X-Ray CT Sphere Fixture for 3D Spatial Distortion Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utensils for evaluating length measurement errors in X-ray CT devices for three-dimensional shape measurement are limited in their ability to capture spatial distortions and require multiple imaging sessions due to uneven sphere arrangements and instability in positioning, leading to inefficiencies and incomplete evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A utensil with spheres arranged in an XYZ space, including outer and inner circumference spheres at varying Z positions, and a support rod holding mechanism to stabilize the spheres, allowing for uniform positional relationships and reduced imaging times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If spheres are arranged only on the outer circumference of a cylindrical body, then the structure is simple and stable, but the evaluation range is limited to cylindrical regions and cannot capture spatial distortions in the central area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing inner circumference spheres inside the cylindrical body cavity, nested within the outer circumference sphere arrangement. This creates a multi-layered evaluation structure where inner spheres capture central spatial distortions while outer spheres evaluate peripheral regions, solving the limitation of single-circumference arrangements without requiring a completely new structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional outer circumference arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by adding inner circumference spheres at different radial positions and multiple X-Y planes at different Z positions. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive coverage of the entire imaging space including the central region, allowing evaluation of spatial distortions that were previously inaccessible.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple X-ray CT imaging sessions are performed to capture complete spatial distortions, then the evaluation completeness is improved, but the measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning spheres at multiple strategic locations (different Z positions, inner and outer circumferences) before imaging. This pre-arranged configuration ensures that all critical regions for distortion evaluation are captured in a single imaging session, eliminating the need for multiple sequential imaging operations and significantly reducing total measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The utensil achieves multi-functionality by designing a single imaging configuration that simultaneously evaluates multiple aspects of spatial distortion across different regions (central and peripheral, different heights). This universal evaluation capability replaces the need for multiple specialized imaging sessions, capturing comprehensive distortion data in one operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If spheres are positioned without stable fixation, then the setup is simple and quick, but the positional stability deteriorates leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stabilization function from the sphere positioning system by introducing a separate support rod holding mechanism. This dedicated component specifically addresses positional stability without complicating the overall sphere arrangement, providing reliable fixation while maintaining the simplicity of the evaluation geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rod acts as an intermediary element between the base and the spheres. It mediates the connection by providing a stable, fixed structure that holds spheres at precise positions, ensuring reliability without requiring complex direct fixation methods. The intermediary support rod simplifies the overall system while enhancing positional stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A utensil for evaluating a length measurement error in an X-ray CT device for three-dimensional shape measurement is provided. The utensil is configured for use on a rotation stage of the X-ray CT device for three-dimensional shape measurement such that a Z axis as a rotation axis of the rotation stage coincides with a center of a cylindrical imaging space. The utensil comprises a base; and multiple spheres arranged in an XYZ space on the base corresponding to the imaging space. The multiple spheres include an outer circumference side sphere arranged on one outer circumferential circle around the Z axis in each of multiple X-Y planes having different Z positions. A radius of an outer circumferential circle on which the outer circumference side sphere is arranged in each of the multiple X-Y planes is same and coordinates (X, Y) of an outer circumference side sphere arranged in all of the multiple X-Y planes are different. Multiple outer circumference side spheres include two sets of two spheres symmetrically arranged with respect to the Z axis.