Two-Dimensional Collimator Module Assembly for X-Ray CT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional collimators for X-ray CT apparatuses face difficulties in assembly and maintaining positional accuracy due to complex lattice configurations and machining challenges, leading to issues with scattered radiation removal in both channel and slice directions.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional collimator module design featuring first and second collimator plates arranged in a lattice configuration with slits and grooves, allowing for precise insertion and alignment of second collimator plates between the walls of first collimator plates, enhancing assembly ease and positional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a lattice configuration with multiple collimator plates is used to remove scattered radiation in both channel and slice directions, then scattered radiation removal effectiveness is improved, but assembly difficulty and machining complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is divided into multiple independent collimator plates arranged in a lattice configuration, with each plate being a separate component that can be manufactured and assembled independently. This segmentation allows for effective scattered radiation removal while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Second collimator plates are inserted through slits formed in first collimator plates, creating a nested lattice structure. This nesting approach enables the complex multi-directional collimation function to be achieved through hierarchical arrangement of simpler components
2Manufacturing precision
If groove width is reduced to improve positional accuracy of collimator plates, then positional accuracy is improved, but assembly difficulty increases due to tight clearance
Solution Approach 1:
Grooves are pre-formed in the collimator plates with precise dimensions before assembly. This preliminary preparation of accurate reference features enables subsequent components to be positioned accurately during assembly without requiring tight clearances, thus maintaining both positional accuracy and assembly ease
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves act as intermediary reference features that mediate between the manufacturing process and the final assembled position. These pre-formed grooves provide accurate positioning references that enable precise alignment during assembly without requiring excessive tight clearances
3Ease of operation
If groove width is increased to ease assembly of collimator plates, then assembly ease is improved, but positional accuracy and inclination accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Grooves are pre-formed with precise dimensions and orientations before assembly operations. This preliminary creation of accurate reference features allows assembly to proceed easily with adequate clearances while still achieving high positional and inclination accuracy through the precision of the pre-formed grooves
4Manufacturing precision
If machining precision is increased to improve slit formation accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but machining difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is segmented into multiple plates, each containing a limited number of slits. This segmentation reduces the machining complexity for each individual plate while maintaining overall slit formation accuracy through consistent manufacturing of multiple identical or similar components
Solution Approach 2:
The dimensions and configurations of slits are optimized within practical machining ranges. By selecting appropriate slit dimensions and arrangements that balance accuracy requirements with machining capabilities, the patent achieves satisfactory slit formation accuracy without excessive machining difficulty or time
Data Source
AI summary
A two-dimensional collimator module is provided. The two-dimensional collimator module includes first collimator plates arranged in a channel direction, second collimator plates arranged in a slice direction and combined with the first collimator plates to form a lattice, and a first block and a second block that hold the first collimator plates, wherein each of the first collimator plates is formed with slits, each of the second collimator plates is inserted through an associated row of the slits, first plate surfaces of the second collimator plates in the slice direction abut only first wall surfaces of first and second wall surfaces of the slits in the slice direction in a first set of the first collimator plates, and second plate surfaces of the second collimator plates opposite to the first plate surfaces abut only the second wall surfaces of the slits in a second set of first collimator plates.