Collimator Module with Joint Layer and Air Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray CT collimator modules face challenges in maintaining rigidity to prevent deformation under centrifugal forces and reducing position offsets due to thermal expansion, which affects X-ray use efficiency and image quality.
Innovation Solution
The collimator module incorporates collimator plate sets with a joint layer for enhanced rigidity and an air layer between adjacent sets to prevent position offset accumulation, allowing for reduced deformation and improved X-ray use efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the interval between detector elements is reduced to reduce pixel size, then image resolution is improved, but the proportion of X-rays blocked by collimator plates increases, lowering X-ray use efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator module is divided into multiple collimator plate sets, each set containing multiple collimator plates. This segmentation allows for optimized spacing and configuration of individual plates while maintaining overall collimation function, thereby improving X-ray use efficiency even with reduced detector element intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional parameter - the interval between adjacent collimator plate sets in the channel direction. By controlling this inter-set spacing, the patent optimizes both the collimation performance for high-resolution imaging and the X-ray transmission efficiency, resolving the contradiction between reduced pixel size and X-ray use efficiency
2Loss of energy
If collimator plates are made thinner to reduce X-ray blocking, then X-ray use efficiency is improved, but rigidity decreases, causing deformation under centrifugal force
Solution Approach 1:
Each collimator plate is segmented into multiple thin plate portions arranged in series within a collimator plate set. This segmentation allows the use of thinner individual plates (improving X-ray efficiency) while the collective structure maintains the required collimation function
Solution Approach 2:
Spacer members are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent collimator plates within a set. These spacers maintain precise spacing between thin plates, enabling the use of thinner plates for improved X-ray transmission while ensuring structural stability and preventing deformation under centrifugal force
3Strength
If collimator plates are made thicker to increase rigidity, then deformation under centrifugal force is reduced, but the proportion of X-rays blocked increases, lowering X-ray use efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator function is segmented across multiple thin plates rather than using a single thick plate. This allows the system to achieve the required rigidity through the collective structure and spacing arrangement while each individual plate remains thin to maximize X-ray transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from considering only the thickness of individual collimator plates to optimizing the three-dimensional arrangement of multiple plates in a set, including the spacing between them. This dimensional approach allows thin plates to collectively provide the necessary structural stability
4Measurement precision
If collimator plates are closely spaced to match reduced detector element intervals, then image resolution is improved, but position offset accumulation due to thermal expansion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator module is segmented into multiple independent collimator plate sets with air layers between them. This segmentation isolates the thermal expansion of each set, preventing the accumulation of position offsets that would occur in a continuous structure, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision even with closely spaced elements for high resolution
Solution Approach 2:
Air layers serve as intermediary elements between adjacent collimator plate sets. These air layers act as thermal isolation barriers, preventing the transmission and accumulation of thermal expansion effects from one set to another, thus maintaining precise positioning despite closely spaced configuration
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
The solution effectively enhances the rigidity of collimator plates and reduces position offsets, maintaining X-ray use efficiency and image quality even under rotational stress and thermal expansion.
Implementation Method 1
reducing position offsets due to thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
a joint layer disposed between the first collimator plate and the second collimator plate for joining the first collimator plate and the second collimator plate together
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a technique with which it is possible to make collimator plates resistant to deformation, and reduce position offsets in the collimator plates, a collimator module (1) comprises a plurality of collimator plate sets (2) lined up side by side in a channel direction (CH), wherein each collimator plate set (2) comprises a first collimator plate (3), a second collimator plate (4), and a joint layer (5) disposed between the first collimator plate (3) and second collimator plate (4) for adhesively bonding the first collimator plate (3) and second collimator plate (4) together, and the plurality of collimator plate sets (2) are lined up side by side in the channel direction (CH) with an air layer (20) intervening between adjacent two of the plurality of collimator plate sets (2).