Compact Veterinary X-Ray System with Movable Source and Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation diagnosis machines for companion animals are costly, require significant space, and necessitate anesthesia, making them impractical for typical animal hospitals and potentially unsafe for animals that cannot be anesthetized due to health or age-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact companion animal diagnosis apparatus featuring a radiation irradiation unit, detector, driving unit, sensor, and communication unit that allows for wireless control, enabling radiation diagnosis without anesthesia by adjusting positions to accommodate freely moving animals and automatically irradiating radiation when the animal is in the correct position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional radiation diagnosis machine is used for companion animals, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the cost and installation space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radiation diagnosis system into separate movable components (radiation source unit and detector unit) that can be independently positioned on rails, rather than using a single large fixed machine. This segmentation allows the system to achieve diagnostic accuracy comparable to large machines while requiring minimal installation space suitable for veterinary clinics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a fixed two-dimensional imaging approach to a three-dimensional positioning system where the radiation source and detector can move along rails in multiple directions. This dimensional freedom allows the system to achieve accurate diagnostics with a compact footprint by positioning components optimally in space rather than requiring a large fixed installation.
2Measurement precision
If a conventional radiation diagnosis machine is used for companion animals, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into independent movable units (radiation source on a movable unit, detector on another movable unit) rather than a single complex fixed machine, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. Each segment can be independently controlled and positioned, simplifying the operational workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of the radiation source and detector along rails, replacing the static complex structure of conventional machines. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its configuration for different diagnostic needs while maintaining simplicity in each individual component, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If anesthesia is administered to prevent movement during radiography, then image quality is improved, but the operational complexity and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the biological control mechanism (anesthesia to immobilize the animal) with a mechanical solution (fast positioning systems that can capture images in extremely short time intervals). The rapid mechanical positioning and fast imaging capability eliminates the need for anesthesia while maintaining image quality, thereby reducing operational complexity and risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the radiation source and detector to optimal locations before image capture, and uses extremely fast imaging techniques to capture the image before the animal can move. This preliminary action approach ensures image quality without requiring anesthesia, simplifying the operational process.
4Ease of operation
If a compact radiation diagnosis apparatus is used for companion animals, then ease of operation is improved, but the radiation irradiation control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the positions of the radiation source and detector are continuously monitored and adjusted. The system receives position information from sensors and automatically compensates for positioning variations, ensuring precise radiation irradiation control despite the compact and movable design. This feedback loop maintains irradiation precision while preserving ease of operation.
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
Enables cost-effective, space-efficient radiation diagnosis of companion animals without the need for anesthesia, reducing discomfort and operational complexity, and allowing for the diagnosis of animals that cannot be anesthetized, thereby expanding the applicability of radiation diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation irradiation unit configured to generate radiation and irradiate the radiation toward a diagnosis object
Implementation Method 2
a detector disposed to face the radiation irradiation unit and configured to detect the radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4(a)~4(c)
AI summary
An apparatus for diagnosing a companion animal with radiation is provided. The apparatus includes a radiation irradiation unit configured to generate the radiation and irradiate the radiation toward a diagnosis object; a detector disposed to face the radiation irradiation unit and configured to detect the radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit; a driving unit configured to adjust positions of the radiation irradiation unit and the detector; and a communication unit configured to communicate with an external device in a wireless manner, wherein the driving unit adjusts the positions of the radiation irradiation unit and the detector such that the diagnosis object is located between the radiation irradiation unit and the detector, and the radiation irradiation unit irradiates the radiation toward the diagnosis object when the diagnosis object is located between the radiation irradiation unit and the detector.