Imaging Plate Stage Positioning to Prevent Scanner Read Errors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation image scanners face issues with imaging plates being held in an inclined or separated posture, leading to incorrect reading due to warpage or loss of contact with the holding surface, particularly when magnetic forces are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A radiation image scanner with a stage that includes a supporting surface and positioning mechanism to maintain the imaging plate in a normal posture by surface contact and edge positioning, using a stage body with a supporting surface and positioning surfaces to press the edge against the supporting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic force is used to hold the imaging plate, then the imaging plate can be held on the holding surface, but the imaging plate may fall off or be held in incorrect posture when magnetic force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism is divided into multiple independent positioning members (first positioning member, second positioning member, third positioning member) that work together. Each positioning member provides a specific function: the first positions the imaging plate in the vertical direction, the second in the horizontal direction, and the third prevents inclination. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable holding without relying on a single complex magnetic force mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning surfaces are introduced as intermediary elements between the positioning members and the imaging plate. These positioning surfaces provide precise geometric contact points that ensure correct positioning and posture of the imaging plate, mediating the interaction between the mechanical positioning members and the imaging plate to achieve reliable holding.
2Ease of operation
If the imaging plate is placed on the holding surface, then the imaging plate can be supported, but the imaging plate may be held in an inclined posture or with parts separated due to warpage
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning members are pre-configured with specific positioning surfaces at predetermined positions and orientations. The first positioning member is provided with a positioning surface that contacts the imaging plate before reading to prevent vertical displacement. The second positioning member has a positioning surface that contacts the imaging plate to prevent horizontal displacement. This preliminary positioning action ensures correct posture before the reading process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the holding mechanism have different positioning functions. The first positioning member focuses on vertical positioning, the second on horizontal positioning, and the third on preventing inclination. Each positioning surface is locally optimized for its specific function, providing precise control over different aspects of imaging plate positioning to maintain manufacturing precision.
3Device complexity
If a simple holding surface is used, then the device structure is simple, but the imaging plate cannot be securely held in the normal posture
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism is segmented into three distinct positioning members, each with a specific positioning function. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable posture stability through multiple independent positioning actions rather than relying on a single complex mechanism, balancing structural simplicity with functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning members utilize the imaging plate's own edge portions and surfaces as positioning references. The positioning surfaces contact specific features of the imaging plate (edge portions, back surface) to automatically establish correct positioning and posture. This self-service approach allows the holding mechanism to achieve reliable posture stability without requiring complex external reference systems.
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 imaging plate is securely held in a normal posture, ensuring accurate reading by maintaining contact with the supporting surface and preventing separation, thus ensuring correct image capture.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation light source that irradiates the imaging plate held by the stage with excitation light; and a photodetector that detects light emitted from the imaging plate by the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
a positioning mechanism that includes a positioning surface being in contact with an edge portion of the imaging plate supported on the supporting surface and positioning the edge portion from outside along the supporting surface while pressing the edge portion against the supporting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation image scanner that reads a radiation image from an imaging plate, the radiation image scanner including: a stage that holds the imaging plate; an excitation light source that irradiates the imaging plate held by the stage with excitation light; and a photodetector that detects light emitted from the imaging plate by the excitation light, in which the stage includes: a stage body that includes a supporting surface capable of being brought into surface contact with a back surface of the imaging plate; and a positioning mechanism that includes a positioning surface being in contact with an edge portion of the imaging plate supported on the supporting surface and positioning the edge portion from outside along the supporting surface while pressing the edge portion against the supporting surface.