X-ray Grid Suspension Using Flexible Hinge Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray grids with high aspect ratios are not suitable for conventional x-ray angiography devices due to elastic deformations causing unwanted shadowing effects and non-compensatable artifacts, and interference grids require precise alignment for phase contrast imaging, which is challenging with existing play-full turning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device using flexible hinge elements, such as plastic or spring hinges, to mount the x-ray grid in rotating frames, allowing play-free and accurate rotational movement, with the option of forming these elements and frames from sheet metal or plastic, and incorporating motor-driven linear drives for precise tilting and canting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional turning mechanisms are used to rotate the x-ray grid, then the device structure is simple, but the rotational movement has play and low accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic flexible elements (elastic beams, torsion springs, or elastomeric materials) that can deform elastically to accommodate rotational movements. These flexible elements dynamically adapt to the rotational requirements while maintaining precise positioning through their elastic properties, eliminating play without requiring complex mechanical joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical turning mechanisms (with inherent play) with a system based on elastic deformation and flexible elements. This substitution uses material elasticity rather than mechanical joints to achieve play-free rotation, thereby improving accuracy while potentially simplifying the overall mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If high aspect ratio scattered radiation rasters are used, then image quality increases, but elastic deformations cause shadowing effects and artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elements enable the grid support structure to dynamically compensate for elastic deformations that occur during device operation. By allowing controlled flexibility in the suspension system, the grid can maintain its precise alignment despite deformations in the overall device structure, preventing shadowing effects and artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the suspension system by using flexible elements with specific elastic properties. This allows the system to absorb and compensate for deformation forces, maintaining the grid's positional stability and preventing the formation of artifacts while preserving the high aspect ratio structure needed for image quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interference grids are used for phase contrast imaging, then imaging capability is enhanced, but precise alignment requiring play-free turning is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elements provide a dynamically compliant suspension system that naturally eliminates play during rotational movements. This makes the alignment and operation of interference grids for phase contrast imaging significantly easier, as the system automatically maintains precise positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or skilled operation.
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 precise, play-free rotational movement of the x-ray grid with accuracy better than one arc second, reducing artifacts and shadowing effects, while being more cost-effective than existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
two first flexible hinge elements connected to the first rotating frame and mounting the first rotating frame for reversible rotation about a first axis
Data Source
AI summary
A device for suspending an x-ray grid has a first rotating frame which can be rotated about a first axis. The x-ray grid is disposed in or on the rotating frame. Two first flexible hinge elements are connected to the first rotating frame and are aligned along the first axis. The first rotating frame is reversibly rotatable about the first axis. An x-ray arrangement has one or more such suspension devices between an x-ray emitter and an x-ray detector. The articulated flexible elements of the novel device are completely play-free and significantly more cost-effective that separate hinges.