Imaging Plate Inversion in Radiation Scanners to Prevent Light Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation image scanners expose the radiation image forming surface of the imaging plate to external light during insertion, leading to loss of image data due to light emission and energy dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A radiation image scanner design that includes a stage supporting the imaging plate from the back surface, an excitation light source, and a setting guide with inclined surfaces to guide the imaging plate obliquely downward, minimizing exposure to external light by inverting the plate in an inclined attitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the IP is inserted into the inlet with the radiation image forming surface facing upward, then the IP can be easily inserted, but the radiation image forming surface is exposed to external light causing energy dissipation and image data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by changing the insertion orientation from face-up to face-down. The IP is inserted with the radiation image forming surface facing downward, then inverted 180 degrees during conveyance so that it faces upward for reading. This resolves the contradiction by preventing light exposure during insertion while ensuring proper orientation for image reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by inverting the IP orientation before the reading process. The IP is inserted face-down, conveyed in this protected orientation, and only inverted to face-up when it reaches the reading position. This preliminary inversion action prevents light exposure during the vulnerable insertion and conveyance phases.
2Ease of operation
If the IP is conveyed on a belt with the radiation image forming surface facing upward, then the IP can be easily positioned, but external light causes energy release and image data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by conveying the IP face-down on the belt rather than face-up. The inclined guide surface ensures the IP is inserted and conveyed with the radiation image forming surface facing downward, away from external light sources. The IP is only inverted to face-up at the reading position, preventing energy dissipation during conveyance while maintaining ease of positioning through the inclined guide.
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
Prevents exposure of the radiation image forming surface to external light, ensuring accurate data capture by maintaining the integrity of the stored image data during the scanning process.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation light source that irradiates the IP supported by the stage with excitation light; a photodetector that detects light emitted from the IP by the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation image scanner is a radiation image scanner that reads a radiation image from a front surface of an image plate (IP), and includes a stage that supports the IP from a back surface side and a setting guide including a first IP guide surface that guides the IP obliquely downward. At least one of the setting guide and the stage includes an inclined surface (second IP guide surface), which is a surface inclined downward to the opposite side with respect to the first IP guide surface, receives the IP guided by the first IP guide surface, and guides the IP obliquely downward. At least one of the stage and the setting guide includes a front-back inverting portion that comes into contact with the IP from a front surface side of the IP to invert the IP to the same inclined posture as the inclined surface.