Single Detector Dental CBCT Apparatus with Motorized Relocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiographic apparatuses for panoramic, teleradiographic, and CBCT imaging are costly, prone to detector breakage due to manual relocation, require multiple patient positioning systems, and prolong acquisition time when performing multiple imaging modalities in a single session.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with two X-ray sources and a single, versatile X-ray detector that can perform all imaging modalities without relocation, using means to adjust and remove obstacles in the X-ray path, allowing for simultaneous panoramic, teleradiographic, and CBCT acquisitions with reduced patient and operator time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single X-ray detector is used and manually relocated for different acquisitions, then equipment cost is reduced, but the risk of detector breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic relocation of the X-ray detector through motorized positioning systems, transforming the static detector position into a dynamic, controllable configuration. This eliminates manual handling and reduces breakage risk while maintaining cost-effectiveness of a single detector
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automated control mechanisms that self-adjust the detector position based on the selected imaging mode (PAN, CBCT, or teleradiography), eliminating the need for operator intervention and thereby preventing accidental drops and damage
2Device complexity
If one X-ray detector is manually relocated to perform different acquisitions, then equipment complexity is reduced, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray detector is equipped with automated positioning capabilities that allow rapid, program-controlled relocation between different imaging positions. This dynamic system enables quick switching between PAN, CBCT, and teleradiography modes without manual intervention, significantly reducing acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions the X-ray detector and X-ray source according to the selected imaging mode before acquisition begins. All necessary adjustments are made in advance through automated mechanisms, eliminating time-consuming manual reconfiguration during the imaging session
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple patient positioning systems are provided for PAN/CBCT and teleradiography, then imaging versatility is improved, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal patient positioning system that can accommodate all three imaging modes (PAN, CBCT, and teleradiography) through a single integrated structure. The system achieves versatility not through multiple dedicated positioning systems, but through one multi-functional platform that adapts to different imaging requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patient positioning system incorporates dynamic, adjustable components that can be reconfigured for different imaging modalities. This allows a single positioning system to replace multiple fixed systems, reducing equipment cost while maintaining full imaging capability across PAN, CBCT, and teleradiography
4Measurement precision
If the X-ray detector is positioned at greater distance for teleradiography, then image quality is improved, but the C-arc dimension becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic extension mechanism that allows the C-arc structure to extend beyond its standard dimension when teleradiography is required. This dynamic capability enables the system to achieve the necessary source-to-detector distance for high-quality teleradiographic images without being constrained by the fixed C-arc dimension
Solution Approach 2:
The C-arc structure is divided into modular segments that can be extended or reconfigured. This segmentation allows the system to extend the effective length of the C-arc when needed for teleradiography, providing the required distance for optimal image quality while maintaining a compact base configuration
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
The solution reduces the risk of detector damage, lowers equipment costs, and streamlines the imaging process by allowing all acquisitions to be performed with a single patient positioning system, reducing acquisition time and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an first X-ray source (27) and a second X-ray source (207), each positioned at an appropriate distance from an X-ray sensor (28)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Apparatus (21) for acquiring panoramic, teleradiographic and optionally CBCT volumetric dental radiographies, is proposed which comprises a support holding a rotary arm (26), which in its turn supports at one end a first X-ray source (27) and at the other end an X-ray detector (28) at a suitable distance for acquiring panoramic and optionally CBCT volumetric images. The apparatus further comprises only one patient positioning system (25), and a second X-ray source (207) at a distance from detector (28) suitable for acquiring cranial teleradiographies.