Rotating Subject Holding Mechanism for Stable 3D X-Ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses struggle to stably hold heavy subjects during rotation, as conventional subject holding mechanisms fail to provide adequate stability when capturing three-dimensional images.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray imaging apparatus incorporates a subject holding mechanism with a pair of graspers, fasteners, and a holder, equipped with first and second fixed position adjusters, allowing for precise adjustment and stable grasping of the subject, even if it is heavy, by rotating the subject about a rotation axis intersecting the X-ray irradiation axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional subject holding mechanism with a single grasper is used, then the device complexity is low, but the stability and reliability of holding heavy subjects during rotation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The subject holding mechanism is segmented into multiple independent graspers (at least two graspers) that can be individually positioned and adjusted. Each grasper is equipped with its own fixed position adjuster, allowing independent control of their positions relative to the rotation axis. This segmentation enables stable holding of heavy subjects by distributing the holding force across multiple points while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fixed position of graspers is fixed, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different subject sizes and weights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grasper positions are made dynamic and adjustable through fixed position adjusters that allow each grasper to be repositioned along the rotation axis. This enables the system to adapt to different subject sizes, shapes, and weights by optimizing the position of each grasper individually. The adjusters provide a balance between adaptability and complexity by offering discrete position adjustments rather than continuous complex control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a single grasper is used to hold the subject, then the device complexity is low, but the stability during rotation of heavy subjects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple graspers are merged into a single integrated subject holding mechanism that operates together under unified control. The graspers work in combination to provide stable holding of heavy subjects during rotation, with their collective action compensating for the increased complexity. The merging of multiple graspers into one coordinated system achieves enhanced reliability while keeping the overall mechanism manageable through integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus according to this invention includes an X-ray irradiator, an X-ray detector and a subject holding mechanism; the subject holding mechanism includes a subject grasping mechanism including a pair of graspers and a holder, and a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the subject grasping mechanism; the holder includes a first fixed position adjuster and a second fixed position adjuster; and one of the pair of graspers is fixed to the holder at a position that is adjusted by the first fixed position adjuster, and the another of the pair of graspers is fixed to the holder at a position that is adjusted by the second fixed position adjuster.