Panoramic X-ray Detector Vertical Displacement Shoulder Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The resolution of panoramic X-ray images is limited due to the inability to bring the X-ray detector closer to the imaging target region without risking contact with the patient's shoulder, as correcting the patient's posture does not adequately position the detector for improved resolution.
Innovation Solution
A panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus with a support system that includes a turning arm for the X-ray generator and detector, a processor controlling their movement, and a vertical drive mechanism to adjust the detector's position, ensuring it remains clear of the shoulder while optimizing its proximity to the imaging subject.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the X-ray detector is brought closer to the imaging target region to improve resolution, then the resolution of the panoramic image is improved, but the risk of the detector hitting the patient's shoulder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the detector's position during the panoramic imaging process. The second motor enables the detector housing to move in addition to the rotational movement, allowing real-time position optimization to maintain close proximity to the head while avoiding shoulder contact throughout the imaging arc.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from purely rotational movement to combined rotational and translational movement. By adding the vertical displacement component through the second motor, the detector can navigate in an additional dimension, allowing it to clear the shoulder obstacle while maintaining optimal imaging distance from the head.
2Reliability
If the patient's posture is corrected to prevent shoulder hitting, then the safety is improved, but the X-ray detector cannot be positioned closer to the imaging target region
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on static posture correction, the system dynamically compensates for anatomical variations by actively adjusting the detector position during imaging. The coordinated control of both motors allows the system to adapt to different patient geometries in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by introducing an additional degree of freedom through the second motor. This enables the detector to achieve optimal positioning by adjusting not only the rotation angle but also the vertical position, thereby resolving the conflict between safety and image quality.
3Device complexity
If a single rotational movement is used for panoramic imaging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to avoid shoulder contact while improving resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into two independently controlled components: the first motor for rotational movement and the second motor for vertical displacement. This segmentation allows each motor to perform its specific function optimally while working together to achieve the overall imaging goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-motor support system provides multi-functionality by combining rotational positioning and vertical displacement capabilities. This universal support structure can accommodate various imaging scenarios and patient anatomies, making the system adaptable to different requirements while maintaining relatively simple architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray generating unit; an X-ray detecting unit; a support that supports the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray detecting unit; a drive mechanism that turns at least the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray detecting unit by driving the support; a displacement mechanism that adds movement including a displacement component in a direction different from the turning to the X-ray detecting unit; a subject holding unit that holds an imaging subject; a turning controller that controls the turning by a drive mechanism and the displacement mechanism. The turning controller controls the drive mechanism and the displacement mechanism so as to add the movement avoiding the contact with the shoulder of the imaging subject during the turning of the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray detecting unit by the drive mechanism during the panoramic X-ray imaging.