Adjustable Dynamic Anti-Scatter Grid for Mobile Radiography
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile radiography, aligning the anti-scatter grid with the x-ray source and image receptor is challenging due to their variable separation, leading to inferior image quality and reduced contrast due to scattered radiation, which diminishes the clinical utility of mobile radiography.
Innovation Solution
A system using an infrared transmitter and receiver to locate the x-ray source and adjust the grid lines to align with the ideal x-ray beam path, incorporating adjustable grid lines made of alternating radiopaque and radiolucent materials that can be aligned using electromagnetic fields or servo motors, ensuring optimal primary x-ray transmission and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a high ratio anti-scatter grid is used to improve scatter control and image contrast, then image contrast is improved, but alignment difficulty with the focal spot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the anti-scatter grid adjustable and repositionable. The grid can be dynamically repositioned to different locations between the x-ray source and image receptor, allowing optimal alignment to be achieved even when the separation distance varies. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the grid to adapt its position rather than requiring perfect initial alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through alignment markers and indicators that guide the operator in positioning the grid correctly. The system provides visual feedback and guidance mechanisms that enable the operator to achieve proper alignment independently, reducing the skill level required while maintaining high image contrast.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the separation between x-ray source and image receptor is increased to accommodate mobile radiography requirements, then mobility and accessibility are improved, but grid alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the grid as a repositionable component that can be adjusted to different separation distances. The grid maintains its anti-scatter functionality across variable distances through dynamic repositioning, allowing mobile radiography to achieve diagnostic quality images despite varying source-to-receptor distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the grid into adjustable components or allows the entire grid assembly to be repositioned in discrete steps. This segmentation enables precise positioning at different separation distances, maintaining alignment precision regardless of the overall separation between source and receptor.
3Ease of operation
If a low ratio grid is used to simplify alignment, then ease of alignment is improved, but scatter control and image contrast deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the grid ratio adjustable or the grid position reconfigurable. Rather than being fixed at a low ratio for ease of alignment, the system can be dynamically adjusted to achieve optimal contrast while maintaining reasonable alignment simplicity through guidance markers and indicators.
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 x-ray image contrast and reduces noise by accurately aligning the grid lines with the x-ray beam path, improving the clinical utility of mobile radiography by maintaining high image quality.
Implementation Method 1
A system using an infrared transmitter and receiver to locate the x-ray source and adjust the grid lines to align with the ideal x-ray beam path
Implementation Method 2
An anti-scatter grid is generally formed from alternating strips of x-ray opaque (or radiopaque) material and x-ray transmissive (or radiolucent) material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A grid employs dynamic and adjustable grid lines that communicates with a transmitting object and/or a receiving object. The grid lines may be but not limited to liner, crosshatched or pinwheel shaped. The grid may switch between opaque and translucent and the grid lines may target, calibrate to and track an object either transmitting or receiving. The grid may be employed as a filter or a privacy screen on a computer screen for instance. The grid lines are angled to match an angle of a user's position with respect to the grid.