X-ray Device for Syringe Cap Cannula Alignment Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray devices for examining syringe caps with cannulas are complex and costly due to the need for two radiation sources and image evaluation circuits, making them inefficient for detecting crooked cannulas, which can compromise sterility and safety.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray device with a single source and detector, where the syringe cap is aligned coaxially with the beam path, using collimators and reference elements to determine cannula alignment, allowing for precise detection of cannula position and deflection without the need for multiple radiation sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two X-ray sources are used to examine syringe caps from two directions, then the detection accuracy of cannula alignment is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecannula alignment detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of radiation sources and image evaluation circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single X-ray examination is segmented into two sequential views: an initial projection image and a subsequent lateral projection image. By dividing the examination into stages and analyzing images from different angles sequentially, the system achieves comprehensive alignment detection without requiring two simultaneous radiation sources, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from examining only in the plane perpendicular to the beam path to including lateral dimension examination. By rotating the syringe cap or detector to obtain lateral projection images, the system detects cannula alignment deviations in three-dimensional space using a single radiation source, eliminating the need for multiple sources while improving detection comprehensiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If two radiation sources are used to ensure comprehensive cannula alignment detection, then the reliability of sterility and safety is improved, but the cost of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterility and safety guaranteeVSAvoidcost of radiation sources and evaluation circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary alignment detection using a single X-ray source to obtain projection images, identifies potential misalignments, and then performs targeted lateral examination only when needed. This staged approach ensures reliable detection of cannula alignment issues that could compromise sterility or safety, while avoiding unnecessary use of complex multi-source systems, thus reducing cost while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the syringe cap is examined with a single X-ray source, then the device simplicity and cost are reduced, but the detection capability for crooked cannulas may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of radiation sourcesVSAvoidcannula position detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the examination approach by first capturing a projection image, analyzing it for potential alignment issues, and then selectively obtaining lateral projection images based on the initial findings. This dynamic, adaptive examination sequence allows a single radiation source to achieve comprehensive detection capability equivalent to or exceeding that of fixed multi-source systems, maintaining detection precision while simplifying device structure.

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

This configuration simplifies the device, reduces costs, and ensures accurate detection of cannula alignment, preventing potential injuries and maintaining sterility by using a single X-ray source and reference elements to assess cannula position within acceptable tolerance ranges.

Implementation Method 1

X-ray device for examining syringe caps (3) with a cannula (27)... an x-ray source (5)... an x-ray detector (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP2185217B1X-ray device and method
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 ARZNEIMITTEL GMBH APOTHEKER VETTER & CO RAVENSBURG
  • EP2185217B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c
  • EP2185217B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2185217B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An X-ray device is proposed for examining syringe caps (3) that have a cannula (27), with an X-ray source (5), an X-ray detector (9), and with a holder (39) which holds the syringe cap (3) in the beam path (13) at an examination site (15). The X-ray device is characterized by the syringe cap (3) being arranged in the beam path (13) in such a way that its longitudinal axis (17) coincides with the main axis (19) of the beam path (13).