X-Ray Imaging With Switchable Subject Support for Flexible Examinee Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray imaging devices face challenges in acquiring images when the examinee's position changes relative to the device, complicating entry and movement due to limited space and device structure, necessitating a solution that allows imaging from different positions without moving the imaging parts.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging apparatus with a subject support part that can switch and attach/detach to different connection states, aligning the subject to the imaging position from either side, allowing the apparatus to acquire images without relocating the X-ray generator and detector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the subject support part is fixed in a single position, then the imaging part structure is simple, but the examinee cannot be positioned from different directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexaminee positioning flexibilityVSAvoidsubject support part configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The subject support part is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing it to switch between different connection states. The support part can be attached to either the first side or the second side of the column, enabling the examinee to be positioned from different directions while maintaining a relatively simple imaging part structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The subject support part is segmented into detachable components that can be connected to different sides of the column. This segmentation allows the support part to be reconfigured for different examinee positions without requiring the entire imaging apparatus to be moved or reconfigured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the imaging part is moved to accommodate different examinee positions, then all positions can be imaged, but the imaging part structure becomes complex and requires movement mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging position adaptabilityVSAvoidimaging part movement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the imaging part to accommodate different examinee positions, the invention inverts the approach by moving the subject support part to different sides of the column. This allows the examinee to be repositioned relative to the fixed imaging part, achieving the same adaptability without the complexity of moving the imaging part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Area of stationary object

If the shielded room space is limited, then the device fits in small spaces, but the examinee entry and movement path becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielded room space utilizationVSAvoidexaminee entry and movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The subject support part's dynamic reconfigurability allows the examinee entry path to be adapted based on available space. By attaching the support part to different sides of the column, the examinee can enter from different directions, simplifying the movement path according to the specific layout and space constraints of the shielded room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 X-ray imaging from various examinee positions, securing sufficient space for entry into a shielded room and maintaining image acquisition without moving the imaging parts, thus simplifying patient access and device operation.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector provided at opposite ends of the rotary arm and facing each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a subject support part configured to extend to a side of the column and align a subject to an imaging position between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical positioning: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4595892A1X-ray imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 VATECH CO LTD
  • EP4595892A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4595892A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4595892A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Proposed is an X-ray imaging apparatus including a column extending in a vertical direction, a support arm extending to a side of the column, a rotary arm rotatably connected to the support arm, an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector provided at opposite ends of the rotary arm and facing each other, and a subject support part configured to extend to the side of the column and align a subject to an imaging position between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, wherein the subject support part is switched and attached/detached to have first and second connection states with respect to the column, and in the first and second connection states, the subject is aligned to the imaging position with an examinee placed in different positions.