Fluoroscopy Barrier Detection via Electrical Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
During fluoroscopy exams, there is a need for a radiopaque radiation barrier to absorb or block x-ray radiation emitted by the x-ray source, which must be detected by the imaging device before the exam to ensure its presence and safety.
Innovation Solution
A digital radiographic detector assembly with a housing containing a radiopaque sheet and an electrical connector, connected via a communication cable to the image receptor, which is positioned in the housing to enable fluoroscopy imaging only when the image receptor is correctly connected and detected by the imaging device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a radiopaque radiation barrier is used to block x-ray radiation, then radiation protection is improved, but the complexity of detecting and confirming barrier presence increases
Solution Approach 1:
An electrical cable assembly acts as an intermediary between the radiation barrier and the imaging device. The cable includes electrical connectors that mate with corresponding connectors on the barrier and the imaging device, enabling the imaging device to detect whether the barrier is properly positioned through electrical signals transmitted through the cable assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification of barrier presence with an automated electrical detection system. The imaging device uses electrical connectors and communication cables to automatically detect and confirm barrier positioning, eliminating the need for manual checking and reducing the difficulty of detection.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the radiopaque barrier assembly includes electrical connectors and cables for detection, then detectability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical cable assembly is permanently attached to the radiation barrier assembly, merging the detection function with the barrier itself. This integration ensures that the barrier and its detection mechanism function as a single unit, reducing operational complexity despite adding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical cable assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection for detection, ensures proper barrier positioning, and enables communication between the barrier and imaging device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and simplifies overall device operation.
3Reliability
If the image receptor must be positioned in the barrier assembly for electrical connection, then reliability of barrier presence is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors are pre-configured on the barrier assembly and cable, so that when the image receptor is placed in the barrier assembly, the electrical connection is automatically established. This preliminary configuration ensures reliable barrier presence confirmation without requiring additional setup steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and confirms barrier presence through the electrical connection established when the image receptor is positioned in the barrier assembly. The imaging device self-verifies barrier positioning through the cable assembly, eliminating the need for manual verification and improving both reliability and ease of operation.
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
Ensures the safety of the imaging process by preventing x-ray radiation exposure unless the radiopaque barrier is properly positioned, thereby ensuring the radiation barrier is always present and functional during fluoroscopy exams.
Implementation Method 1
A requirement exists for fluoroscopy exams requiring that radiation emitted by an x-ray source, which passes through the patient and the image receptor, be absorbed
Data Source
AI summary
A digital radiographic detector assembly having a housing with a radiopaque sheet and an electrical connector. A digital communication cable is attached to the electrical connector and is configured to be electrically connected to an image receptor positioned in the housing and to a radiographic imaging device. The radiographic imaging device detects that the digital radiographic detector is positioned in the housing and, in response, enables the start of a fluoroscopy exam.