X-ray Fluoroscopic Imaging Apparatus Motion-Axis Selection Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatuses have a complex operation interface due to multiple motion axes, leading to increased switch numbers, larger operation elements, and a higher risk of unintentional shifts during examinations and treatments.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus with a motion-axis selection switch and combined direction switches, allowing for simultaneous operation across multiple motion axes, reducing the number of switches and enhancing operability by preventing unintentional shifts through mode selection and directional control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If each direction switch is installed relative to each plurality of motion-axes, then the shifting control for each motion-axis can be independent and precise, but the number of switches increases and the operation element becomes larger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshifting control precisionVSAvoidnumber of switches
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The direction switches are designed to be universal and multi-functional, allowing the same set of direction switches to control multiple motion-axes through a selection mechanism. Instead of having dedicated switches for each axis, the system uses a combination of axis selection and direction selection to achieve precise control with fewer physical switches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control function is segmented into two independent parts: motion-axis selection and direction selection. This segmentation allows the system to separate the choice of which axis to move from the choice of movement direction, enabling a smaller number of switches to control multiple axes through combinatorial selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If each direction switch is installed relative to each plurality of motion-axes, then the shifting control for each motion-axis can be independent and precise, but the operation element becomes larger and disturbs examination and treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshifting control precisionVSAvoidoperation element size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The direction switches serve multiple functions by controlling different motion-axes based on the selected axis. This multi-functionality reduces the physical footprint of the operation element while maintaining precise control capabilities across multiple degrees of freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface merges the axis selection and direction control into a unified operation element. By combining these functions in a compact arrangement, the system reduces the overall size and disturbance to examination and treatment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple direction switches are provided for multiple motion-axes, then the shifting control can be comprehensive, but it becomes difficult to comprehend the desired switch and prompt operation is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshifting control coverageVSAvoidswitch identification ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface is segmented into distinct selection stages: first selecting the motion-axis, then selecting the direction. This segmentation presents fewer options at each step, making it easier for the operator to comprehend and select the desired switch without being overwhelmed by the total number of possible movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system requires preliminary selection of the motion-axis before enabling direction control. This preliminary action narrows down the available options and makes the subsequent direction selection more intuitive and faster, improving overall operational speed and ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If direction switches are readily accessible for quick operation, then prompt operation can be achieved, but the risk of erroneous operation and unintentional shifting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation speedVSAvoiderroneous operation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operation is segmented into multiple sequential steps (axis selection followed by direction selection), which slows down the overall process slightly but significantly reduces erroneous operations. The segmentation ensures that the operator consciously selects both the axis and direction, reducing accidental activations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The preliminary selection of motion-axis acts as a confirmation step before direction control is activated. This preliminary action serves as a safety mechanism that prevents unintentional shifting while still allowing prompt operation within each selection stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 simplifies the operation interface, reduces the size of the operation element, and minimizes unintentional shifts by allowing for easier identification of desired switches and implementing a two-step operation for mode selection and directional control, thereby improving user operability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging element that irradiates an X-ray to a subject and detects the X-ray that transmits the subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission and detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS11337666B2X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 SHIMADZU CORP
  • US11337666B2 patent drawing
  • US11337666B2 patent drawing
  • US11337666B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus includes an operation element that includes a motion axis selection switch and a plurality of direction switches; and a control element that controls a shifting of a relative location between an imaging element and a table relative to a motion-axis by the motion-axis selection switch to a shiftable predetermined motion-axis mode.