Motorized Turntable for X-Ray Component Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray computed tomography (CT) scan systems require time-consuming and inefficient manual adjustments to align components with the x-ray beam, making precise positioning of small areas of interest challenging and non-repetitive, while exposing operators to radiation during adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A component imaging system with a rotatable platform and turntable equipped with rail assemblies and motors, allowing for precise mechanical adjustments of the component's position relative to the x-ray tube, enabling alignment without manual intervention and reducing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment by operator is used to position component, then flexibility in positioning is achieved, but positioning precision and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated motorized positioning system. The motorized manipulator mechanically adjusts the component holder's position based on controller signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention while achieving precise and repeatable positioning. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with automated mechanical control directly resolves the contradiction between operational flexibility and positioning precision.
2Measurement precision
If operator performs repeated trial and error adjustments, then alignment accuracy improves, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary positioning actions through the motorized manipulator that can programmatically move the component to predetermined positions. The system performs positioning actions in advance based on stored coordinates or pre-programmed sequences, eliminating the need for repeated trial and error adjustments. This allows the system to achieve accurate alignment significantly faster than manual methods while reducing the time required for repetitive positioning iterations.
3Ease of operation
If operator enters radiation area for adjustments, then positioning can be performed, but operator radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service positioning system where the motorized manipulator autonomously performs all positioning operations without requiring operator intervention in the radiation area. The automated system adjusts the component holder's position, rotates the component, and performs alignment operations independently based on controller commands. This eliminates the need for operators to enter the radiation zone, completely resolving the contradiction between positioning capability and radiation exposure protection.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If door is closed during x-ray operation, then operator safety improves, but adjustment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated motorized manipulation that can operate through the closed door. The motorized manipulator performs all positioning, rotation, and alignment functions remotely without requiring the door to be open, thereby maintaining operator safety while preserving full adjustment capability. This substitution enables the system to achieve both safety and operational flexibility simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A component imaging system having at least one x-ray tube and an x-ray detector comprises a rotatable platform positioned between the x-ray tube and the x-ray detector. The rotatable platform is rotatable about a first rotational axis. A turntable is mounted on top of the rotatable platform. The turntable comprises: a stage platform for holding a component having an area of interest, the area of interest having a rotational axis; and a mounting plate rotating with the rotatable platform about the first rotational axis. The stage platform is movable in at least a first direction from a starting position to an imaging position to align the rotational axis of the area of interest with the rotational axis of the rotatable platform.