Rail-Mounted X-Ray Source Control for Fluoroscopy Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses face challenges in capturing fluoroscopic images due to the lack of interlocking mechanisms between the X-ray source and detector positions, limiting their ability to satisfy the requirement that they always face each other.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a rail system and a steering wheel mechanism allows manual movement of the X-ray source, coupled with a control unit that permits fluoroscopy only when predetermined conditions are met, ensuring the X-ray source and detector are correctly positioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the X-ray source is allowed to move freely manually along the rail, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining proper alignment between X-ray source and detector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the position of the X-ray source relative to the X-ray detector and provides feedback control. When the X-ray source is manually moved along the rail, the system detects the position change and automatically adjusts or verifies that the alignment condition is maintained, ensuring reliable operation while preserving manual mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interlocking mechanism (physical connection between source and detector positioning systems) with an electronic control system. The control unit uses electrical signals and software logic to enforce the alignment requirement, allowing independent manual movement while maintaining proper positioning through electronic coordination rather than mechanical coupling.
2Reliability
If an interlocking mechanism is implemented between X-ray source and detector positions, then the alignment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical interlocking mechanisms with a simplified electronic control system. Instead of using physical linkages, gears, or mechanical constraints to enforce alignment, the system uses electronic position detection and control unit logic to coordinate the positions of the X-ray source and detector, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining alignment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control approach from mechanical parameter coupling to electronic parameter coordination. By using electrical signals to represent and control position parameters, the system achieves reliable alignment enforcement without the structural complexity of mechanical interlocking systems, allowing for more flexible and easier-to-maintain device architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the X-ray source and detector positions are independently adjustable, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of capturing fluoroscopic images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback control that monitors the relative positions of the X-ray source and detector and automatically enforces the alignment requirement for fluoroscopy. This allows operators to independently adjust positions for adaptability while the system automatically ensures proper alignment when fluoroscopy is initiated, maintaining ease of operation through automated compliance checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of alignment conditions before allowing fluoroscopy to proceed. The control unit checks whether the X-ray source and detector are properly aligned based on their positions, and only permits fluoroscopy operation when the condition is satisfied. This preliminary action ensures that adaptability is maintained while ease of fluoroscopy capture is preserved through automated validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an X-ray imaging apparatus that enables an operator to freely manually move an X-ray source along a rail installed on a ceiling or a floor, and can capture a fluoroscopic image. An X-ray control unit continuously emitting X-rays from an X-ray source and permits fluoroscopy only in a case in which one or more predetermined conditions, including a condition in which the X-ray source is stopped at a predetermined position on a rail corresponding to a position at which an X-ray detector is held, are satisfied. Specifically, the X-ray control unit enables an operation of a fluoroscopy switch, and continuously supplies a tube current and a tube voltage to the X-ray tube in a case in which the operator operates the fluoroscopy switch.