Adjustable Collimator Yoke Mechanism for Aperture Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional collimators are large, cumbersome, and not adjustable, limiting their application to high-energy uses and requiring multiple collimators for different applications, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable collimator with a housing, first and second shutters, and a yoke system that pivots to adjust the aperture width, allowing for compact size, versatility, and easy adaptation to various applications by adjusting the effective width of the aperture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional collimators are used, then they provide stable collimation function, but they are large and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollimator sizeVSAvoidcollimation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the collimator aperture adjustable through a yoke mechanism that can rotate to change the position of shutters. This allows the collimator to dynamically adapt its aperture width from a minimum to a maximum width, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adjust to different collimation requirements while maintaining structural stability through the housing and pivot point design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional collimators are used, then they are simple in structure, but they are not adjustable for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollimator adjustabilityVSAvoidcollimator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the collimator aperture adjustable through a yoke mechanism that can rotate to change the position of shutters. This allows the collimator to dynamically adapt its aperture width from a minimum to a maximum width, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adjust to different collimation requirements while maintaining structural stability through the housing and pivot point design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing a single collimator that can perform multiple functions through adjustment. The collimator can be configured for different aperture widths to suit various applications, replacing the need for multiple fixed collimators. The yoke mechanism enables one device to serve multiple purposes by adjusting the shutter positions to create different effective aperture widths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple collimators are used for different applications, then each collimator can be optimized for its specific use, but it requires multiple devices which is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollimator switching timeVSAvoidapplication range

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single collimator that can perform multiple functions through adjustment. The collimator can be configured for different aperture widths to suit various applications, replacing the need for multiple fixed collimators. The yoke mechanism enables one device to serve multiple purposes by adjusting the shutter positions to create different effective aperture widths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11862357B2Adjustable collimators and x-ray imaging systems including adjustable collimators

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

An example adjustable collimator includes a housing having an aperture through which radiation is to be directed from an inlet to an outlet of the housing, a first shutter and a second shutter within the housing, a first link coupled to the first shutter, and a first yoke coupled to the housing at a pivot point and configured to pivot with respect to the housing. The first yoke may be configured to reduce an effective width of the aperture by moving the first shutter toward the second shutter via the first link when the first yoke is rotated in a first direction.