X-ray Imaging Apparatus with Interlocking Sensor Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging apparatuses in dental clinics are limited as they can only perform either CT imaging or panorama imaging, requiring separate systems and increasing production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus that integrates both CT and panorama imaging capabilities using a single driving part, allowing for the rotation and sliding movement of a sensor unit through a shared driving mechanism, which includes a rotation unit, X-ray source unit, sensor unit, and a driving unit with interlocking parts to adjust the position of sensors and maintain uniform distance between the X-ray source and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate X-ray imaging apparatuses are used for CT imaging and panorama imaging, then imaging functionality is ensured, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CT imaging and panorama imaging functions into a single X-ray imaging apparatus. The X-ray source and detector are integrated into a shared imaging system with a common support structure, allowing both imaging modes to be performed using the same hardware components rather than requiring separate apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to perform both CT imaging and panorama imaging. The support structure enables universal positioning of the X-ray source and detector for different imaging geometries, and the control system can switch between imaging modes using the same hardware platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate X-ray imaging apparatuses are used for CT imaging and panorama imaging, then imaging functionality is ensured, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CT and panorama imaging capabilities into one apparatus, eliminating the need to manufacture and deploy separate systems. This consolidation reduces production costs by sharing common components such as the X-ray source, detector, support structure, and control systems across both imaging functions.
3Device complexity
If a single driving part is used for sensor unit rotation and rotation unit sliding movement, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric linkage mechanism where the single driving part connects to the sensor unit rotation and rotation unit sliding movement through unequal lever arms and connection points. This asymmetric design allows the mechanism to achieve different motion ranges and precision levels for each function, compensating for the use of a single driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a linkage mechanism as an intermediary between the single driving part and the two motion outputs (sensor unit rotation and rotation unit sliding). This intermediary mechanism translates the single input motion into coordinated dual outputs, enabling precise control of both functions through mechanical advantage and geometric relationships.
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 both CT and panorama imaging with a simple structure, reducing production costs and allowing for adjustable magnification by interlocking the rotation and sliding movements of the sensor unit, thus facilitating efficient imaging processes.
Implementation Method 1
a predetermined amount of X-rays is transmitted to teeth that are body parts to be imaged, and the intensity of the transmitted X-rays is detected
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention includes: a rotation unit disposed on a lower end of a rotation shaft through a sliding part so as to enable a sliding movement along an irradiation direction of X-ray; an X-ray source unit disposed on a lower end of one side of the rotation unit; a sensor unit installed by disposing a shaft rotation part on a lower end of the other side of the rotation unit; a driving unit including: a driving part which provides drive power to the shaft rotation part; and an interlocking part configured to allow the rotation unit to slidably move to one side or the other side according to the rotation state of the shaft rotation part.