X-ray Imaging Device Coordinated Rotation and Longitudinal Shift

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Solution Overview

Problem

X-ray imaging devices with wide detection areas are expensive, leading to high costs and inefficiencies due to the need for frequent deceleration and acceleration of moving components, resulting in low initial and final movement speeds and increased vibration.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging device using a control section to coordinate the operation of a turn-driving unit and shifting unit, allowing the X-ray imaging unit with a narrow detection area to function as a virtual wide-range unit by shifting a transmission part, reducing the need for frequent stops and restarts, and incorporating a slit to minimize scattering and improve image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a two dimensional sensor with a wide detection area is used for CT imaging, then imaging coverage is improved, but device cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection areaVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the imaging process into multiple segments by using a narrow detection area sensor that moves sequentially across different regions. Instead of requiring one large sensor to capture the entire field of view, the system captures multiple smaller regions in sequence, effectively segmenting the imaging task to use a cheaper, smaller sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic movement of the X-ray imaging unit along the subject's longitudinal direction. By making the previously static sensor position dynamic, the system achieves wide-area coverage through motion, allowing a narrow detection area sensor to function effectively as a wide-range imaging unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the X-ray imaging unit is moved frequently to cover different regions, then imaging coverage is improved, but imaging time increases due to repeated deceleration and acceleration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidimaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous movement of the X-ray imaging unit along the longitudinal direction without repeated stops and starts. By maintaining continuous motion and using the turn-driving unit to rotate the support member during movement, the system eliminates idle deceleration and acceleration phases, keeping the imaging action continuous and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If the X-ray imaging unit is frequently stopped and restarted during movement, then positioning precision is improved, but vibration increases due to inertia force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidvibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates repeated stopping and starting by implementing continuous movement of the X-ray imaging unit. This continuity prevents the generation of inertia forces during deceleration and acceleration, thereby reducing vibration while maintaining positioning precision through coordinated control of the moving unit and turn-driving unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of manufacture

If a narrow detection area X-ray imaging unit is used, then device cost is reduced, but imaging efficiency decreases due to need for multiple positioning steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice costVSAvoidimaging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the longitudinal movement function with the rotational imaging function into a single coordinated operation. By merging these two functions and controlling them simultaneously through the control section, the system achieves wide-area CT imaging with a narrow sensor without requiring separate positioning steps, thereby maintaining high imaging efficiency while using a cost-effective sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces the cost of the imaging device, shortens imaging time, improves efficiency, decreases vibration, and enhances image quality by using a narrow detection area X-ray imaging unit while maintaining effective CT image generation.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray source for irradiating a subject with X-ray flux; an X-ray imaging unit for detecting the X-ray flux passing through the subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP2915487B1X-ray imaging device
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 YOSHIDA DENTAL MFG
  • EP2915487B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2915487B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2915487B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An X-ray imaging device wherein a control section rotates an arcuate movement arm by actuating a turn-driving unit, turns an X-ray source and an X-ray sensor around a subject, and actuates a shifting unit to simultaneously shift the transmission part of the subject, through which an X-ray flux detected by the X-ray sensor passing. Thus provided is an X-ray imaging device in which an X-ray imaging unit having a comparatively narrow detection area can be used to reduce costs, the imaging operation efficiency can be improved, and the vibration of moved members, such as the X-ray imaging unit, can be reduced.