Lockable Detector Storage for Mobile X-ray Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile x-ray apparatus designs lack efficient transportation, deployment, and operation capabilities, particularly in ICU settings, and do not provide secure storage solutions for radiographic detectors, which are essential for ensuring the detectors remain with the system.
Innovation Solution
A mobile radiography apparatus with a moveable transport frame, adjustable support structure, and a lockable detector storage unit that includes a sliding bar and actuator mechanism to securely store and restrict removal of radiographic detectors, allowing for multiple locking and unlocking positions to accommodate various detector sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mobile radiography apparatus is designed with secure storage for detectors, then the security and reliability of detector storage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking bar with locking surfaces, engaging portions on the bar, and corresponding engaging portions on the detector storage unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide secure storage, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar is positioned within the detector storage unit structure, with locking surfaces and engaging portions nested within the overall assembly. The actuator mechanism is integrated into the locking bar structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides secure storage without excessive external complexity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure detectors, then the security of detector storage is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism features self-latching engaging portions that automatically engage when the locking bar moves to the locked position, eliminating the need for separate locking actions. The actuator directly moves the locking bar, which in turn moves the engaging portions into engagement, creating a self-service system that is both secure and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar is designed to move dynamically between locked and unlocked positions through the actuator mechanism. The engaging portions are positioned to engage and disengage smoothly during this movement, allowing quick transition between states while maintaining security when locked, thus improving ease of operation without compromising reliability.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism is made robust to prevent detector removal, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking surfaces on the locking bar are positioned asymmetrically relative to the engaging portions, creating a one-way locking action where the bar can easily move to engage the locking surfaces but requires significant force to move backward. This asymmetric design provides robust security through the mechanical advantage of the geometry rather than through complex multi-component mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locking positions are provided for different detector sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bar is designed with multiple locking surfaces at different positions along its length, and the engaging portions are positioned to engage with corresponding features on detectors of various sizes. This universal design allows the same locking mechanism structure to accommodate different detector configurations without requiring additional components or complex reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable column mounted at the frame. A boom apparatus supported by the adjustable column can support an x-ray source and can be coupled to a optional second display (also adjustably mounted). Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus by which mobile radiography carts can provide a securable storage for at least one radiographic detector by blocking at least a portion of a path traveled by the at least one radiographic detector when removed from storage at the mobile radiography apparatus.