Portable X-ray Apparatus Using Carbon Nanotubes and Liquid Lead Shielding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable X-ray apparatuses for dental purposes suffer from poor image quality, high power consumption, short battery life, lengthy charging times, lack of compactness, and inadequate safety measures against radiation exposure for users.
Innovation Solution
A portable carbon nanotube- and filament-type X-ray apparatus featuring a control unit, high-voltage apparatus with carbon nanotubes, and super capacitors for immediate charging, combined with a compact silicone-based insulator and safety shielding to reduce radiation exposure, enabling low-dose exposure, reduced power consumption, and enhanced operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional X-ray apparatus uses lead and insulating oil for shielding and insulation, then radiation protection and high-voltage insulation are ensured, but the apparatus becomes heavy and bulky, making it difficult to store, operate and move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the shielding material from solid lead to liquid lead, and replaces solid insulating oil with aerogel insulation. This parameter change allows the shielding function to be maintained while dramatically reducing weight and enabling compact integration of components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures including aerogel-insulated lead liquid chambers combined with carbon nanotube filaments. This composite approach provides both radiation shielding and electrical insulation functions while maintaining a compact, lightweight design
2Power
If conventional X-ray apparatus uses filament heating, then electron emission is achieved, but power consumption is high and performance deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal field-based filament heating mechanism with a field emission mechanism using carbon nanotubes. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature heating, dramatically reducing power consumption while improving reliability through solid-state electron emission without mechanical wear
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electron emission mechanism from thermal emission (filament heating) to field emission (carbon nanotube electron tunneling). This parameter change in the emission mechanism enables low-power operation with stable performance over time
3Ease of operation
If portable X-ray apparatus is used for dental photography, then mobility and convenience are improved, but radiation exposure to the operator's hand and body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the shielding material from solid lead to liquid lead contained in flexible chambers, allowing the shielding structure to adapt to the portable apparatus geometry while maintaining radiation protection. The liquid lead can be shaped to provide optimal protection without adding excessive weight or bulk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested shielding structures where lead liquid chambers are positioned within the apparatus housing, with additional shielding layers arranged concentrically. This nested arrangement provides comprehensive radiation protection while minimizing the overall apparatus size for portability
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional X-ray apparatus uses a 0.8 mm focal spot, then the apparatus structure is simple, but image quality is poor and images are not clearly seen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the focal spot size parameter from 0.8 mm to a smaller dimension by using carbon nanotube array structures with precisely controlled geometry. This parameter change in focal spot dimensions enables higher image resolution and quality while maintaining apparatus simplicity
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
The solution provides improved image quality, extended lifespan, rapid charging, a lightweight design, and enhanced user safety, ensuring reliable operation with reduced radiation exposure and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a portable carbon nanotube- and filament-type X-ray apparatus, to which CNTs are applied... thanks to omission of filaments
Implementation Method 2
which has a high-voltage capacitor and a high-voltage diode disposed in a sandwich structure
Implementation Method 3
which has a high-voltage capacitor and a high-voltage diode disposed in a sandwich structure
Implementation Method 4
a safety measure to protect users against radiation... uses lead and insulating oil so as to shield X-rays
Implementation Method 5
super capacitors for immediate charging... performs the function of an immediate charge for about 1 to 10 minutes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable carbon nanotube- and filament-type X-ray apparatus and a method for controlling same. The present invention comprises: a control unit for controlling a portable carbon nanotube- and filament-type X-ray apparatus; and a high-voltage apparatus, of an X-ray source, which is connected to the control unit, has carbon nanotubes (CNT) applied to the high-voltage apparatus of the X-ray source, enables a low-dose exposure by means of detailed control, enables significant reduction of power consumption due to omission of filaments, and has a high-voltage capacitor and a high-voltage diode structure disposed in a sandwiched structure such that the size of the high-voltage apparatus is reduced. The present invention, which is characterized as above, provides improved image quality, assurance of long life, low power consumption, battery-less characteristic, rapid charging, a compact and lightweight structure, enhanced operability and stable exposure measures for an X-ray apparatus used mostly for dental purposes. Therefore, the present invention greatly enhances the reliability of the X-ray apparatus, thereby satisfying various user needs and creating a positive image.