Cephalometric Collimator Alignment via Tilting Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cephalometric imaging systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently aligning the secondary collimator and x-ray sensor, leading to misalignment issues that result in truncated images and unnecessary patient exposure due to cumbersome and iterative alignment processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a detachable tilting device and sliding mechanisms to precisely align the secondary collimator with the cephalometric sensor, allowing for rapid assessment and correction of alignment through incremental tilting and positioning adjustments, ensuring parallel alignment and minimizing exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional iterative alignment methods are used, then alignment can be achieved, but the process becomes long and cumbersome with unnecessary patient exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidalignment process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing predetermined alignment indications (visual markers, laser guides, or digital overlays) that show the correct alignment position before the actual alignment is performed. This allows the operator to position the collimator and sensor according to pre-established reference marks, eliminating the need for iterative trial-and-error adjustments and reducing patient exposure time while maintaining alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If conventional alignment methods are used, then alignment can be achieved, but the process requires iterative attempts and successive corrective positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidalignment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary alignment indication system that serves as a mediator between the collimator/sensor and the reference frame. This intermediary provides visual or digital reference marks that guide the alignment process, simplifying the procedure by replacing complex iterative adjustments with straightforward positioning according to clear visual cues, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If misalignment occurs, then images may be truncated, but conventional methods require successive corrective positioning which increases patient exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpatient exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By providing predetermined alignment indications before imaging, the system allows correct alignment to be established in advance, ensuring that the collimator and sensor are properly positioned before the patient is exposed to radiation. This preliminary alignment guidance prevents truncated images and eliminates the need for successive corrective positioning during patient exposure, thereby improving image quality while minimizing harmful radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides a repeatable and accurate alignment of the cephalometric collimator and sensor, reducing the complexity of the alignment process, minimizing patient exposure, and improving the quality of skull images by ensuring proper collimation.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical tilting adjustment:

Implementation Method 2

A method and apparatus that utilize a detachable tilting device and sliding mechanisms to precisely align the secondary collimator with the cephalometric sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical sliding:

Implementation Method 3

an image of the x-ray radiated skull of the patient is projected on an x-ray sensitive surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS10420525B2Method and apparatus for aligning of cephalometric imaging device collimator

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 TROPHY SAS

AI summary

An extra-oral imaging apparatus is intended to obtain a cephalometric image of a portion of a head of a patient. Exemplary apparatus embodiments of cephalometric functionality of such extra-oral imaging apparatus can include a cephalometric support mounted to a base of the imaging system that is configured to position a cephalometric sensor about a cephalometric imaging area so that x-rays impinge the cephalometric sensor after radiating the cephalometric imaging area. A cephalometric collimator can be mounted to a patient positioning unit to provide secondary collimation of the x-ray beam for the cephalometric sensor. Exemplary apparatus and/or method embodiments of the application relates to providing a measurable indication of alignment between a cephalometric collimator and cephalometric sensor or the extra-oral imaging apparatus, which can provide a repeatable and/or accurate alignment between a cephalometric collimator and cephalometric sensor.