Orbiting X-ray Source for Animal Extremity Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging technologies face challenges in veterinary applications, including equipment protection, technician shielding, humane animal positioning, and efficient resource use, particularly due to unpredictable animal behavior and the need for precise and efficient imaging of animal extremities.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic imaging system that includes a support base for animals to stand on, with a moveable x-ray source and digital radiographic detector configured to orbit around the animal's extremities, allowing for convenient and portable imaging of multiple angles, and featuring protective shielding and humane animal restraint mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CBCT imaging is performed on animals, then diagnostic quality is improved, but equipment protection and technician shielding become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into separate functional modules: the animal restraint system, the CBCT imaging system, and the shielding system. Each module can be independently positioned and configured, allowing optimal placement of shielding components without compromising imaging quality. The restraint apparatus segments the animal positioning function from the imaging function, enabling specialized optimization of each.
Solution Approach 2:
Lead shielding components are introduced as intermediary elements between the radiation source and surrounding equipment/technicians. These shielding barriers act as mediators that protect technicians and equipment from radiation while allowing the CBCT imaging process to proceed normally. The shielding can be positioned strategically to block radiation paths without interfering with the imaging geometry.
2Ease of operation
If animal restraint mechanisms are added for humane positioning, then animal welfare is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex restraints to force the animal into position, the system uses positive reinforcement and voluntary participation. The animal is rewarded for entering the restraint apparatus and for remaining still during imaging. This inverted approach replaces coercive mechanical restraints with incentive-based positioning, simplifying the restraint mechanism while improving animal welfare.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint apparatus is designed to be self-adjusting and self-contained. The animal's own weight and behavior naturally position it within the restraint structure, minimizing the need for external adjustment mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the animal's natural responses to positioning cues and rewards, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining humane treatment.
3Manufacturing precision
If imaging time is extended to capture multiple angles, then imaging completeness is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The CBCT imaging system performs continuous rotation of the X-ray source and detector around the animal extremity, capturing multiple angular views in a single continuous motion. This eliminates the need for repeated positioning and setup, maintaining imaging completeness while significantly reducing total imaging time. The continuous scanning motion ensures all necessary angles are captured without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The animal is pre-positioned and pre-restrained in the correct orientation before imaging begins. The restraint apparatus ensures proper positioning is achieved once, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment cycles during imaging. This preliminary positioning action allows the imaging process to proceed continuously at optimal speed without repeated setup interruptions.
4Ease of operation
If portable imaging capability is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into modular components that can be independently transported and assembled at the imaging location. The CBCT scanner, restraint apparatus, and shielding components can be separated into transportable units, allowing the system to be moved to remote locations while maintaining full functionality. This modular segmentation enables portability without sacrificing imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint apparatus is designed to serve multiple functions: animal positioning, radiation shielding, and imaging support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall portable system while maintaining ease of operation. The universal restraint structure can accommodate different animal sizes and imaging scenarios, enhancing versatility without increasing complexity.
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 efficient, humane, and portable radiographic imaging of animal extremities, addressing the challenges of equipment protection, technician safety, and animal behavior, while optimizing imaging time and resource use.
Implementation Method 1
A moveable x-ray source is disposed within a source housing and is mechanically attached to the support base
Implementation Method 2
A digital radiographic detector is mechanically attached to the support base
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus captures radiographic images of an animal standing on the apparatus. A base portion supports the standing animal and a moveable x-ray source is mechanically attached to the base portion. A digital radiographic detector is also mechanically attached to the base portion, and the x-ray source and the detector are configured to capture a radiographic image or a scan of at least one of the legs of the animal.