X-ray CT Rotary Table Interference Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing X-ray CT measuring apparatus requires manual and time-consuming interference prevention operations each time a subject is replaced or moved, as operators need to visually estimate and set movement limits to prevent interference between the X-ray tube and the subject.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray CT measuring apparatus that automatically calculates the maximum outer diameter of a subject using imaging units like cameras or line sensors and sets the rotary table's movement limit based on this calculation to prevent interference, eliminating the need for manual estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual visual estimation is used to set movement limits, then interference prevention can be achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires repeated manual adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference preventionVSAvoidtime for movement limit setting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual estimation and mechanical adjustment with an automated imaging system. A camera captures images of the subject, and image processing automatically calculates the subject's dimensions and position, then sets the movement limit of the rotary table without manual intervention. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual operation while maintaining reliable interference prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the apparatus to automatically determine its own movement limits based on imaging data. The control unit processes images, calculates the subject's maximum outer diameter, and autonomously sets the rotary table's movement limit, eliminating the need for operator intervention and enabling the system to serve itself in the interference prevention task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the X-ray tube is brought close to the subject for enlarged imaging, then imaging magnification is improved, but the risk of interference between the X-ray tube and subject increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging magnificationVSAvoidinterference risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by capturing images of the subject's position and dimensions before the X-ray imaging process. The control unit uses these pre-captured images to calculate the subject's maximum outer diameter and set the rotary table's movement limit in advance. This preliminary measurement allows the system to determine safe operating parameters before high-magnification imaging begins, preventing interference while enabling enlarged imaging when safe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the imaging unit to continuously monitor the subject's position and dimensions. The control unit processes this feedback information to dynamically adjust the movement limit of the rotary table, ensuring that the X-ray tube maintains optimal imaging distance without risking interference. The feedback loop enables real-time adaptation to maintain both magnification quality and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution automates the movement limit setting process, improving work efficiency and safety by allowing interference prevention through remote imaging and eliminating the need for manual adjustments each time a subject is changed or moved.

Implementation Method 1

The X-rays 13 emitted from an X-ray source including the X-ray tube 12 are transmitted through the subject 8 on the rotary table 16 and reach the X-ray detector 14

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an imaging unit configured to image the subject on the rotary table from above or sideways

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS10753887B2X-ray CT measuring apparatus and interference prevention method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.08.25 MITUTOYO CORP
  • US10753887B2 patent drawing
  • US10753887B2 patent drawing
  • US10753887B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An X-ray CT measuring apparatus configured to emit an X-ray from an X-ray source while rotating a subject arranged on a rotary table, and obtain a tomographic image of the subject by reconstructing projection images, includes an imaging unit for imaging the subject on the rotary table from above or sideways, an obtaining unit for obtaining an image of the subject while rotating the subject, a calculating unit for calculating a maximum outer diameter of the subject during rotation by using the obtained image of the subject, and a setting unit for setting a movement limit of the rotary table on the basis of the maximum outer diameter.