Imaging System Sensor Integration for Impact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems with flat panel detectors face reliability challenges due to the lack of effective detection and documentation of force, impact, shock, or vibration events during transport and positioning, leading to increased costs for manufacturers and reduced maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensors within the imaging system to detect and record force, impact, shock, or vibration events, providing user indications and data storage for analysis, which helps in determining warranty compliance and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If flat panel detectors are used in imaging systems, then imaging quality and performance are improved, but fragility and susceptibility to force/impact/shock/vibration damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing sensors and indicators on the imaging system before transport or movement. These sensors detect force, impact, shock, or vibration events in advance or during transit, allowing proactive monitoring and documentation of conditions that may affect the fragile flat panel detector, enabling preventive measures or early detection of damaging events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensors as intermediary devices that mediate between the external environmental forces (force, impact, shock, vibration) and the fragile flat panel detector. The sensors detect these external forces and provide documentation, acting as a buffer that monitors and records the exposure to harmful factors without directly protecting the detector physically.
2Manufacturing precision
If periodic maintenance is performed on imaging systems, then position accuracy and repeatability are maintained, but system downtime and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor force, impact, shock, and vibration events during transport and operation. This feedback information is documented and can trigger conditional maintenance decisions - if no damaging events are detected, maintenance intervals can be extended; if damaging events are recorded, maintenance can be scheduled proactively. This replaces fixed periodic maintenance with condition-based maintenance, reducing unnecessary downtime while maintaining position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static, fixed-schedule maintenance to dynamic, condition-based maintenance. The maintenance schedule adapts based on actual usage conditions detected by sensors - systems that experience no significant force/impact/shock/vibration events can operate longer between maintenance cycles, while systems experiencing such events trigger earlier maintenance. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between maintaining position accuracy and minimizing system downtime.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the imaging system, then detection and documentation of force/impact/shock/vibration events is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the sensor system to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The sensors not only detect force, impact, shock, and vibration events but also document them, provide visual or audible indications, and potentially trigger maintenance alerts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring systems and justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive value across multiple operational needs.
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 the reliability and performance of imaging systems by documenting events that may exceed warranty limits, reducing maintenance frequency and costs, and providing valuable data for future product design.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor coupled to the imaging system... detecting at least one force, impact, shock, or vibration event occurring on the imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting at least one force, impact, shock, or vibration event on an imaging system. The system comprises a main assembly, a support assembly coupled to the main assembly, and at least one sensor coupled to the imaging system. The at least one sensor is configured to detect at least one force, impact, shock, or vibration event occurring on the imaging system. The method comprises detecting at least one force, impact, shock, or vibration event occurring on the imaging system and providing an indication to a user when a force, impact, shock, or vibration event occurs on the imaging system.