Panoramic X-ray Imaging Apparatus with Arc and Linear Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panoramic X-ray imaging apparatuses result in unnecessary X-ray exposure and high manufacturing costs due to the use of large X-ray detectors that image all dental arches, leading to increased X-ray exposure doses for patients and higher production costs.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a movement unit that moves the X-ray generator and detector along an arc, where the X-ray detector is moved in a linear direction at an angle relative to the arc's plane, restricting the X-ray irradiation range and reducing the size of the light receiving area, thereby minimizing exposure and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large X-ray detector is used to image all dental arches, then complete panoramic coverage is achieved, but unnecessary X-ray exposure and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the X-ray detector movable along an arc-shaped path instead of using a large stationary detector. The detector moves to different positions during the imaging process, allowing a smaller detector to capture the entire panoramic view by changing its spatial location. This resolves the contradiction by replacing a large area detector with a smaller one that achieves complete coverage through motion.
2Area of stationary object
If a large X-ray detector is used to image all dental arches, then complete panoramic coverage is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by using a smaller X-ray detector that moves along a predefined arc path. The motion mechanism allows the detector to cover the entire panoramic field of view without requiring a large detector area, thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining complete imaging coverage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the X-ray generator and detector are moved along an arc with linear motion of the detector, then X-ray exposure is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved motion paths for both the X-ray generator and detector, moving them along an arc centered on the patient's head. This curved geometry naturally focuses the X-ray beams on the dental arches while limiting exposure to surrounding areas. The arc-shaped trajectory reduces X-ray exposure to unnecessary regions while the geometric simplicity of the curved path makes the motion mechanism more manageable despite the added movement capability.
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
This approach reduces X-ray exposure doses to patients and decreases manufacturing costs by optimizing the X-ray imaging process, allowing for efficient and cost-effective panoramic imaging with reduced unnecessary X-ray exposure.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator that irradiates an object with X-rays during an exposure period, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the object
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an X-ray generator that irradiates an object with X-rays during an exposure period; an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the object; and a movement unit that moves the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, wherein the X-ray generator is moved along an arc having a radius of curvature within a range with respect to a rotational axis, wherein the motion along the arc starts at a first time point and ends at a second time point, wherein the X-ray detector is moved in a linear direction having an angle with respect to a plane of the arc during at least a partial period of a period between the first time point and the second time point, wherein the motion in a linear direction starts at a third time point that is the same as or later than the first time point and ends at a fourth time point that is the same as or earlier than the second time point, and a first difference between the first time point and the second time point is larger than or equal to a second difference between the third time point and the fourth time point.