X-ray Imaging Cover Segmentation for Large SID

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a large Source Image Receptor Distance (SID) due to restricted movement of the X-ray tube support mechanism, where a gap forms between covers when trying to increase the SID, limiting the range of motion and coverage of the supporting columns.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a nested structure with a fixed cover, a moving cover, an intermediate cover, and a constant force spring to maintain the positional relationship between covers, allowing for adequate coverage of the supporting columns even at large SID settings, ensuring the moving and fixed columns are covered and preventing restricted movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the moving cover is increased in size to cover the moving supporting column when SID is large, then the coverage is improved, but the moving region of the moving supporting column is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage area of coverVSAvoidmoving region of moving supporting column

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cover system is segmented into three parts: fixed cover, intermediate cover, and moving cover. The intermediate cover is further divided into fixed portion and moving portion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the fixed cover remains stationary, the intermediate cover provides bridging coverage, and the moving cover follows the moving supporting column, collectively ensuring full coverage without restricting movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate cover acts as an intermediary element between the fixed cover and the moving cover. It bridges the gap that would otherwise form between these two covers when the SID is large, ensuring continuous coverage of the supporting columns while allowing the moving cover to maintain its engagement with the moving supporting column

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If the moving cover is kept small to maintain moving region, then the moving region is preserved, but a gap is generated between covers when SID is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoving region of moving supporting columnVSAvoidcoverage area of cover

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cover system is segmented into three parts: fixed cover, intermediate cover, and moving cover. The intermediate cover is further divided into fixed portion and moving portion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the fixed cover remains stationary, the intermediate cover provides bridging coverage, and the moving cover follows the moving supporting column, collectively ensuring full coverage without restricting movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate cover acts as an intermediary element between the fixed cover and the moving cover. It bridges the gap that would otherwise form between these two covers when the SID is large, ensuring continuous coverage of the supporting columns while allowing the moving cover to maintain its engagement with the moving supporting column

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration ensures that the outer peripheral portions of both supporting columns are covered, maintaining a constant relationship between covers regardless of the mechanism's posture, preventing restricted movement and allowing for effective adjustment of the SID.

Implementation Method 1

an energizing member configured to energize the intermediate cover to a side of the fixed cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConstant force spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11143602B2X-ray imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

An X-ray imaging apparatus capable of covering outer peripheral portions of a fixed and moving supporting columns by a cover even when an SID is set to be large in a configuration in which an imaging system is rotated about an axis extending in a horizontal direction. The supporting column mechanism is provided with a fixed supporting column and a moving supporting column. A fixed cover is arranged at the outer peripheral portion of the fixed supporting column. A moving cover which moves together with the moving supporting column is arranged. An intermediate cover movable in the same direction as the moving cover is arranged between the fixed cover and the moving cover. Between the fixed supporting column and the moving cover, a constant force spring as an energizing member for energizing the intermediate cover to the side of the fixed cover is arranged.