Adjustable X-ray Source Sensor Distance for Pediatric Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital imaging apparatuses for the head region, such as those used for panoramic and CT imaging, are optimized for adult patients and do not adequately address the imaging needs of smaller patients, particularly children, as they require modifications to reduce radiation exposure and maintain image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a control unit that adjusts the distance between the X-ray source and sensor, reducing the relative distance for smaller patients to minimize radiation risk while preserving the enlargement ratio, and employs various adjustment mechanisms, including lateral motion, swiveling, and scissor mechanisms, to facilitate this adjustment, along with collision detection systems for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between the X-ray source and sensor is reduced for smaller patients, then the radiation dose and exposure time are reduced, but the enlargement ratio may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs adjustable translation and rotation means that enable dynamic modification of the imaging geometry. The distance between the X-ray source and sensor can be varied, and the rotation axis position can be shifted, allowing the system to adapt its configuration to match the size of the patient being imaged, thereby optimizing both radiation dose and image quality for different patient populations.
2Loss of time
If the distance between the X-ray source and sensor is reduced, then the exposure time is reduced, but the image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes adjustable geometric parameters including the source-to-sensor distance and the rotation axis position. By optimizing these parameters according to patient size, the apparatus achieves short exposure times for pediatric patients while maintaining diagnostic image quality. The ability to precisely control and adjust these parameters allows optimization of the trade-off between exposure time and image quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is optimized for adult patients, then the imaging geometry is fixed, but it cannot accommodate smaller patients without modification
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with multi-functional capabilities to serve both adult and pediatric imaging needs. The translation and rotation means, along with the adjustable rotation axis, enable a single device to accommodate varying patient sizes. This universal design allows the same apparatus to be configured for different imaging geometries, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for different patient populations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the radiation dose and exposure time for children, maintains image quality by preserving the enlargement ratio, and ensures safety through collision detection, making the apparatus suitable for both adult and child imaging modes.
Implementation Method 1
a source for generating X-ray radiation; a sensor for detecting X-ray radiation, which is generated by the source and passes through a patient
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for Digital Imaging in the Head Region of a Patient includes an X-ray source and an X-ray sensor, supported on i a rotary arm supported on a structure by a motor driven translation and rotation means. The rotary arm is provided with adjustment means for varying the distance between the source and the sensor. The apparatus comprises a single sensor for both panoramic imaging and computed tomography, and has a control unit, that controls the source, the sensor, the adjustment means, and the translation and rotation means and operates the apparatus in a basic operation mode for bigger patients and in an alternative operation mode for smaller patients, in which the distance between the source and the sensor is reduced as compared to the distance used for the basic operation mode.