X-ray Detector Holder with Ball and Socket Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling of portable digital x-ray detectors leads to motion artifacts in images and is physically demanding due to their weight, making it difficult for radiologists to position them effectively, especially in scenarios requiring patient immobility.
Innovation Solution
A digital x-ray detector holder with a ball and socket mechanism that allows for user-positionable and lockable adjustment of the detector, combined with a tripod, bed mount, and wall mount, enabling flexible positioning and stabilization of the detector without requiring the radiologist to manually hold it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detector is made portable and lightweight for ease of positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but the detector cannot be effectively held steady during imaging, causing motion artifacts and reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: a portable detector unit and a positioning holder. The detector can be easily handled and positioned, while the holder provides stable support during imaging. This segmentation allows the lightweight detector to be operated easily while the separate holder ensures stability to prevent motion artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning holder acts as an intermediary between the radiologist and the detector. Instead of the radiologist directly holding the detector during imaging, the holder serves as a mediating device that provides stable support while allowing easy positioning, thus resolving the conflict between ease of operation and image quality.
2Strength
If the detector is made heavy and robust for durability, then strength is improved, but the radiologist cannot hold it effectively and position it accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the heavy robust detector from the positioning function. The detector maintains its durability and strength, while the separate lightweight holder provides ease of positioning and maneuverability. This allows the radiologist to position the holder easily while the detector remains protected and durable.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the heavy detector and the radiologist's ability to position it. The holder absorbs the positioning task, allowing accurate placement without requiring the radiologist to physically handle the heavy detector, thus maintaining both strength and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the detector is held manually by the radiologist for flexible positioning, then adaptability is improved, but motion artifacts occur and the radiologist cannot operate safely in the X-ray path
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the positioning function from the imaging function. The holder provides flexible positioning capabilities while the detector remains stationary during exposure. This allows the radiologist to adjust the holder to various positions and angles, then lock it in place to eliminate motion artifacts during X-ray acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary that provides positioning flexibility while protecting the imaging process from motion. The radiologist can easily position and adjust the holder, then secure it to prevent movement during exposure, thus maintaining adaptability while ensuring image quality.
4Measurement precision
If the radiologist holds the detector during imaging, then positioning precision is improved, but the radiologist is exposed to X-rays and cannot operate safely
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves as a protective intermediary that allows the radiologist to achieve precise detector positioning without direct contact during exposure. The radiologist positions the holder and secures the detector in place, then steps out of the X-ray path. This intermediary device maintains positioning precision while eliminating harmful radiation exposure to the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus includes a digital x-ray detector holder configured to hold x-ray detectors of at least two different sizes, wherein the holder is user positionable and is user lockable to maintain a user positioned relationship between the holder and an x-ray source.