Foldable Dental X-Ray Movement Mechanism for Patient Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental X-ray apparatuses face challenges in patient placement due to limited space and obstructive equipment components, which can lead to failed imaging and damage to expensive detectors, and require complex and costly mechanisms for varying imaging techniques.
Innovation Solution
A movement mechanism that allows the X-ray source and detector unit to rotate 360° and be turned aside for patient placement, with a foldable design that includes a central joint and forced control mechanisms, enabling easier patient access and versatile imaging positions without obstructing the operator's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a monolithic fixed boom is used to support X-ray source and detector, then the structure is simple, but patient placement is difficult and equipment components obstruct the operator's view
Solution Approach 1:
The movement mechanism is divided into multiple parts (first part with detector, second part with source) that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the components to be positioned out of the way during patient placement while maintaining structural support, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a fixed monolithic structure to a dynamic system where parts can rotate and reposition. The first and second parts can rotate about the subject and relative to each other, enabling the operator to access the patient from different angles and clear the view during placement operations.
2Ease of operation
If a multi-part movement mechanism is used, then patient placement is easier, but the mechanism becomes more complex and components may hinder each other's movement
Solution Approach 1:
The movement mechanism is divided into multiple parts (first part with detector, second part with source) that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the components to be positioned out of the way during patient placement while maintaining structural support, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-part mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables patient placement from various angles, allows 360° rotation about the subject for imaging, and permits relative rotation between parts for different imaging techniques (CBCT, panoramic, cephalostatic). This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile operational capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If a large detector is used to increase image area, then the detector is more expensive and requires larger space, but the image area is insufficient for certain imaging techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The detector can be dynamically repositioned using the rotation mechanism to achieve different imaging geometries. For CBCT, the detector is positioned for optimal coverage, while for panoramic and cephalostatic imaging, the mechanism rotates to bring the detector to appropriate positions, eliminating the need for a permanently large detector.
Solution Approach 2:
A single detector of moderate size is made multi-functional through the rotation mechanism. The same detector serves CBCT imaging, panoramic imaging, and cephalostatic imaging by changing its spatial position relative to the X-ray source and subject, thereby reducing the need for multiple large detectors.
4Area of stationary object
If the detector is moved laterally to achieve offset imaging, then a larger image area is obtained with a smaller detector, but the X-ray beam must be turned and collimated which adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the detector laterally and adjusting the beam, the mechanism rotates the entire detector assembly about the subject. This dynamic repositioning achieves offset imaging geometry naturally through the rotation motion, eliminating the need for separate beam turning and collimation adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral movement and beam direction adjustment functions are merged into a single rotation operation of the detector assembly. By rotating the detector-part together, the system achieves both the desired image geometry and beam alignment in one motion, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 6~7B
AI summary
A movement mechanism (100) joining an X-ray source (102) and X-ray detector unit (101), adapted to rotate about the subject (103) of the imaging. The movement mechanism comprises at least two parts (100a, 100b) adapted to be mutually turnable. In addition, the X-ray source and X-ray detector unit are located in different parts (100a, 100b) in the movement mechanism.