Handheld X-ray LED Alignment Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held X-ray devices face challenges in aligning X-ray beams perpendicularly to image sensors due to their small internal structure, leading to cone-cut phenomena and increased radiation time, which affects image quality and user convenience, and are hindered by the weight and size of traditional collimators making them less portable.
Innovation Solution
An LED light source is integrated inside the radiation tube of the hand-held X-ray device to mark the X-ray irradiation area, allowing for precise alignment without a complex collimator structure, enhancing portability and user convenience through efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional collimator structure (reflector, diaphragm) is used to align X-ray beam, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical collimator structure (reflector, diaphragm) with an LED light source system. The LED emits visible light that indicates the irradiation area, substituting the complex mechanical alignment system with a simpler optical indication system that achieves the same alignment function without the complexity of traditional collimators.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED light source acts as an intermediary between the X-ray tube and the target area. Instead of using a physical collimator to define the beam, the LED provides visual guidance (intermediary signal) to indicate where the X-ray beam will irradiate, allowing alignment without direct mechanical intervention in the X-ray path.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional collimator is added to the hand-held device, then alignment precision is improved, but portability deteriorates due to increased weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy mechanical collimator with a lightweight LED light source. The LED system provides alignment indication without the substantial weight of traditional collimator components (reflector, diaphragm), maintaining portability while achieving precise alignment through visual feedback rather than mechanical beam definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, lightweight LED light source instead of a heavy, complex collimator. The LED is a small, inexpensive component that provides the necessary alignment function without the substantial weight and complexity of traditional collimator systems, making the hand-held device truly portable.
3Ease of manufacture
If distance between radiation tube and subject is increased to accommodate collimator, then collimator installation is improved, but radiation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the space-consuming mechanical collimator with a compact LED light source that can be integrated close to the X-ray tube. This substitution eliminates the need for increased distance, allowing the hand-held device to maintain close proximity to the subject while still providing accurate alignment indication through the LED.
4Device complexity
If LED light source is used to mark irradiation area, then device complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation becomes a challenge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a heat dissipation structure that is integrated with the LED light source itself. The LED housing or mounting structure serves dual functions: supporting the LED component and dissipating the heat generated by the LED. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate, complex cooling systems while managing thermal output.
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 enables precise alignment of X-ray beams, reduces radiation time, and improves image quality by allowing for portable and convenient X-ray imaging without the need for bulky collimators, thus preventing cone-cut phenomena and ensuring efficient heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
an LED light source to be simply mounted inside a radiation tube of the hand-held X-ray device and thus can mark the X-ray irradiation area
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus according to the present disclosure employs a structure where heat occurring in the LED light source is dissipated from the LED light source itself
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an apparatus for marking an irradiation area for a hand-held X-ray device, the device including an upper cover, a lower cover, an X-ray radiation unit, a radiation tube, the apparatus, and a lower support, the apparatus including: a cylindrical member; a reflector; a PCB guide; a PCB; an LED light source; and a fastening screw, wherein light emitted from the LED light source is reflected by the reflector and marks the irradiation area on a subject in front of the reflector.