Magnetic Coupling Flanges for X-ray Pressing Member Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mammography machines experience patient discomfort and potential noise issues due to power interruptions causing misalignment of drive and switch belts, leading to abnormal noise and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray photography machine design utilizing a single drive shaft with a magnetic coupling mechanism between flanges to automatically release the pressing member upon power interruption, preventing belt misalignment and noise, and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clutch mechanism with magnetic coupling is used to automatically release the pressing member upon power interruption, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a complex mechanical coupling system with a magnetic coupling mechanism. The first flange (179a) and second flange (179b) use magnetic attraction to transmit rotational motion from the drive shaft to the pressing member, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages, gears, or additional coupling components. This substitution simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the automatic release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on power supply status without requiring external control. When power is supplied, the magnetic field activates and couples the flanges automatically. When power is interrupted, the magnetic field deactivates and the pressing member releases automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate drive shafts are used for drive belt and switch belt, then functional independence is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to alignment tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive shaft functions into a single shaft that simultaneously drives both the drive belt (173) and switch belt (176) through the magnetic coupling mechanism. The first flange (179a) on the drive shaft (174) couples to the second flange (179b) which transmits motion to both belts, eliminating the need for separate drive shafts and their associated alignment precision requirements.
3Extent of automation
If magnetic coupling is used between flanges, then automatic release upon power interruption is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential magnetic force instability
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling mechanism is designed to automatically engage before the pressing operation begins. The first flange (179a) and second flange (179b) are positioned and pre-aligned such that when power is supplied, the magnetic field immediately establishes the coupling without requiring adjustment or stabilization during operation. This preliminary positioning ensures consistent and reliable coupling.
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 minimizes abnormal noise and enhances the reliability of the X-ray photography machine by ensuring smooth operation and safety during power disruptions, reducing patient discomfort and extending equipment durability.
Implementation Method 1
The first flange 179a generates magnetic force when power is supplied thereto. Thus, upon power being supplied, the second flange 179b is attached to the first flange 179a by the magnetic force of the first flange 179a.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an X-ray photography machine (300). The X-ray photography machine includes a transfer apparatus (370) which moves a pressing member (360) which presses a target. The transfer apparatus includes a drive source (371), a drive shaft (374) which is rotated by the drive force of the drive source, first and second pulleys (375a,b) which convert rotational force of the drive shaft into force by which the pressing member is moved, and first and second flanges (379a,b) which make the first pulley depend on the rotational force of the drive shaft. In the present invention, because only a single drive shaft is used to move the pressing member, problems such as the occurrence of noise can be minimized.