Imaging Plate Protection Assembly Using Segmented Waterproof Bags

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging plate assemblies require multiple sizes of waterproof bags to accommodate varying numbers of imaging plates, leading to difficulties in sealing and increased risk of body fluids entering the bag, such as saliva.

Innovation Solution

The assembly uses multiple waterproof bags of the same size to individually accommodate each imaging plate, with an IP holding member that positions them for efficient storage and sealing, reducing the need for various bag sizes and minimizing fluid entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple imaging plates are accommodated in one bag, then the number of bags can be reduced, but the thickness of contents increases and the bag mouth becomes difficult to close

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of bagsVSAvoidease of closing bag mouth
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single large bag into multiple smaller individual bags, each accommodating one imaging plate. This segmentation allows each bag to be easily sealed while maintaining protection for multiple plates, resolving the contradiction between reducing bag quantity and ensuring ease of closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of stationary object

If multiple imaging plates are accommodated in one bag, then space utilization improves, but body fluid such as saliva easily enters the inside of the bag

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidprotection against fluid entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By creating separate sealed bags for each imaging plate, the patent ensures that fluid contamination of one plate does not affect others. Each bag acts as an independent barrier, maintaining reliability while the collection of bags achieves efficient space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different protection levels to different plates by providing individual sealed bags for each one, ensuring that each plate receives appropriate local protection against fluid entry while maintaining overall space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If different sizes of bags are prepared according to the number of imaging plates, then accommodation flexibility improves, but the number of types of bags increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of bag types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple identical small bags that can universally accommodate any single imaging plate regardless of the total number of plates. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple bag sizes while maintaining flexibility through the ability to use any combination of these standard bags.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Quantity of substance

If the thickness of contents in the bag is large, then multiple imaging plates can be held, but the mouth of the bag is hardly closed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of imaging platesVSAvoidease of closing bag mouth
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the contents by placing each imaging plate in its own separate bag rather than stacking multiple plates in one large bag. This reduces the thickness of contents in each individual bag to a manageable level, enabling easy closure while still protecting multiple plates through the use of multiple bags.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4343431A1Imaging plate protection assembly and medical imaging assembly
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 J MORITA MANUFACTURING CORP
  • EP4343431A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4343431A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4343431A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An imaging plate protection assembly is capable of accommodating a plurality of imaging plates. The imaging plate protection assembly includes a plurality of waterproof bags and an IP holding member. The plurality of waterproof bags accommodate one-to-one the plurality of imaging plates. The IP holding member holds the plurality of imaging plates accommodated in the plurality of waterproof bags at predetermined positions.