2D Collimator Assembly for CT Scanner Scatter Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 1D collimator assemblies in CT systems are cumbersome to assemble, costly, and inadequate for wider scanning areas due to mechanical instability and increased scatter rejection challenges, leading to image artifacts and mechanical limitations.
Innovation Solution
A 2D collimator assembly with blades arranged in parallel, each featuring fins that extend and couple to adjacent blades, enhancing scatter rejection and mechanical stability, allowing for wider coverage and higher rotational speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If 1D collimator assemblies are used with long thin metal blades, then scatter reduction and shielding are achieved, but assembly complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 1D collimator assemblies (single row of blades) to a 2D collimator assembly with blades arranged in multiple rows and columns forming a grid pattern. This dimensional expansion allows scatter rejection in both horizontal and vertical directions, effectively reducing scatter from multiple angles while maintaining manageable assembly complexity through modular construction
2Area of stationary object
If 1D collimator assemblies are used for wider detector coverage, then detection area increases, but mechanical stability and scatter rejection become inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging blades in a 2D grid pattern with multiple rows and columns, the collimator provides mechanical support and structural stability across wider detector areas. The interconnected blade structure distributes mechanical loads more effectively than 1D assemblies, maintaining rigidity and positional accuracy over larger coverage areas
Solution Approach 2:
The 2D collimator assembly is divided into multiple modular blade units arranged in rows and columns. Each blade can be independently positioned and secured to the support structure, allowing the system to scale to wider detector areas while maintaining mechanical stability through modular assembly rather than requiring a single large rigid structure
3Area of stationary object
If 1D collimator assemblies are used for wider detector coverage, then detection area increases, but scatter rejection capability becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The 2D grid arrangement of blades creates collimation barriers in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, enabling the system to reject scattered x-rays arriving from multiple angles. This dual-directional collimation significantly improves scatter rejection capability compared to 1D assemblies, which can only effectively block scatter from one direction
4Speed
If high gantry rotation rates are used, then imaging speed increases, but tungsten blade deflection causes gain-error artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The 2D grid structure provides additional structural rigidity compared to 1D blade assemblies. The interconnected arrangement of blades in multiple rows and columns creates a more rigid framework that resists deflection under centrifugal forces during high-speed rotation, maintaining precise blade positioning and eliminating gain-error artifacts
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
The 2D collimator assembly improves scatter rejection, mechanical stability, and manufacturing efficiency, enabling wider coverage and higher rotational speeds while minimizing image artifacts and assembly costs.
Implementation Method 1
The detector assembly utilizes a scintillator assembly to convert incident radiation, such as x-rays, into light for detection at an array of light detection devices. Scintillation allows the radiation received by the scintillator assembly to be converted into useful information.
Implementation Method 2
The light produced by the scintillator assembly is commonly received (or 'detected') and processed by a detection device such as a light sensitive photodiode, which converts the light from the scintillator assembly into an electronic signal.
Implementation Method 3
A 2D collimator assembly with blades arranged in parallel, each featuring fins that extend and couple to adjacent blades, enhancing scatter rejection
Data Source
AI summary
A two dimensional (2D) collimator assembly and a detector system employing a 2D collimator assembly. More specifically, a collimator assembly is provided, having elements extending in the x and z-planes of a detector system. The 2D collimator assembly includes a number of blades arranged in parallel. Each of the blades includes fins extending from one or both sides of the body of the blade. The fins are coupled to each adjacent array to form the 2D collimator assembly.