Dental X-Ray Unit Ball Joint Coupling Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental radiographic image acquisition units have limited movement capacity and are heavy due to cylindrical joints coupling the x-ray head and supporting arm, making them cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A unit with articulated supporting arms and a ball joint coupling device, utilizing a cooling circuit with a closed loop to reduce the amount of dielectric oil and weight, and incorporating a control keypad for parameter selection and image preview.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cylindrical joints are used to couple the x-ray head to the supporting arm, then the structural stability is maintained, but the movement capacity is limited and the unit becomes heavy and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement capacityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the cylindrical joints from the coupling mechanism between the x-ray head and supporting arm. Instead, it uses a direct coupling arrangement where the supporting arm connects to the x-ray head through a simplified structure that eliminates the need for complex cylindrical joints, thereby improving movement capacity while reducing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the supporting arm into multiple segments (first supporting arm and second supporting arm) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each segment to have enhanced movement freedom while maintaining overall structural stability, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If cylindrical joints are used to couple the supporting bracket to the x-ray head, then the connection is secure, but the unit becomes relatively heavy and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunit weightVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the cylindrical joints that contribute to the weight of the unit. By removing these heavy components and replacing them with a lighter direct coupling mechanism, the overall weight of the x-ray unit is reduced while maintaining secure connections through alternative design approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic coupling mechanism that allows the supporting arm to move freely between different positions. This dynamic design replaces the static, heavy cylindrical joints with a more lightweight system that maintains connection reliability through controlled movement capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enhances movement capacity, reduces weight and complexity, and simplifies the unit while providing efficient image acquisition and control features.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling circuit (24), which defines a third branch of the circuit (9), and comprises an input conduit (25), which extends along and inside the arms (13, 14), and also extends through the outer casing (22) and the inner container (16) for supplying a cooling fluid, air or water in the case in point, to a heat exchanger (26) associated to the generating assembly (17)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

The assembly (17) is submerged in a certain amount of dielectric oil contained inside the container (16) adapted both to electrically isolate the assembly (17), and to dissipate part of the heat generated by the assembly (17) itself

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric isolation: Dielectric