X-ray tube positioning via detector size detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray inspection apparatuses lack flexibility in using X-ray detectors with different reference positions, leading to poor operability when the X-ray tube needs to be manually adjusted for optimal positioning, especially for subjects like knees where the tube must be moved to a lower position.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray inspection apparatus with X-ray tube position detection, X-ray detector size detection, and reference position switching capabilities, allowing the X-ray tube to be automatically moved to the correct position based on the detected size and position of the X-ray detector, enabling switching between reference positions such as upper, center, and lower references.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the reference position of the X-ray detector is fixed based on the mechanical structure of the X-ray detector containing part, then the mechanical structure is simple and unambiguous, but the X-ray tube cannot be automatically positioned for different anatomical sites requiring different reference positions
Solution Approach 1:
The reference position determination is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit automatically selects the reference position (upper end, lower end, or center) based on the detected size of the X-ray detector, allowing the system to adapt to different detector sizes and corresponding anatomical imaging requirements without manual intervention or mechanical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reference position parameter automatically based on the detector size parameter. When a different sized detector is installed, the control unit detects the size change and相应地 changes the reference position from which the X-ray tube position is calculated, enabling versatile positioning without physical modifications.
2Ease of operation
If the X-ray detector containing part is based on a fixed reference position (e.g., center reference), then the positioning system is simple, but manual operation is required to move the X-ray tube to lower positions for knee imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning of the X-ray tube by automatically calculating the required position based on the detected detector size and the selected reference position information. The control unit autonomously determines and executes the positioning without requiring manual intervention, making the system serve itself in the positioning task.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from the detector size detection to automatically adjust the reference position selection and consequently the X-ray tube positioning. The system continuously monitors detector parameters and adjusts positioning calculations accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates manual adjustment needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the reference position is determined unambiguously based on mechanical structure, then the mechanical design is straightforward, but the system cannot switch reference positions for different imaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle different reference position determinations. A single control unit can select among multiple reference positions (upper end, lower end, center) based on detector size, eliminating the need for separate mechanical systems for each reference position and achieving versatility through software control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reference position determination system with an electronic/control-based system. Instead of having different mechanical configurations for different reference positions, the system uses electronic detection of detector size and software-based selection of reference position, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control simplicity.
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 solution enhances the movement freedom of the X-ray tube, allowing for optimal positioning without manual intervention, improving operability and enabling precise X-ray imaging by automatically adjusting the reference position based on the subject's anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube that irradiates a subject with X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
When a size of a flat panel detector, contained in an X-ray detector containing part, in a body axial direction of a subject is detected, a detected value of a potentiometer, and stored information on a maximum size of a flat panel detector, containable in the X-ray detector containing part, in the body axial direction of the subject are compared with each other. If the size of the flat panel detector contained in the X-ray detector containing part coincides with the maximum size of the flat panel detector containable in the X-ray detector containing part, a reference position information switching part switches reference position information stored in a reference position information storage part. When an operator performs a predetermined operation on an operation part by pressing a switch or performing another action, the stored reference position information is changed to a preset reference position.