Radiation image scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation image scanners face issues where the imaging plate (IP) may warp, causing it to separate from the holding surface, leading to incorrect image reading and potential shadow obstructions from pressing components.
Innovation Solution
A radiation image scanner with a positioning mechanism that adjusts the distance of its distal end edge to ensure the imaging plate remains in contact with the supporting surface, using a positioning surface to press the edge against the surface while minimizing shadow obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressing component is used to press the imaging plate against the holding surface, then the imaging plate contact with the holding surface is improved, but shadow obstruction in the radiation image occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing function is extracted from a separate pressing component and integrated into the positioning mechanism itself. The positioning surface serves dual purposes: positioning the IP and pressing it against the holding surface, eliminating the need for additional pressing components that would cause shadow obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it positions the imaging plate from the outer side of the edge portion and simultaneously presses the edge portion against the holding surface. This multi-functional design eliminates shadow obstructions while ensuring reliable contact.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the imaging plate is held on the holding surface without pressing, then shadow obstruction is suppressed, but the imaging plate may separate from the holding surface due to warpage
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning surface acts as an intermediary that applies localized pressure at the edge portion of the imaging plate. This mediator approach presses only the necessary area (edge portion) to prevent warpage-induced separation without requiring comprehensive pressing that would cause shadow obstructions.
3Force
If the distal end edge of the positioning surface is close to the supporting surface, then pressing effectiveness is improved, but shadow obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning surface is designed with specific geometric characteristics where only the edge portion contacts the imaging plate. This local quality approach concentrates pressing force at the critical edge area while keeping the distal end edge elevated, achieving effective pressing without shadow obstructions in the image area.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the distal end edge of the positioning surface is far from the supporting surface, then shadow obstruction is reduced, but pressing effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning surface is designed with a specific three-dimensional geometry where the edge portion extends toward the imaging plate while the distal end edge remains elevated. This dimensional arrangement allows effective pressing through edge contact while maintaining clearance at the distal end to prevent shadow obstructions.
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
The scanner effectively holds the imaging plate in contact with the supporting surface, ensuring accurate image reading by preventing warpage and reducing shadow obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation light source for irradiating the imaging plate held on the stage body with excitation light; and a photodetector for detecting emission light by the excitation light from the image plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiation image scanner includes: a stage body including a supporting surface; a positioning mechanism with a positioning surface having contact with an edge portion of an imaging plate to position the edge portion from an outer side of the edge portion in an extension direction of the supporting surface and press the edge portion against the supporting surface; an excitation light source; and a photodetector. The positioning mechanism is constituted so that a state can be changed between a first state where a distal end edge is disposed to be away from the supporting surface by a first distance and a second state where the distal end edge is disposed to be away from the supporting surface by a second distance smaller than the first distance.