Rolling Yoke Mount for Intra-oral 3D X-ray Tomosynthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental x-ray sources lack the capability to be scanned through a limited scan angle, limiting their ability to provide 3D information about dental anatomy, which is essential for tomosynthesis imaging, and are often cumbersome and expensive, unlike x-ray computed tomography machines.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable x-ray source mounting system that allows rotation around yaw, pitch, and roll axes, equipped with a motorized translation stage and cam channel, enabling precise positioning and scanning of the x-ray source for tomosynthesis imaging without the need for large, expensive CT machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dental x-ray sources are used, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the capability to scan through limited angles for 3D imaging is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates motorized actuators that enable dynamic positioning of the x-ray source along a curved path, allowing it to scan through limited angles. This transforms a static mounting system into a dynamic one capable of multi-angle imaging for tomosynthesis while maintaining relative simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can position the x-ray source for both conventional 2D radiography and 3D tomosynthesis imaging. The same mechanical structure supports both stationary and scanning operations, making the system versatile without requiring separate dedicated equipment.
2Measurement precision
If x-ray CT machines are used for 3D imaging, then comprehensive 3D information is obtained, but the equipment is large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a full 360-degree CT scanning system, the invention uses a mounting system that scans through limited angles (typically 20-40 degrees). This partial scanning approach provides sufficient 3D information for dental tomosynthesis while dramatically reducing system complexity, size, and cost compared to complete CT machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential scanning capability needed for dental tomosynthesis from the complex CT machine architecture. By removing unnecessary components and focusing solely on limited-angle scanning with a simplified mounting system, the system achieves 3D imaging functionality without the bulk and expense of full CT equipment.
3Ease of operation
If manual positioning of x-ray source is used, then the system is simple, but positioning precision and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized mounting system automatically positions the x-ray source according to pre-programmed trajectories and angles. The system serves itself by using motors and controllers to achieve precise positioning without requiring manual adjustment, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining acceptable complexity through automated control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable mount for positioning an x-ray source comprising a vertical member that can swivel around a yaw ax¬ is, a circular arc-shaped yoke having two ends and passing through the vertical member, a gantry attached to the two ends of the yoke, and an x-ray source attached to the gantry. The x-ray source can be rotated around the yaw axis by swiveling the vertical member, pitched around a pitch axis by pitching the gantry, and/or rotated around a roll axis by passing the yoke through the vertical member. A method for x-ray imaging that includes centering an x-ray source at an aiming position within an adjustable mount, and aiming the centered x-ray source at an x-ray sensor by rotating the x-ray source around a roll axis of the adjustable mount. An x-ray source mounting system comprising an x-ray source and an adjustable mount to which the x-ray source is attached.