X-ray Imaging Apparatus Holding Unit Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray imaging apparatuses generate noise due to contact between guide rails and magnetic bodies during holding operations of the X-ray generator or detector.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging apparatus with a holding unit that includes a contact pad to contact the guide rail, a magnetic body to move the contact pad using magnetic force, and a holding plate with layers of magnetic and rubber materials to absorb noise and vibration, allowing the contact pad to switch between holding and releasing positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a magnetic body directly contacts the guide rail to hold the moving carriage, then the holding force is sufficient, but noise and vibration are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidnoise and vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A contact pad made of elastic material is introduced as an intermediary between the magnetic body and the guide rail. The contact pad deforms elastically under magnetic attraction, providing continuous contact force to hold the moving carriage while absorbing impact and reducing noise. This mediator allows the system to maintain reliable holding force without the harmful direct contact noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding unit employs a composite structure combining magnetic material (for attraction force) and elastic material (for noise absorption). The magnetic body generates the holding force while the elastic contact pad provides cushioning, creating a composite system that simultaneously achieves strong holding capability and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If the contact pad continuously contacts the guide rail, then the holding position is stable, but wear and noise occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidwear and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic contact pad serves as a pre-installed cushioning element between the moving carriage and guide rail. Before any potential impact or wear occurs, the elastic material is already in place to absorb shocks and distribute contact forces, preventing direct metal-to-metal contact and reducing both wear and noise during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact pad changes its physical parameters (deformation, contact area, stiffness) in response to operational conditions. Under normal holding conditions, it maintains stable elastic deformation for position stability. During movement or impact, it increases deformation to absorb energy, dynamically adjusting its properties to balance stability with wear and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly reduces noise and vibration by absorbing shock and movement, improving operational quietness and stability during X-ray imaging processes.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic body to move the contact pad using magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a holding plate coupled to the contact pad to move according to operation of the magnetic body and including a buffer material capable of absorbing noise or vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2752159B1X-ray imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2752159B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2752159B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2752159B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray imaging apparatus having an improved structure to reduce noise generated when a position of an X-ray generator is fixed in position includes an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector, a moving carriage coupled with one end of the X-ray generator, a guide rail, and a holding unit disposed at an inner side of the moving carriage to hold the position of the X-ray generator, wherein the holding unit includes a contact pad to contact the guide rail to hold the moving carriage, a magnetic body to move the contact pad using magnetic force, and a holding plate coupled to the contact pad to move according to operation of the magnetic body and including a buffer material capable of absorbing noise or vibration.