Pivoting CT Radiation Curtain for Scatter Shielding Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computed tomography devices lack effective and flexible radiation protection measures to shield environments from scatter radiation emitted through openings, particularly in non-traditional settings like intensive care units and mobile stroke units.
Innovation Solution
A radiation protection apparatus with a holding structure and pivoting curtain system that can be lowered to shield against scatter radiation, featuring a pivoting mechanism and a radiation protection curtain attached to a holding structure, allowing easy attachment and detachment via pushbutton connections, and utilizing a friction hinge for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed radiation protection panel is installed at the gantry opening, then radiation protection is improved, but adaptability to different space requirements and body parts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation protection panel is made movable through a pivoting mechanism that allows it to rotate between a retracted position (first position) and a protective position (second position). This dynamic configuration enables the panel to adapt to different examination scenarios and space requirements while maintaining effective radiation protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel's position parameter is changed from fixed to variable, allowing it to assume different angular positions relative to the gantry opening. This parameter change enables flexible adaptation to various body parts and examination configurations while providing radiation protection when the protective position is required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable radiation protection curtain is used, then adaptability is improved, but reliability of radiation protection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain is implemented as a movable component that can be dynamically positioned to provide radiation protection. The pivoting mechanism ensures reliable operation while maintaining adaptability to different examination configurations and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation protection curtain is constructed as a flexible sheet-like structure that can be moved and positioned as needed. This flexible design provides adaptability while the underlying pivoting mechanism ensures reliable positioning and protection when required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the holding structure is made heavy for stable positioning, then positioning stability is improved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A counterweight is integrated into the pivoting mechanism to balance the weight of the radiation protection panel. This counterweight compensation reduces the effort required to operate the panel while maintaining stable positioning when the panel is in the protective position.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operation of the heavy panel is assisted or replaced by a motorized actuator that provides the necessary torque to move the panel against gravity. This mechanical substitution makes operation easier while maintaining stable positioning through the actuator's control capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If pushbutton connections are used for easy attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate male and female pushbutton connectors that can be easily engaged and disengaged. This segmentation allows for simple, tool-free attachment and detachment of the radiation protection panel while the modular design actually reduces overall system complexity.
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
Provides enhanced protection against scatter radiation, ensuring minimal interference with patient access and equipment, while being easily accessible and adaptable to different environments, reducing the risk of cable damage and improving operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a friction hinge for secure positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A computed tomography device comprises a gantry with an opening, and a radiation protection apparatus covering the opening. The radiation protection apparatus has a holding structure, a radiation protection curtain and a pivoting apparatus. An examination object can be inserted into the opening along a system axis of the gantry when the holding structure is in a first position relative to the gantry. The holding structure is pivotably mounted relative to the gantry about a pivot axis via the pivoting apparatus such that the holding structure can be lowered relative to the gantry from the first position to a second position by a first pivoting motion of the holding structure about the pivot axis. The radiation protection curtain is arranged on the holding structure. A lower region of the radiation protection curtain hangs down from the holding structure.