Collimator Tongue Trigger Locking Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray imaging apparatus collimator connections using bolts are prone to mis-operation, looseness, and failure, leading to safety risks and increased service costs due to invisible installation processes and the need for adhesives.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical trigger interface device with a locating ring, tongue sets, and a rotating lock knob that allows for secure assembly and disassembly without tools or adhesives, utilizing a tongue mechanism controlled by a trigger pin and block plate for reliable locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a bolt connection is used to connect the collimator to the tube flange, then the connection can be achieved with simple structure, but the installation process is invisible and requires adhesive, increasing the risk of mis-operation, looseness, and failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structureVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tongue set automatically engages with the tube flange when the collimator is positioned, and the trigger pin mechanism allows the tongue to pop out and lock into place without requiring external tools or adhesive. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to activate the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the bolt-and-adhesive mechanical system with a tongue-trigger mechanism that uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking. The tongue bends during insertion and then locks into the flange's groove, substituting the complex bolt tightening process with a simple insert-and-lock action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a bolt connection with adhesive is used, then the connection can be secured, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue is pre-loaded in a retracted position within the collimator housing. During installation, the tongue automatically pops out and engages with the flange groove as the collimator is inserted, performing the locking action in advance before final positioning is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a bolt connection is used, then the structure can be simple, but the installation and disassembly require special tools and procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue is designed to be flexible and dynamic, bending during insertion and then locking into place. The trigger pin mechanism allows the tongue to transition between retracted and extended states, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without rigid, fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional bolt connection is used, then the initial setup can be straightforward, but the risk of collimator failure and accidents increases due to loose or fractured bolts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial setupVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue-trigger mechanism provides inherent over-constraint and redundancy. The tongue locks into the flange groove with geometric interlocking, and the trigger pin ensures the tongue remains engaged. This beforehand cushioning prevents loose connections and bolt fractures that plague conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8699669B2Collimator for X-ray imaging apparatus and the assemble and disassemble method thereof

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY CO LLC

AI summary

A collimator for X-ray imaging apparatus is provided. The collimator includes a collimator housing including a tube flange, a tube, a locating ring configured to be mounted at an outlet of the tube flange, and at least one tongue set fixed on the locating ring. An outstretching direction of the tongue is towards a center of the locating ring.