Dental X-Ray Support Unit With Horizontal Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging devices in dentistry lack horizontal movement capability of the support unit, complicating the structure and causing inconvenience to both the examinee and the user, and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
The support unit in the X-ray imaging apparatus is designed to move horizontally on an arbitrary reference plane based on the examinee's height, allowing easy positioning at desired imaging positions without a complex moving structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support unit is fixed vertically only, then the structure is simple, but the examinee cannot be positioned at desired imaging positions horizontally
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one, capable of horizontal movement along the X-axis and vertical movement along the Y-axis. This allows the support unit to adapt to different imaging positions and examinee heights, resolving the contradiction between positioning convenience and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the examinee's head, enabling horizontal positioning through X-axis movement, and adjusting vertical height through Y-axis movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatile positioning capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gantry moves for position changes, then imaging positions can be adjusted, but the structure becomes complex and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the gantry to change imaging positions, the invention inverts the approach by moving the support unit horizontally along the X-axis. This reversal of the movement target simplifies the overall structure, as the support unit's horizontal movement is mechanically simpler than gantry movement, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining imaging position adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent movements: horizontal movement of the support unit along the X-axis and vertical movement along the Y-axis. This segmentation allows each movement to be optimized independently, with the horizontal movement handling position changes and the vertical movement handling height adjustment, simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 design enhances user and examinee convenience by simplifying positioning and reduces production costs and increases efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector that are connected to the main body and face each other to radiate and detect X-rays toward an imaging position therebetween
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed is an X-ray imaging apparatus, which includes a main body, an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector connected to the main body and facing each other, for radiating and detecting X-rays toward an imaging position therebetween, a support unit for supporting a subject to be imaged, and a support portion for connecting the main body to the support unit and for positioning the subject to be imaged at an imaging height between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, wherein the support portion horizontally moves and positions the support unit at the imaging position according to an imaging mode. According to the configuration, there are effects of increasing the convenience of the examinee and user, reducing production costs, and increasing production efficiency, by freely moving the support unit supporting an examinee's body part on an arbitrary reference plane based on the examinee's height.