Digital Radiography Sensor Cassette with Motorized Linear Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray imaging systems face challenges in providing a flexible and cost-effective solution for performing multiple imaging modes, particularly in protecting expensive CT detectors while allowing manual detachment of panoramic detectors for cephalographic imaging, and requiring a single movement mechanism for all necessary detector positioning and scanning movements.
Innovation Solution
A combined imaging apparatus with a CT detector enclosed for protection, a manually detachable panoramic detector, and a cephalometric detector on a supporting structure, all enabled by a motor-driven linear actuator for horizontal movement, allowing symmetric or asymmetric alignment for different imaging modes, and a secondary collimator for generating a fan-shaped beam for cephalometric scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single sensor is used for multiple imaging modes, then cost is reduced and versatility is improved, but the CT detector needs protection from damage during non-CT operations
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple detachable detector modules: a CT detector module, a panoramic detector module, and a cephalometric detector module. Each module can be independently attached or detached from the sensor support structure. This segmentation allows the CT detector to be protected by detaching it during non-CT operations while enabling versatile multi-mode imaging by attaching the appropriate detector for each imaging mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detectors are provided for different imaging modes, then imaging versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of detectors (CT, panoramic, cephalometric) through standardized attachment mechanisms. The rotating arm assembly and sensor support structure can position any attached detector in the correct location for its specific imaging mode. This universality allows the system to achieve multi-mode imaging capability without requiring separate dedicated structures for each detector type, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detectors are positioned at different locations, then imaging flexibility is improved, but the mechanism for positioning and moving detectors becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanisms for multiple detectors are merged into a single integrated rotating arm assembly. The sensor support structure, which holds the selected detector, is attached to the rotating arm that can rotate to position the detector at different angular locations corresponding to different imaging modes. This merging of positioning functions into a single mechanical system reduces the complexity compared to having separate positioning mechanisms for each detector.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual detachment of panoramic detector is allowed for cephalographic imaging, then adaptability is improved, but reliability and ease of operation are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment and detachment mechanisms are pre-configured and clearly marked on the sensor support structure and detector modules. The quick-release latches and alignment features are designed to guide the operator through the attachment/detachment process in a predetermined sequence, making the operation intuitive and reducing the likelihood of errors. This preliminary design of the interaction sequence improves ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
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 and cost-effective performance of panoramic, CT, and cephalometric imaging with a single movement mechanism, protecting the CT detector and allowing flexible detector positioning, thereby simplifying the system and reducing ownership costs.
Implementation Method 1
a motor-driven linear actuator for horizontal movement
Implementation Method 2
a secondary collimator for generating a fan-shaped beam for cephalometric scanning
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
X-ray apparatus for digital radiography with a rotating arm where the X-ray source and X-ray sensor cassette are opposite mounted. The source has a primary collimator to adjust the X-ray beam size according to the selected imaging modality. The sensor cassette encloses a first X-ray detector for a first imaging mode, while a second X-ray detector for a second imaging mode is detachably mounted on the external side of the sensor cassette. The sensor cassette accommodates a second collimator to create a fan shaped X-ray beam for a third imaging modality. The sensor cassette has a linear motorized movement which is used for: - alignment of the X-ray beam with respect to the first and second detector; - positioning of the first detector in the first imaging mode to achieve an extended view; - scanning movement during the third imaging modality synchronized with the horizontal movement of a third X-ray detector.