Collimator Blade Segmentation for X-ray Field Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems face challenges in accurately adjusting the radiation field, particularly in systems where the collimator is fixed, leading to discomfort for patients due to frequent movement of the examination table and low adjustment accuracy in ceiling-mounted systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that independently adjust the collimator blades to achieve desired radiation field sizes and locations without moving the X-ray source tube or examination table, using a collimator control device with initialization, parameter acquisition, calculation, and control units to calculate and execute precise blade movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the collimator is fixed on the X-ray source tube in a ceiling-mounted system, then the system structure is stable, but the radiation field adjustment accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is divided into four independently controllable blades instead of moving the entire collimator structure. Each blade can be adjusted individually to achieve precise radiation field positioning while maintaining the overall fixed structure of the ceiling-mounted system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed collimator structure is transformed into a dynamic system where individual blades can move independently. This allows the radiation field to be adjusted dynamically without moving the X-ray source tube or examination table, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adjustment precision.
2Ease of operation
If the examination table is moved frequently to adjust the radiation field, then the radiation field location can be adjusted, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the examination table to adjust the radiation field location, the invention inverts the approach by moving the collimator blades while keeping the table stationary. This eliminates the harmful effect of frequent table movement on patient comfort while achieving the same radiation field adjustment goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment function is extracted from the examination table and transferred to the collimator blades. By taking out the radiation field adjustment capability from the table movement mechanism and placing it in the collimator, the table remains stationary during adjustment, improving patient comfort.
3Ease of operation
If the X-ray source tube is moved to adjust the radiation field, then the radiation field location changes, but the system complexity and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation field adjustment function is extracted from the X-ray source tube positioning system. Instead of moving the heavy source tube to change the radiation field location, the invention extracts this function and implements it through independent collimator blade movement, simplifying the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator is segmented into four independently controllable blades, allowing precise radiation field adjustment without moving the entire X-ray source tube assembly. This segmentation reduces system complexity while maintaining adjustment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for adjusting a collimator radiation field and an X-ray imaging system including the device are disclosed.