ROI Filter Module With Swivel-Joint Guidance for Compact Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ROI filter modules require significant installation space and complexity due to the use of linear rails, which limits their applicability in scenarios with limited space and increases the mass and cost of the system.
Innovation Solution
The ROI filter module employs a kinematic guiding apparatus with swivel joints that allow the filter disk to move dynamically within a movement plane, reducing the installation space requirement and complexity by using swivel joints instead of linear rails, enabling a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linear rails are used to guide the filter disk, then the filter disk can move dynamically, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear rail guidance (one-dimensional constraint) to swivel joint guidance (rotational constraint in a different dimension). The filter disk is guided by swivel joints that allow rotation about an axis perpendicular to the movement plane, effectively using a different spatial dimension to achieve dynamic positioning while reducing the footprint in the original movement plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional linear rail mechanical guidance system with a swivel joint-based mechanical system. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive linear rail structures and reduces the overall installation space while maintaining the capability for dynamic movement of the filter disk.
2Ease of operation
If linear rails are used for guidance, then the filter disk can be moved, but the mass of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy linear rail components from the system, retaining only the essential swivel joints and support structures. This extraction of unnecessary heavy elements significantly reduces the overall mass of the filter module while preserving the dynamic movement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the guidance mechanism to swivel joints that operate in a different spatial dimension (rotation about a perpendicular axis), the patent eliminates the need for massive linear rail structures, thereby reducing the moving mass while maintaining movement capability.
3Ease of operation
If linear rails are used, then the filter disk can be guided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex linear rail assembly, guide blocks, and associated mounting structures, replacing them with simpler swivel joints. This extraction of unnecessary complex components significantly simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the guidance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies the guidance mechanism by using swivel joints that operate in a different dimension (rotation about a perpendicular axis), which are inherently simpler structures than linear rails. This dimensional change reduces structural complexity while preserving the ability to guide the filter disk dynamically.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more example embodiments relates to an ROI filter module, a collimator, an X-ray tube assembly and an imaging modality. The inventive ROI filter module includes a filter unit including a holding apparatus and a filter disk, the filter disk connected to the holding apparatus, the filter disk including at least one cylindrical filter cutout; and a kinematic guiding apparatus configured to move the filter unit within a movement plane, the kinematic guiding apparatus including, a first swivel joint, and a second swivel joint, a rotational axis of the first swivel joint and a rotational axis of the second swivel joint are spaced apart, are aligned parallel, and are perpendicular to the movement plane, wherein the second swivel joint is rotatable about the rotational axis of the first swivel joint, and the filter unit is rotatable about the rotational axis of the second swivel joint.