Visible Light Alignment Assembly for X-ray Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for aligning X-ray generators, collimators, objects, and detectors are inefficient and require significant operator skill, often resulting in unsatisfactory alignments due to environmental factors and the need for multiple test radiographs, wasting resources.
Innovation Solution
A visible light alignment assembly coupled to the X-ray generator projects a focused visible light beam along the same path as the X-ray beam, allowing for quick visual assessment and alignment of components, with an interlock mechanism to prevent simultaneous deployment of visible and X-ray beams, and optional visual and auditory alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mechanical alignment devices and trial-and-error methods are used, then alignment can be achieved, but the process is slow and inefficient requiring multiple test radiographs
Solution Approach 1:
A visible light beam is introduced as an intermediary between the X-ray generator and detector to provide a visual guide for alignment. The light beam follows the same path as the X-ray beam, allowing operators to see the beam trajectory and make precise adjustments without taking multiple test radiographs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment devices (such as lasers and physical alignment tools) with a visible light beam system that provides direct visual feedback. This substitution eliminates the need for trial-and-error mechanical adjustments and multiple test radiographs, significantly improving alignment efficiency
2Measurement precision
If multiple test radiographs are taken to achieve accurate alignment, then alignment precision improves, but physical resources such as film, developer, and fixer are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light beam serves as a mediator that allows operators to visualize the X-ray beam path and make accurate alignments before taking the final radiograph. This eliminates the need for multiple test radiographs and reduces consumption of film, developer, and fixer while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment using the visible light beam before the actual X-ray exposure. Operators can adjust the positioning and orientation of the X-ray generator, collimator, and detector based on the light beam visualization, ensuring accurate alignment is achieved before committing resources to test radiographs
3Measurement precision
If a single reflected laser beam is used to approximate the centerline, then alignment can be established, but accurate estimate of X-ray beam coverage or spread is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light beam acts as an intermediary that accurately represents the X-ray beam path, collimation, and spread. Unlike a reflected laser beam that only shows the centerline, the light beam system provides visual information about the entire beam coverage area, allowing operators to accurately assess and adjust beam spread before exposure
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 rapid and efficient alignment of X-ray components with minimal test radiographs, reducing resource waste and improving alignment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The visible light source projects a bright, focused visible light beam from the X-ray generator directly through the collimator and object or part to be radiographed, without reflection, and to the detector or film
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a bright, focused visible light source that is part of a visible light alignment assembly that is coupled to an X-ray generator. The visible light source projects a bright, focused visible light beam from the X-ray generator through a collimator and object or part to be radiographed and to a detector or film, just as a subsequent X-ray beam eventually is. This allows the operator to quickly and easily visually assess the eventual position and coverage or spread of the X-ray beam and align the X-ray generator, collimator, object or part to be radiographed, and/or detector or film, with a minimum of test radiographs.