Rotatable X-ray Shielding Slats for Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatuses face issues with heavy X-ray shielding mechanisms that deform due to weight, disrupt operator views, and require cumbersome dummy weights to maintain balance, increasing operator workload and imaging time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a proximity operative X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus with a shielding mechanism comprising freely movable X-ray shielding slats that rotate around a short side axis, allowing for switching between shielding and releasing states without removing the slats, thus maintaining system balance and reducing operator workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a heavy sheet-like shielding material is used to block X-ray exposure, then the X-ray exposed dose for the operator is reduced, but the shielding material deforms due to its own weight when installed vertically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous sheet-like shielding material into multiple separate shielding slats (first shielding slat, second shielding slat, third shielding slat, etc.). Each slat is an independent component that can be individually supported and positioned, preventing the deformation issue that occurs with large continuous sheets while maintaining effective X-ray shielding coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding slats are designed to be rotatable around the short side direction axis of the table, transitioning from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable configuration. This allows the slats to be rotated to different angles and positions, enabling flexible adaptation to various imaging scenarios while maintaining structural integrity and preventing deformation.
2Illumination intensity
If the heavy X-ray shielding mechanism is removed to improve operator visibility, then the operator can better observe the subject, but the weight balance of the X-ray imaging system is changed, worsening operability
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding slats are designed as rotatable components that can be dynamically adjusted between different positions. When not needed for shielding, they can be rotated out of the operator's view path to improve visibility, yet remain attached to the system to maintain weight balance. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between visibility and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding slat mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides X-ray shielding when rotated to the blocking position, and can be rotated to an open position when shielding is not required. This multi-functionality allows the same component to serve both protective and visibility needs without requiring separate mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the X-ray shielding mechanism is made arbitrary removable to avoid deformation, then the shielding can be adjusted flexibly, but the workload on the operator increases and the time needed for imaging becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable shielding slats provide continuous adjustability without requiring complete removal or installation of components. The slats can be quickly rotated to different positions during the imaging process, offering flexible adaptation to various scenarios while maintaining a constant system configuration that eliminates the time-consuming dummy weight connection/disconnection operations.
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
This configuration prevents deformation of shielding slats, maintains system operability, and enhances convenience by eliminating the need for dummy weights, allowing for efficient X-ray dose reduction and improved operator visibility.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube that irradiates X-ray and an X-ray detector that detects the X-ray irradiated therefrom
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray shielding mechanism having a plurality of X-ray shielding slats... switches a shielding state, in which the X-ray exposure to the operator S is blocked
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray shielding unit 19 includes a plurality of shielding slats, freely movable with an imaging system that is in place above a table, and each free end of the shielding slats extends toward the table and is the slats are arrayed in parallel along the long side of the table. A shielding switching element switches the X-ray shielding unit between a shielding state in which the X-ray exposure to the operator S is blocked and a releasing state. The shielding switching element includes a slat rotation mechanism rotating respective shielding slats on a short side axis of the table, and the slat rotation mechanism rotates the shielding slats during switching of the shielding state.