X-ray Imaging Apparatus Alignment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combined X-ray panoramic and CT imaging apparatuses require separate mechanical components to move the rotary arm, increasing design and manufacturing costs and complicating the apparatus by shifting the center of gravity.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging apparatus that captures first and second X-ray images with different alignment positions for the examination object without moving the rotary arm, using an examination object alignment part with a variable position to move and align the object between the generator and detector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the rotary arm is moved to change imaging positions, then different X-ray images can be captured, but separate mechanical components are required increasing design and manufacturing costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to capture different X-ray imagesVSAvoidmechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the rotary arm to change imaging positions, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the rotary arm fixed and moving the examination object support to different alignment positions. This inversion eliminates the need for mechanical components to move the rotary arm, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to capture different X-ray images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the movement function from the rotary arm and transfers it to the examination object support. By taking out the movement requirement from the rotary arm system, the design eliminates separate mechanical components and simplifies the overall structure while still achieving position changes for different imaging modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rotary arm is moved to change imaging positions, then different alignment positions can be achieved, but the weight of the generator, detector, and rotary arm moves the center of gravity requiring additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging position adjustmentVSAvoidcomponents to balance center of gravity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by keeping the heavy rotary arm with generator and detector stationary and instead moving the lighter examination object support to different positions. This inversion prevents the center of gravity from shifting, eliminating the need for additional balancing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the rotary arm is moved to capture different images, then imaging versatility is improved, but the apparatus is enlarged and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultimodality imaging capabilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the movement function from the rotary arm and applies it only to the examination object support. This extraction prevents the enlargement of the main apparatus structure while still achieving the necessary position changes for different imaging modes, thereby maintaining a compact apparatus size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution reduces the need for mechanical components to move the rotary arm, leading to a miniaturized and simplified apparatus, while maintaining the capability to capture diverse X-ray images.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray generator (hereinafter, referred to as a generator) configured to emit X-rays toward an object to be imaged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray emission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detector (hereinafter referred to as a detector) configured to detect X-rays transmitting through the object to be imaged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Implementation Method 3

an examination object alignment part configured to arrange the examination object between the generator and the detector, wherein a position of at least a part of the examination object alignment part is variable, so as to move and align the examination object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement:

Implementation Method 4

an imaging part configured to comprise a generator and a detector facing each other with an examination object interposed therebetween, and rotate the generator and the detector about a rotation axis therebetween to capture each of the first and second X-ray images

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Data Source

PatentUS12232903B2X-ray imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 VATECH CO LTD

AI summary

An X-ray imaging apparatus is proposed. The X-ray imaging apparatus is configured to capture first and second X-ray images having examination object's alignment positions different from each other, the X-ray imaging apparatus including an imaging part configured to include a generator and a detector facing each other with an examination object interposed therebetween, and rotate the generator and the detector about a rotation axis therebetween to capture each of the first and second X-ray images, and an examination object alignment part configured to arrange the examination object between the generator and the detector, wherein a position of at least a part of the examination object alignment part is variable, so as to move and align the examination object to a first alignment position for capturing the first X-ray image and a second alignment position for capturing the second X-ray image, respectively.