Magnetic X-ray Shutter Actuation and Optical Position Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray shutters operate mechanically, limiting opening and closing speed and accuracy due to mechanical constraints, making it difficult to quickly open and close the shutter and accurately control its state.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray shutter apparatus that rotates using a magnetic field generated by solenoids and a permanent magnet, coupled with an optical sensor system to control the opening and closing of the shutter path, minimizing mechanical friction and enabling precise control through the measurement of distances by optical sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a mechanical operating manner is used for the X-ray shutter, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the opening and closing speed is limited and the control precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical operating system with an electromagnetic driving system. Solenoids generate magnetic fields that act on a permanent magnet coupled to the shutter frame, enabling the shutter to open and close rapidly without mechanical constraints. This substitution achieves 21 ms opening and closing time while eliminating mechanical friction and wear, directly resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating principle from mechanical force to electromagnetic force. By applying controlled electrical currents to the solenoids, the magnetic field strength and direction can be precisely adjusted, enabling rapid response and accurate position control. This parameter change allows the shutter to achieve 21 ms operation time with precise opening/closing state control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a mechanical operating manner is used for the X-ray shutter, then the structure is simple, but the opening and closing time control accuracy is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing state control accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces optical sensors that detect the position of the shutter frame and provide feedback to the control system. The sensors measure the distance between the frame and fixed reference points, enabling precise determination of the shutter's opening and closing states. This feedback mechanism achieves accurate control of the 21 ms opening/closing timing while allowing for precise state detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical position indicators with optical sensing systems. Instead of relying on mechanical switches or contacts, the system uses optical sensors to non-contactively detect frame position, achieving higher measurement precision and more accurate control of the shutter's opening and closing states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If mechanical components are used for shutter operation, then the device is simple to manufacture, but friction and wear limit the opening and closing speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutter operation speedVSAvoidmechanical friction
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical friction by replacing the mechanical driving system with an electromagnetic system. The solenoids generate magnetic fields that act on the permanent magnet, causing the shutter frame to move without mechanical contact or friction. This substitution removes the harmful effect of friction, enabling the shutter to achieve 21 ms operation speed with no wear on moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for rapid and accurate opening and closing of the shutter, achieving a 21 ms opening and closing time, while minimizing physical friction and ensuring precise control over the shutter's state.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generated from solenoids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

rotating a permanent magnet coupled to a frame according to a direction of a magnetic field generated from solenoids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11017912B2X-ray shutter apparatus and X-ray shutter opening and closing system using the same
Publication Date: 2021.05.25 POSTECH ACADEMY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
  • US11017912B2 patent drawing
  • US11017912B2 patent drawing
  • US11017912B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The subject technology provides an X-ray shutter apparatus and an X-ray shutter opening and closing system using the same. An X-ray shutter apparatus may be configured to open or close an X-ray shutter using a magnetic field and to accurately control opening and closing of the X-ray shutter using an optical sensor. An X-ray shutter may include a fixing plate, a solenoid fixing block, a frame, a magnet, stop blocks and an exposed block. An X-ray shutter opening and closing system may use an X-ray shutter apparatus.