Radiographic Source Connector Keying for Capsule Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiography systems lack effective mechanisms to prevent incorrect or unauthorized replacement of radiographic source capsules, which can lead to regulatory non-compliance and safety risks due to mismatches in shielding materials and operational knowledge.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a keyed locking system for radiographic source assemblies and projectors that ensures only compatible and authorized radiographic source assemblies can be connected and locked in place, using a control connector with keying and lock retention features, and a connector lock assembly with a sliding lock and biasing members to secure the correct alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a keyed locking system is implemented, then safety and regulatory compliance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control connector incorporates asymmetric keying features including a keyway with specific orientation, a protrusion positioned at a defined location, and a recess with particular geometry. These asymmetric features ensure that only connectors with matching keying characteristics can be properly inserted and locked, preventing incorrect or unauthorized source capsule replacements while maintaining systematic complexity through standardized asymmetric design elements
2Reliability
If a keyed locking system is implemented, then regulatory compliance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control connector is pre-configured with specific keying features including a keyway, protrusion, and recess that are manufactured into the connector structure. The source projector is pre-equipped with corresponding locking features and a biasing member that automatically engages the locking mechanism. This preliminary configuration ensures that only properly keyed connectors can be inserted, and the biasing member automatically maintains the locked state without requiring additional manual actions during operation
3Reliability
If locking retention features are added to the control connector, then reliability of connection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism integrates multiple functions into unified structural features: the keyway serves both as an insertion guide and as a locking engagement feature; the protrusion and recess combine to form an interlocking mechanism that provides both positioning and retention; the biasing member integrates with the connector housing to provide automatic locking force. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components required while maintaining connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed example radiographic source assemblies include: a radiographic source capsule comprising a sealed radiographic material; a drive cable connected to the radiographic source capsule at a distal end of the drive cable; and a control connector, a distal end of the remote control connector being connected to a proximal end of the drive cable and configured to receive a remote connector, the control connector comprising a lock retention feature and a keying feature positioned closer than the lock retention feature to the proximal end of the control connector.