Lockable Retainer Assembly for Radiographic Detector Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiographic detector protectors often suffer from accidental release when in contact with surfaces, lack secure locking mechanisms, and require full insertion through a sleeve for use, making them unsuitable for various applications and prone to impact damage.
Innovation Solution
A lockable retainer assembly with a rocker and sliding lock that allows one-handed operation, preventing accidental release and enabling panel insertion/removal without full sleeve insertion, featuring a semi-circular bumper for impact absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple sleeve-style enclosure is used for protecting radiographic detectors, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the locking mechanism is insufficient and accidental release occurs easily
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly uses a dynamic rocker mechanism that can rotate between a first position (blocking panel removal) and a second position (allowing panel removal). This dynamic movement provides secure locking while maintaining operational simplicity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the rocker assembly, the lock assembly, and the retainer assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and not overly complex.
2Reliability
If a hand-actuated retainer is used for releasing the panel, then the operation is convenient, but accidental actuation causes easy falling out of contents
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly and retainer assembly are merged into a single integrated unit that must be operated simultaneously with one hand. This combination ensures that accidental releases are prevented while maintaining ease of operation, as the user simply needs to press the integrated assembly with one hand to securely release the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker mechanism provides self-locking functionality through its rotational movement between positions. The geometry of the rocker and its interaction with the lock assembly creates a self-service locking mechanism that maintains reliability without requiring complex additional components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a rectangular profile edge is used on the protector, then the manufacturing is simple, but impact during fall causes rotation that increases impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The edge profile is changed from a rectangular shape to a curved or rounded profile. This curvature allows the protector to rotate upon impact, reducing the direct transmission of impact forces and minimizing damage to the radiographic detector, while still being manufacturable using standard processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the entire detector must be inserted through a sleeve for use, then the locking is simple, but the device is not compact and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is designed to secure only the necessary portion of the radiographic detector rather than requiring full insertion through a sleeve. This segmentation approach reduces the volume of the protector while maintaining versatility across different detector sizes and applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly uses a dynamic rocker mechanism that can rotate between a first position (blocking panel removal) and a second position (allowing panel removal). This dynamic movement provides secure locking while maintaining operational simplicity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
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 provides a secure, one-handed operation for radiographic detector protection, preventing accidental release and softening impact shocks, while allowing compact transport and use on various surfaces without requiring full sleeve insertion.
Implementation Method 1
U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20100014225 of Reina et al. (hereinafter Reina) discloses an X-ray grid handler or grid encasement device having built-in handles and a way of positively locking the grid into the encasement device. It was purported that the encasement device can optionally have a spring-loaded trapping and ejection mechanism to hold the grid or imaging medium and free it when desired.
Implementation Method 2
CID's protector is incapable of guarding against accidental removal of a panel from its protector if the panel is transported while seated in the protector. No locks are provided as it is disposed over a floor placed panel, making it unsuitable for uses other than floor placed applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable retainer assembly adapted for retaining or releasing a panel having at least one edge by preventing or allowing movement of an edge of the panel. The lockable retainer assembly includes a rocker rotatably disposed at the edge, the rocker having a slot and is configured to protrude into the panel's path of movement when the rocker is rotatably disposed in a relaxed position. The rocker is configured to clear the panel's path of movement when the rocker is rotatably disposed in a depressed position. A lock is slidingly disposed within the slot and adapted to prevent rotation of the rocker when the lock is disposed in a relaxed position and allow rotation of the rocker when the lock is disposed in a depressed position. In the depressed position, the clears the path of movement of the panel, enabling the panel to be inserted or removed through the path.