Wireless Handheld X-ray Interface Device for Cord Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging systems face challenges in allowing technicians to effectively interact with and monitor the status of the system and patient due to distance and the limitations of cord-based handswitches, which can interfere with equipment and become damaged.
Innovation Solution
A handheld interface device that communicates wirelessly with the X-ray system, enabling technicians to control exposure, receive operational data, and display patient information, while eliminating the need for a physical cord by using wireless communication protocols like IEEE 802.15.4, UWB, or Bluetooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cord-based handswitch is used to allow the technician to trigger the X-ray exposure from a distance, then the technician's safety is improved by reducing radiation exposure, but the cord may interfere with or disrupt other equipment within the room and may become damaged over time due to repeated stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cord from the handswitch system, extracting the harmful element that causes interference with equipment and potential damage. The wireless handswitch eliminates the physical cord while maintaining the ability to trigger X-ray exposure from a distance, thereby preserving technician safety without the associated hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cord-based connection with a wireless communication system. The handswitch communicates with the X-ray system through wireless signals (such as radio frequency communication), substituting the mechanical cord with an electromagnetic field-based transmission medium, thereby eliminating cord-related interference and damage issues.
2Reliability
If the technician is positioned away from the X-ray system behind a shielded barrier, then radiation exposure is reduced, but it becomes difficult for the technician to know the status of and interact with the X-ray system and patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the wireless handswitch system, including visual indicators (such as LEDs) that provide real-time status information about the X-ray system's operational state. The handswitch displays information such as whether the system is ready for exposure, currently exposing, or in error states, enabling the technician to monitor system status without being physically close to the equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless handswitch acts as an intermediary device between the technician and the X-ray system. It transmits control commands wirelessly to trigger exposures and receives status information from the system, mediating the interaction so the technician can control and monitor the system from a safe distance without direct physical contact or proximity to radiation sources.
3Ease of operation
If a cord is extended to allow remote operation of the handswitch, then the technician can operate the system from a greater distance, but the extended cord may interfere with other equipment and become damaged due to repeated stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cord extension with a wireless communication system. The handswitch communicates with the X-ray system through wireless signals, eliminating the need for any physical cord connection. This allows the technician to operate the system from any distance within the wireless signal range without the cord becoming stretched or damaged.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, an X-ray system (10) includes a handheld X-ray interface device (38). The handheld X-ray interface device (38) includes a wireless interface (124) for communicating with an imaging system (12) and for receiving system operational data (146) from the imaging system (12), wherein the handheld X-ray interface device (38) is configured to provide a user detectable indication of the imaging system operational status based upon the received data.