X-ray Imaging Column Weight Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging apparatuses are cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, especially for patients with mobility issues, as they require the patient to move to a fixed location, and the column extension mechanism is heavy and slow to adjust, limiting flexibility and mobility.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a column extension system that includes a first column, a movable second column, an arm, and weight compensators connected by wires and elastic members, allowing for manual adjustment of the X-ray source's position without a separate driving source or heavy weights, using spring balancers and pulleys to provide uniform force and reduce the overall weight of the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a heavy column extension mechanism is used to support the X-ray source, then the structural stability is improved, but the mobility and ease of maneuvering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles by using spring balancers that provide upward force to compensate for the weight of the column and arm. The spring balancer includes a spring that expands and contracts to balance the gravitational force on the column, making the heavy structure feel weightless to the operator and enabling easy mobility while maintaining structural stability
2Speed
If a separate driving source is added to extend the column, then the adjustment speed is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The column extension mechanism operates through self-service principles where the spring balancer automatically provides the force needed for column extension and retraction. The elastic member stores and releases energy to assist movement, and the system uses its own weight and the spring's stored energy rather than requiring an external motor or driving source, achieving fast adjustment without added complexity
3Strength
If the column and arm structure is made heavier to support the X-ray source, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the overall weight of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring balancer acts as a counterweight mechanism that offsets the weight of the column and arm. The spring is configured to expand when the column moves upward, providing an upward force that balances the downward gravitational force. This allows the use of lighter column materials while maintaining the ability to support the X-ray source, reducing the overall apparatus weight while preserving load-bearing capacity
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 flexible positioning of the X-ray source at various angles and ranges, facilitates easy movement by reducing the weight and complexity of the column system, and allows for quicker adjustment of the X-ray source's position, enhancing mobility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member connected to the arm and providing an elastic force such that the arm is moved by a uniform force regardless of the position of the second column
Implementation Method 2
The weight compensator may include a spring balancer to which the wire is connected and that is provided to compensate for the weight of the second column and the arm
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes a first column connected to a main body, a second column connected to the first column and provided to be movable relative to the first column, an arm connected to the second column and slidably provided along the second column, and a weight compensator provided to compensate for the weight of the second column and the arm, wherein the weight compensator, the second column and the arm are connected by a wire, and the second column is provided with an elastic member connected to the arm and providing an elastic force such that the arm is moved by a uniform force regardless of the position of the second column.