X-ray Device Laser Indication System Compact Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray devices are bulky and power-intensive due to the need for a lamp to visually indicate the X-ray irradiation region, which increases size, weight, and power consumption, and requires additional space and heat dissipation, limiting their compactness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The use of a laser pointer system, including a laser generator unit, a reflection mirror, and a shutter to indicate the X-ray irradiation region, replacing the lamp and reducing heat generation and power consumption, while maintaining accurate region identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a lamp is used to indicate the X-ray irradiation region, then the user can visually identify the irradiation region, but the device size, weight, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual identification of irradiation regionVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical lamp system with a laser-based indication system. The laser unit emits laser light that is reflected by a reflection mirror to indicate the irradiation region, eliminating the need for a bulky lamp and its associated housing, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining visual identification capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the light source parameter from incandescent lamp to laser. This parameter change results in lower power consumption, smaller form factor, and reduced weight, while still providing effective visual indication of the irradiation region through laser light reflection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a lamp is used to indicate the X-ray irradiation region, then the user can visually identify the irradiation region, but the device becomes bulkier and requires additional space for heat dissipation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual identification of irradiation regionVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the lamp system with a laser indication system that generates minimal heat. The laser unit and reflection mirror assembly occupies significantly less space than a lamp housing, eliminating the need for large heat dissipation structures and reducing overall device volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful heat generation problem of lamps into a benefit by using a laser system that inherently generates minimal heat. This eliminates the need for heat dissipation structures and reduces device volume while maintaining the essential function of visual indication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If a lamp is used to indicate the X-ray irradiation region, then the user can visually identify the irradiation region, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual identification of irradiation regionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the light source from lamp to laser, which fundamentally alters the energy consumption parameter. The laser unit consumes significantly less power than a lamp while providing adequate visual indication, directly addressing the power consumption issue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables a compact and lightweight X-ray device with reduced power consumption and heat generation, allowing for precise identification of the X-ray irradiation region without the need for additional space, enhancing portability and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a laser generator unit for generating a laser light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a reflection mirror arranged on the X-ray irradiation axis in an inclined relationship therewith for reflecting the laser light toward the X-ray irradiation region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2079083B1Compact and lightweight x-ray device
Publication Date: 2012.08.01 POSKOM CO LTD
  • EP2079083B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2079083B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2079083B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray device for irradiating a beam of X-rays on an object to capture an X-ray image of the object is smaller in size and weight than conventional ones. The X-ray device includes an X-ray tube for generating the beam of X-rays and irradiating the beam of X-rays on the object, a shutter arranged around an X-ray irradiation axis for regulating an X-ray irradiation region on which the beam of X-rays is irradiated through the object, and a visual indicator unit arranged on the shutter for movement together with the shutter, the visual indicator unit being designed to visually indicate the X-ray irradiation region. In the X-ray device, the X-ray irradiation region is visually indicated by laser light without having to use a lamp otherwise provided between the X-ray tube and the shutter.