Radiography Source Tracker Holder for Protected Location Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiography source projectors face challenges in tracking their location due to the risk of damage or loss of tracking units in harsh industrial environments, necessitating a secure and protected storage solution for tracker modules.

Innovation Solution

A tracker module holder is integrated into the radiography system, which securely houses a commercial off-the-shelf tracker module, such as an Apple® AirTag® or Tile® Pro tracker, allowing easy insertion and removal, and communicates its identifier wirelessly to an external computing device for precise location tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tracker module is attached to the radiography system, then location tracking capability is improved, but the tracker module is vulnerable to damage or loss in harsh industrial environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation tracking reliabilityVSAvoiddamage and loss of tracker module

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated tracker module holder is introduced as an intermediary component between the tracker module and the harsh environment. The holder is made of rugged materials designed to withstand industrial conditions, protecting the delicate tracker module while maintaining its tracking functionality. The holder acts as a mediator that shields the tracker from physical damage, drops, and environmental hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracker module is extracted from direct exposure to the harsh environment by placing it inside a specialized holder. This separation allows the tracker to function reliably while the holder absorbs the environmental stressors. The tracker module can be easily removed and replaced if needed, while the holder remains as the protective interface with the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the tracker module is securely enclosed, then protection from damage is improved, but access to the tracker module becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from damageVSAvoidaccess to tracker module

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into two distinct components: a protective holder and a removable tracker module. The holder provides robust protection and remains permanently attached to the radiography system, while the tracker module is designed as a separate, easily removable component. This segmentation allows the tracker to be accessed, replaced, or upgraded without affecting the protective structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder incorporates dynamic access mechanisms such as snap-fit lids, magnetic releases, or tool-free openings that allow quick access to the tracker module when needed. These mechanisms maintain protection during normal operation but enable rapid access when required, adapting the level of protection based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250364150A1Radiography sources and radiation exposure devices having tracker module holders

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 QSA GLOBAL INC

AI summary

Disclosed example radiographic source projectors include: a source housing configured to house a radiographic source capsule and to selectively expose the radiographic source capsule for radiographic imaging; a jacket holding the source housing and comprising a handle for carrying the source housing; and a removable tracker module; and a tracker module holder configured to accept the removable tracker module and to retain the removable tracker module within a cavity of the jacket.