CFRP Support Structure for X-ray CT Turning Axis Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in X-ray CT apparatuses is to maintain a stable turning axis for the X-ray source and detector while reducing the overall weight of the apparatus, as increasing the rigidity of the steel frame to prevent wobble also increases the weight, making it difficult to achieve both stability and weight reduction simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The use of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) exterior part that supports the X-ray generator and detector, providing both structural rigidity and weight reduction, along with a base that rotatably supports this part to create a horizontally arranged turning axis, which helps in minimizing wobble and reducing the apparatus's weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the rigidity of the steel frame is increased to prevent wobble of the turning axis, then the stability of the turning axis is improved, but the weight of the frame and the entire apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by replacing the traditional steel frame with a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) support part. The CFRP material provides high rigidity and strength while significantly reducing weight compared to steel. The support part is constructed as a composite structure with carbon fiber reinforcement embedded in a plastic matrix, allowing it to maintain structural integrity and minimize turning axis wobble without the weight penalty of thickened steel framing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the frame made of steel is thickened and strengthened to maintain turning axis stability, then the stability of the turning axis is improved, but the weight of the X-ray CT apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses carbon fiber reinforced plastic as a composite material to create the support part. This composite structure achieves the necessary mechanical strength and rigidity to stabilize the turning axis while being significantly lighter than equivalent steel construction. The carbon fiber reinforcement provides high tensile strength along the grain direction, while the plastic matrix binds the fibers together and distributes loads, creating a lightweight yet rigid support structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a reinforcement structure is added to the mechanism rotatably supporting the frame, then the stability of the turning axis is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The CFRP support part is designed as an integrated composite structure that inherently provides the necessary reinforcement and rigidity through its material properties and geometric design. This eliminates the need for additional separate reinforcement structures, brackets, or bracing elements that would be required with a steel frame. The composite material's high strength-to-weight ratio allows the support part to maintain structural integrity and stabilize the turning axis through its own construction rather than requiring external reinforcement additions.
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 configuration effectively reduces the weight of the X-ray CT apparatus while maintaining the stability of the turning axis, enhancing the rigidity of the support structure and allowing for accurate CT imaging by minimizing wobble and flexural deformation.
Implementation Method 1
an exterior part made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic
Data Source
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AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus (20) includes an X-ray generator (40), an X-ray detector (45), a support part (30), and a base (100) that rotatably supports the support part (30). The support part (30) includes an exterior part (32) made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and the X-ray generator (40) and the X-ray detector (45) are supported by the exterior part (32) while being opposed to each other. The base (100) rotatably supports the support part (30) such that the X-ray generator (40) and the X-ray detector (45) turn about a turning axis (A).