X-ray Imaging Device Tape Measure Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging apparatuses face difficulties in accurately measuring distances due to the placement of tape measures, which can lead to operator error and safety hazards, and alternative methods like ultrasonic or laser distance meters may provide inaccurate measurements due to reflections from extraneous objects.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a tape measure that has marks printed incrementally on the tape, a tape fixing element to secure one end, and a winding mechanism to automatically rewind the tape, allowing for precise distance measurement at a comfortable reading position for the operator, reducing the risk of misalignment and safety issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the tape measure is mounted on the collimator with the true-zero point at the tip of the pulled-out tape, then the measurement can be taken from the focal position, but the mark to be read off is positioned far away near the housing making it difficult for the operator to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional tape measure configuration by positioning the true-zero point at the housing side (collimator side) instead of at the tip of the pulled-out tape. This inversion allows the operator to read the measurement mark at the tip of the pulled-out tape, which is within easy viewing distance, while the zero point remains at the fixed housing location. This resolves the contradiction by making both the measurement reference point and the reading point accessible to the operator.
2Ease of operation
If the main body of the tape measure is attachable and detachable from the collimator, then the operator can read the mark by holding the detached main body, but the main body may not return to the collimator due to its own weight or spring in random directions creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reading function from the main body of the tape measure and places it at the tip of the pulled-out tape itself. The tape includes measurement marks along its length, allowing the operator to read the measurement directly at the tip without needing to hold or manipulate the main body. This extraction eliminates the safety hazard of the main body detaching and springing in random directions, as the main body remains fixed to the collimator while the reading capability is distributed along the tape.
3Ease of operation
If ultrasonic or laser distance meters are used, then the measurement can be taken remotely, but accurate measurement cannot be provided due to reflection caused by extraneous objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy of the measurement scale directly on the tape measure itself, with measurement marks printed or etched along the length of the tape. This physical copying of the scale allows for direct visual reading of the measurement at the tip of the tape, providing accurate measurement that is independent of extraneous objects or environmental reflections. The measurement information is copied onto the tape in a way that is directly readable and not susceptible to interference from the measurement environment.
Data Source
AI summary
The X-ray imaging device includes an irradiation unit which includes an X-ray tube and a collimator; and a tape measure which has a scale band on which distances from the irradiation unit are printed so as to increase from one end to the other and a winding mechanism that holds and winds the other end of the scale band. The irradiation unit has a scale band fixing portion which fixes one end of the scale band, and a winding mechanism fixing portion which fixes the winding mechanism.