Cradle for Edge-Supported Radiation Detector in Compact Imaging Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation-irradiation devices face challenges in performing imaging in small radii due to increased size requirements for accommodating radiation detectors, which complicates maneuverability and contamination prevention.

Innovation Solution

A radiation-irradiation device design featuring a detector holder that supports one edge of a rectangular radiation detector, allowing it to be moved between positions for compact integration with the body unit, enabling easy contamination bag mounting and preventing device size increase, while maintaining efficient radiation detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device includes a storage container or holder to receive radiation detectors, then the radiation detector can be accommodated and charged, but the device size increases making it difficult to perform imaging in small radii

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to receive and charge radiation detectorVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation detector is nested within the body unit by being received in a recessed portion formed on the flat surface. This allows the detector to be accommodated within the existing device footprint without increasing overall device volume, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and compact size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from three-dimensional volume occupation to two-dimensional surface utilization by forming a recessed portion on the flat surface. This allows the radiation detector to be integrated into the device without increasing its volumetric footprint, enabling the device to maintain small size while gaining detector reception capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the radiation detector is held in a fixed position on the body unit, then the device structure is simplified, but the device cannot adapt to different imaging positions and small radius imaging becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidimaging position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The arm unit provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the radiation source unit to be moved to various positions including above, beside, or at an angle to the subject. This dynamic adjustability enables small radius imaging and different imaging positions while maintaining relatively simple device structure through a single articulated arm mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Weight of moving object

If the device is designed as portable handheld type, then the device weight is reduced for easy operation, but radiation protection for the operator's hands becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice weightVSAvoidradiation exposure to operator

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a portable control unit (body unit) that the operator holds, and a separate radiation source unit that performs the actual irradiation. This segmentation allows the heavy radiation-generating components to be positioned away from the operator's hands while maintaining portable operation through the body unit's wireless or wired connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arm unit acts as an intermediary between the operator's hand-held body unit and the radiation source unit. This intermediary mechanism extends the operator's control reach while maintaining safe distance from the radiation source, protecting the operator's hands from direct radiation exposure during imaging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables imaging in small radii without increasing device size, facilitates easy contamination prevention, and ensures reliable radiation detection and charging of the detector.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation source unit (40) that generates radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a radiation detector (80) detecting the radiation and having the shape of a rectangular flat plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10856821B2Radiation-irradiation device including a cradle that supports an edge portion of a radiation detector

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A radiation-irradiation device includes a leg unit, a radiation source unit, an arm unit that supports the radiation source unit, and a body unit that is an arm support unit supporting the arm unit. Further, radiation-irradiation device includes a cradle that supports one edge portion of a radiation detector detecting radiation and having the shape of a rectangular flat plate and is mounted on the body unit so as to be movable between a first position at which the radiation detector (80) is held along a flat surface of the body unit and a second position at which at least an opposite edge portion of the radiation detector opposite to the one edge portion of the radiation detector is held at a position away from the body unit.