Bent CT Collimator Plate Eliminates Grid Shadowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In CT imaging systems, the use of collimator plates leads to shadowing of X-ray detecting elements due to scattered X-rays, necessitating a grid plate to prevent this, which increases costs and reduces the X-ray receiving area due to positional tolerances and errors, resulting in a wider grid plate than necessary.
Innovation Solution
The collimator plates are designed with a bent portion at the bottom end to receive the shadow, eliminating the need for a separate grid plate by integrating the shadow reception, thereby reducing the area covering the X-ray detecting elements and increasing the rigidity of the collimator plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a grid plate is bonded onto the X-ray detecting elements to prevent shadowing from collimator plates, then the shadowing effect is reduced, but the X-ray receiving area is decreased and system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collimator plate and grid plate into a single integrated collimator plate structure. The collimator plate is designed with a bent portion at its bottom end that directly receives the shadow, eliminating the need for a separate grid plate. This merging of functions reduces the number of components and minimizes the area covering the X-ray detecting elements while still preventing shadowing effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a grid plate is used to prevent shadowing, then the shadowing effect is reduced, but system cost increases due to additional components and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collimator plate and grid plate into a single integrated collimator plate structure. The collimator plate is designed with a bent portion at its bottom end that directly receives the shadow, eliminating the need for a separate grid plate. This merging of functions reduces the number of components and minimizes the area covering the X-ray detecting elements while still preventing shadowing effects.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the collimator plate is made wider to account for positional tolerances and errors, then shadowing is prevented, but the area covering X-ray detecting elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a bent portion at the bottom end of the collimator plate. This localized structural modification concentrates the shadow-receiving function at a specific location (the bent portion) rather than requiring the entire collimator plate to be wider. The bent portion is positioned and shaped to specifically intercept scattered X-rays and shadows, allowing the main body of the collimator plate to maintain a narrower profile that covers less of the X-ray detecting element area.
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 design enhances X-ray detecting efficiency by minimizing the area covered and reducing the risk of collimator plate deformation, while also lowering system costs by eliminating the need for a grid plate and reducing positional deviations.
Implementation Method 1
collimator plates for collimating X-ray beams such that collection of scattered X-rays on the X-ray detecting element is minimized
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for an X-ray imaging system comprising an X-ray source, an X-ray detector array having a plurality of X-ray detecting elements configured to detect X-rays passing through an object configured to be scanned, a plurality of collimator plates positioned between the object to be scanned and the X-ray detector array, wherein one or more of the plurality of collimator plates comprises at least one bend at or in a region of a bottom end of the collimator plate, the bottom end facing the X-ray detecting elements of the X-ray imaging system. The X-ray imaging system may be a CT imaging system or other imaging system that includes an X-ray source and an X-ray detector.