X-ray CT Rotating Body Balance Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT apparatuses require skilled operator intervention for accurate rotational balance adjustment, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially during unit replacements, due to the need for manual measurement and adjustment of weights and their positions.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray CT apparatus with integrated weights and weight moving mechanisms, controlled by processing circuitry and sensors, automatically determines and adjusts the position of weights to achieve rotational balance without operator expertise, using sensors to detect fluctuations and motors to move weights based on calculated amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement equipment is attached and balance adjustment is performed by operator operation, then rotational balance can be adjusted, but the process requires highly advanced skills and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs balance adjustment automatically using the rotation driving device's own torque detection capability. The processing circuitry calculates imbalance based on torque fluctuations detected during rotation, eliminating the need for external measurement equipment and skilled operators. The system serves itself by utilizing its operational data for self-diagnosis and self-adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and adjustment operations with an automated system that uses torque detection and computational processing. The processing circuitry substitutes for human judgment and manual weight adjustment, converting a mechanical skill-based task into an automated computational process.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement equipment is attached and balance adjustment is performed by operator operation, then rotational balance can be adjusted, but the process takes a long time especially during unit replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors torque during normal rotation operations, gathering data that can be used for balance adjustment. When imbalance is detected or during unit replacement, the system can immediately perform automated adjustment without waiting for manual measurement equipment attachment or operator preparation, significantly reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs balance adjustment independently without requiring operator intervention or external measurement equipment. The processing circuitry uses the rotation driving device's own torque data to calculate and execute balance corrections, eliminating the time-consuming manual process entirely.
3Measurement precision
If measurement equipment is attached and detached each time of unit replacement, then balance adjustment can be performed, but the process requires repeated attachment and detachment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement function with the rotation driving device itself. The torque detection capability is integrated into the existing rotation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate external measurement equipment. This integration removes the complexity of attaching and detaching measurement devices while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation driving device serves multiple functions: it performs the primary function of rotating the rotating body for X-ray imaging, and simultaneously serves as the measurement system for detecting torque fluctuations and imbalances. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated measurement equipment and simplifies the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a rotating body configured to house an X-ray tube which irradiates X-rays on an object; at least one weight configured to be housed in the rotating body and to adjust balance of the rotating body; a sensor configured to detect fluctuation amount in a front-back direction approximately orthogonal to a rotating surface of the rotating body; processing circuitry configured to determine moving amount of the weight based on the fluctuation amount in a front-back direction detected by the sensor; and at least one weight moving mechanism configured to be housed in the rotating body and to move a position of the weight based on the moving amount determined by the determination unit.