Radiation Imaging Cassette Holder Offset Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging apparatuses face challenges in properly positioning and connecting electronic cassettes of varying sizes to imaging stands, leading to difficulties in mounting and potential excessive X-ray exposure due to unstable connections and interference from communication cables.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an irradiation surface, connection terminal, imaging surface, first and second catch members, and a connector, where the catch members align and secure the cassette to ensure proper positioning and stable connection, maintaining the center alignment of the irradiation and imaging surfaces, and the connector is offset to match the connection terminal's position, facilitating easy connection and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication cable is connected to the connection terminal before mounting the electronic cassette on the imaging stand, then the wired communication can be established, but the communication cable interferes with the mounting process and requires routing
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is integrated into the catch member structure, so that the connection terminal and connector are automatically connected when the catch members engage the electronic cassette during mounting. This preliminary integration of the connection function into the mounting mechanism eliminates the need for separate cable routing and connection steps, resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and mounting ease
2Reliability
If the connector is firmly locked using claws, then the connection stability is improved, but the connection terminal and connector easily break when the communication cable gets snagged
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is merged with the catch member structure, combining the connection function with the mounting mechanism. This integration allows the connection to be established automatically during mounting without requiring separate locking mechanisms, reducing the risk of breakage while maintaining connection stability through the structural integration itself
3Manufacturing precision
If the imaging stand covers the electronic cassette at the side surface, then the positioning is improved, but the access to the connection terminal is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminal is positioned on the side surface of the electronic cassette housing, and the connector is integrated into the catch member that approaches from the imaging stand side. This preliminary positioning allows the connection to be established automatically when the catch members engage, eliminating the need for manual access to the connection terminal after mounting, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and access ease
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette holder of an imaging stand is provided with first and second catch members for catching and holding an electronic cassette from above and below. The first catch member has a multi connector connected to a multi terminal of the electronic cassette. The multi connector is offset with respect to a center line of an imaging surface of the cassette holder. The multi terminal is offset with respect to a center line of an irradiation surface of the electronic cassette in the same direction by the same amount as those of the multi connector. In a state where said electronic cassette mounted on a tray is loaded into the cassette holder, the center line of the irradiation surface coincides with the center line of the imaging surface.