Collimator Grid Molding and Stacking for CT Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-dimensional collimator grids in computed tomography imaging systems are costly to assemble and lack mechanical stability, especially under high centripetal acceleration, making them difficult to extend for wider image detectors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving molding and machining of plates with grooves, fins, and fiducials to form a collimator grid, where plates are stacked overlapping each other, and coupled with brackets to create a stable and efficient collimator grid structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional 2D collimator grids are assembled from thin metal blades and fins, then the collimator can be constructed, but the assembly cost increases and mechanical stability deteriorates under high centripetal acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple thin metal blades and fins into a single integrated plate structure. The collimator grid is formed as one piece with through-holes and fin features molded directly into the plate, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing complexity while improving mechanical stability under centripetal acceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator grid is segmented into modular plate units with standardized through-holes and fin configurations. Each plate can be independently manufactured and then assembled into larger detector arrays, allowing flexible configuration for different detector sizes while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and mechanical integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional 2D collimator grids use thin metal blades, then the collimator structure is formed, but the cost of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components (blades, fins, mounting structures) are merged into a single molded plate, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations. The through-holes and fin features are created directly during molding, reducing both material costs and assembly labor costs while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is pre-formed with all necessary features (through-holes, fins, mounting structures) during the molding process before assembly. This preliminary action eliminates subsequent assembly steps and reduces overall manufacturing cost while improving production efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional 2D collimator grids are designed for specific detector sizes, then they can be manufactured, but adaptability to wider image detectors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator grid is divided into modular plate units with standardized interfaces and through-hole patterns. These segments can be assembled in different configurations to match various detector sizes and geometries, providing adaptability while maintaining consistent manufacturing processes and material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate design incorporates universal features (standardized through-holes, modular fin structures, flexible mounting interfaces) that allow the same basic plate to serve multiple detector configurations. This multi-functionality enables adaptation to wider and different-shaped image detectors without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A collimator grid and a method of fabricating the collimator grid are disclosed. The method includes molding a plurality of plates, each plate includes a plurality of grooves in a first surface, a plurality of fin tips in a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface, plurality of ribs on a first pair of peripheral sides, a plurality of first fiducials formed on the plurality of ribs, and a plurality of second fiducials formed on a second pair of peripheral sides. The method includes machining the second surface to form the plurality of fins having predefined dimensions. Further, the method includes stacking the plurality of plates overlapping each other based on the plurality of first fiducials, and machining the plurality of ribs and first fiducials to form the collimator grid.