radiography systems fail to securely recognize and ensure the fixing condition of accessories, particularly when the table is changed from a horizontal to a standing position, leading to potential patient safety issues during examinations.

Innovation Solution

The proposed accessory mounting device includes a fixing member that oscillates to engage with a pin in a concave element on the table, a movement restriction member that can be oscillated to a restriction position, and a lock mechanism to prevent movement, with visual display regions indicating the lock state, ensuring secure fixation of accessories to the table.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pin and fixing member mechanism is used to mount accessories to the table, then the accessory can be fixed to the table, but the fixing condition cannot be securely recognized or confirmed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing condition recognitionVSAvoidmounting device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a visual feedback mechanism through a display window that shows different patterns (through-hole pattern for locked state, recessed pattern for unlocked state) to indicate the fixing condition of the accessory. This allows operators to visually confirm whether the accessory is properly fixed without complex instrumentation, directly addressing the reliability of fixing condition recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a display window as an intermediary element that mediates between the internal locking mechanism and the external observer. The display window translates the internal mechanical state (locked/unlocked) into visible visual patterns, enabling secure recognition of the fixing condition without exposing the complex internal mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the table is changed from horizontal to standing position during examination, then patient positioning flexibility is improved, but accessory fixation security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable position flexibilityVSAvoidaccessory fixation security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a lock pin that automatically engages with a lock hole when the fixing member is inserted into the concave element. This preliminary locking action occurs before the table position is changed, ensuring the accessory is securely fixed in advance. The visual display window also provides preliminary confirmation of the locked state before position changes occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The movement restriction member and lock mechanism provide preliminary anti-action by preventing unintended movement of the accessory. The lock pin physically blocks the fixing member from moving once engaged, counteracting any forces that might cause the accessory to detach during table position changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a lock mechanism with movement restriction member is added to prevent accessory movement, then fixation security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidmounting device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components: the display window serves both as a visual indicator and as part of the locking mechanism structure; the lock pin serves both as a locking element and as a visual indicator when engaged; the movement restriction member is integrated with the fixing member assembly. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining improved fixation security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display window performs multiple functions: it indicates the locked/unlocked state through different visual patterns, it provides structural support for the locking mechanism, and it guides the operator during the mounting process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9480442B2Accessory mounting device and accessory having the same for a radiographic apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.11.01 SHIMADZU CORP
  • US9480442B2 patent drawing
  • US9480442B2 patent drawing
  • US9480442B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An accessory mounting device and system for the same, particularly involving radiographic systems, includes a feature to securely recognize a fixing condition of an accessory. In mounting a platform to a table, a fixing member is oscillated or moved so that the platform moves to an engagement position. A pin installed at a tip of the fixing member engages a fixing element formed in the table. Then, a movement restriction member is oscillated so that it can move to a restriction position. An oscillating movement of the movement restriction member is restricted by moving a lock-pin. Alternatively, a fixing member in a movable non-lock-state allows a display region recognizable from a display position.