Low-Density Grid Support for CT Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for positioning measurement objects in examination or measurement systems, such as X-rays and optical measuring systems, lack the ability to consistently and reproducibly position samples, leading to variations in measurement results and difficulties in comparing samples from the same product line under the same conditions.

Innovation Solution

A modular system with a support unit and rod-shaped contact elements, where the support unit has a low density and a grid of holes for precise positioning, allowing for adjustable vertical distances and orientations to ensure consistent placement of measurement objects, minimizing parallax errors and facilitating reproducible measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a support unit with higher density material is used, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the disruption to X-ray detection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidX-ray detection disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the density parameter of the support unit material to approximately 250 kg/m³, which is significantly lower than conventional materials. This parameter change reduces the material's attenuation coefficient for X-ray radiation, making the support unit minimally disruptive to X-ray detection while maintaining sufficient structural strength through optimized geometry and design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction for the support unit, combining materials with specific density characteristics to achieve both mechanical strength and X-ray transparency. The use of low-density composite materials allows the support structure to provide necessary structural support while appearing nearly transparent in X-ray images

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If a fixed shelf structure is used, then the positioning reproducibility is improved, but the adaptability to different test pieces is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reproducibilityVSAvoidadaptability to different test pieces
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the support structure into modular components including adjustable support elements and reconfigurable positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to different test piece sizes, shapes, and weights while maintaining reproducible positioning through standardized interfaces and adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates dynamically adjustable elements in the support unit, such as movable support surfaces and adjustable positioning clamps, that can be configured for different test pieces. This dynamic capability enables the same support unit to provide reproducible positioning across various sample types without requiring fixed, sample-specific fixtures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If thin perforated plates are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to avoid parallax error is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidparallax error avoidance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from thin two-dimensional perforated plates to a three-dimensional block-shaped support unit with density of approximately 250 kg/m³. This dimensional change provides sufficient thickness to eliminate parallax errors while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of a single monolithic support structure rather than multiple stacked plates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables precise, reproducible positioning of measurement objects, ensuring consistent measurement conditions and comparable results across different operators and locations, while being minimally disruptive to X-ray detection due to the low-density materials used.

Implementation Method 1

materials with a lower density than the test object, in particular with a specific one Density of 250 kg/m 3... minimize the impact on X-ray detection by using low-density materials that are nearly transparent to X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3982114B1Use of a holder for an object to be examined
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 EITEL VERONIKA
  • EP3982114B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3982114B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3982114B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for holding and/or positioning a measuring object to be measured and/or examined on or relative to a measuring and/or examination device, in particular in the context of computed tomography for measuring workpieces, comprising at least one preferably plate-shaped support block made of a material with a specific density of 110 g/dm3 or less, preferably 75 g/dm3 or less, preferably 52 g/dm3, in particular 32 g/dm3 or less, for supporting the measuring object, wherein the support block has on at least one flat surface area a plurality of insertion holes or insertion recesses arranged in a two-dimensional grid for inserting support elements against which a measuring object to be examined can be placed.