Collimator Plate Assembly Using Cutout Side Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of lattice-shaped collimator units in radiography apparatuses is challenging due to the need for precise positioning of numerous collimator plates, which is difficult to achieve at low cost and high precision, especially when inserting second collimator plates into slots on first collimator plates, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method for assembling collimator modules involves positioning first collimator plates by contacting the side wall of a cutout on their edges with a member extending in the same direction, using springy members to pull and align the plates, and sandwiching second collimator plates between slot side walls, allowing for precise alignment and assembly at reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the plurality of first collimator plates is supported by two end-blocks with grooves for positioning, then the collimator plates can be positioned in the second direction, but it is difficult to process each groove with required high precision, which worsens yields and increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning member is introduced as an intermediary component between the end-blocks and the first collimator plates. This positioning member extends in the first direction and contacts the side wall of the cutout on the first collimator plate, transferring and stabilizing the position without requiring high-precision grooves in the end-blocks. The positioning member acts as a mediator that bridges the positioning function, allowing standard grooves to achieve precise plate positioning through the side wall contact mechanism.
2Reliability
If a lattice-shaped collimator unit is assembled with numerous collimator plates, then scattered radiation can be prevented two-dimensionally, but it becomes difficult to place all collimator plates at correct positions in a precise manner and at low cost
Solution Approach 1:
The first collimator plate's own structure (the cutout with side wall) is utilized to achieve self-positioning. The side wall of the cutout serves as a built-in positioning feature that directly contacts the positioning member, eliminating the need for external high-precision positioning mechanisms. This self-service approach allows each plate to position itself accurately through its inherent structural features, enabling precise assembly of numerous plates without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the side wall of the cutout is contacted to a member extending in the first direction, then precise positioning of the first collimator plate is achieved, but additional components and assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it extends in the first direction to provide structural support, contacts the side wall of the cutout to achieve precise positioning in the second direction, and acts as a reference for aligning multiple first collimator plates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning components and simplifies the overall assembly structure despite the added precision capability.
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 method enables precise and cost-effective assembly of collimator modules by utilizing cutouts on the collimator plates as reference surfaces, improving the alignment and insertion of second collimator plates into slots, thereby enhancing the assembly process and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
hooking a springy member on the first cutout and pulling the first collimator plate with a tension
Data Source
AI summary
A collimator module having high precision is provided at low cost. A method for assembling a collimator module 200, the collimator module 200 comprising: a plurality of first collimator plates 11 arrayed in a first direction, having a plurality of slots 111 formed on each plate surface; and a plurality of second collimator plates 12 arrayed in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, each second collimator plate 12 penetrates the respective slots in the first direction, the method comprises: a step of positioning the plurality of first collimator plates 11 by moving the first collimator plate 11 in one direction of the second direction, so that a side wall of a first cutout 112 formed on an edge of a radiation incident side or a radiation output side of the first collimator plate 11 is contacted to a member extending to the first direction.