Mobile X-ray Sensor System for Radiation Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile X-ray systems pose a risk of unwanted radiation exposure to bystanders and less trained operators due to the lack of suitable radiation protection measures, especially in acute trauma cases and non-shielded environments.
Innovation Solution
A mobile X-ray system equipped with a sensor system that detects extrinsic objects close to the X-ray source and blocks image acquisition if proximity is detected, ensuring alignment between the X-ray source, detector, and object, and providing a flexible control mechanism to prevent overexposure, using sensors like radar, infrared, or ultrasound to monitor the area and track objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile X-ray system is used in non-shielded environments (e.g., acute trauma cases, ambulance cars, nursing homes), then accessibility and flexibility for medical support are improved, but radiation protection for bystanders and operators deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs preliminary detection of objects in the radiation path before the X-ray exposure is initiated. The control unit receives sensor signals and determines whether to permit or block the X-ray operation in advance, preventing unwanted radiation exposure before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the X-ray source. The sensors (radar, infrared, ultrasound, or camera-based) detect objects and provide information to the control unit, which then decides whether to allow X-ray operation, serving as a protective mediator.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor system blocks image acquisition when objects are detected close to the X-ray source, then radiation safety is improved, but operational efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously monitors the area around the X-ray source and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust operation permissions based on the current spatial situation, enabling safe and efficient operation when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation permissions based on real-time sensor data. The control unit can switch between blocked and permitted states for X-ray operation depending on whether objects are detected in critical zones, allowing flexible adaptation to changing operational conditions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to monitor the area around the X-ray source, then detection precision and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting objects, measuring distances, tracking movement, and providing spatial information for alignment verification. By using sensors that can fulfill multiple roles (e.g., radar for both detection and distance measurement), the overall system complexity is reduced despite the multi-functional requirements.
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
Ensures safe operation by preventing radiation exposure to bystanders and optimizing image acquisition parameters, allowing only trained personnel to perform scans within safe proximity, thereby minimizing the risk of overexposure.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor system itself might comprise a radar sensor (multiple sensors) that monitors the predefined area that would get radiated during exposure
Implementation Method 2
Infrared distance control sensors
Implementation Method 3
time of flight laser distance scanners
Implementation Method 4
ultrasound sensors
Implementation Method 5
X-ray systems are using ionizing radiation which could be extremely dangerous when a person is radiated with a high dose
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mobile X-ray device, comprising: a housing with an X-ray source arranged therein, a sensor system comprising one or more sensors for aligning the X-ray source to an object to be scanned and/or detecting at least one extrinsic object in a predefined area in a vicinity of the X-ray beam of the X-ray source; a processor unit comprising determining the alignment of the X-ray source and the object to be scanned based on signals received from the sensor system; image acquisition for generating an X-ray image; activating a blockage signal for the mobile X-ray device based on signals received from the sensor system; and an interface for outputting the generated X-ray image and/or information; wherein image acquisition is blocked, if the sensor system signals one of the following: at least one extrinsic object is detected within the predefined area; lack of alignment between the X-ray source and the object to be scanned.