Anti-scatter Collimator Septa Retention via Geometric Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anti-scatter collimators in radiation imaging modalities face challenges with unintended vibration and motion of septa, leading to reduced image quality due to inadequate fixation structures.
Innovation Solution
The anti-scatter collimator design features a first and second anti-scatter structure with retaining members and a support member that maintain the position of septa between the structures, ensuring fixed positioning and minimizing movement, while allowing primary radiation to pass through and absorbing secondary radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixation structures are used to maintain septa in place, then septa position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members are integrated directly into the anti-scatter structure, merging the fixation function with the structural framework. This eliminates separate fixation components while maintaining septa stability through the built-in retaining geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining members are designed to automatically hold the septa in place through their geometric configuration, without requiring additional active fixation mechanisms. The structure itself provides the fixation function through its inherent design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If septa are made larger to improve radiation scattering absorption, then radiation absorption capability is improved, but unintended vibration and motion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-scatter structure is divided into multiple discrete retaining members that individually secure different portions of the septa. This segmentation allows the large septa to be stabilized through multiple distributed fixation points rather than relying on a single rigid support.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining members act as intermediary elements between the septa and the anti-scatter structure framework. These intermediaries provide stable positioning and vibration reduction while allowing the septa to maintain their large size for effective radiation absorption.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple retaining members are used to secure septa, then septa position precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members are designed with a universal geometric configuration that can secure multiple septa using the same design principle. This multi-functionality allows precise positioning of all septa through repetition of a standardized component design, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 design effectively reduces vibration and motion of septa, enhancing image quality by maintaining the precise alignment of septa and shielding electronic components from radiation, thereby improving the accuracy of radiation imaging.
Implementation Method 1
These anti-scatter collimators comprise anti-scatter plates, also referred to as septa, which are configured to absorb scattered radiation while allowing primary radiation to pass through the collimator and be detected by a pixel of the detector array
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, an anti-scatter collimator (200) includes a first anti-scatter structure (302) defining a retaining member (432). The retaining member includes a first protruding member having a top surface defining a first plane, and a second protruding member having a second top surface defining a second plane. The second protruding member is spaced apart from the first protruding member to define a groove (434). The retaining member includes a support member extending between the first protruding member and the second protruding member. The support member defines a bottom surface of the groove. The bottom surface of the support member is spaced a distance apart from the first plane and the second plane. A second anti-scatter structure (303) includes a septum disposed within the groove. The first protruding member, the second protruding member, and the support member maintain a position of the septum relative to the first anti-scatter structure.