Anti-scatter Collimator Septa Stability via Layer Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anti-scatter collimators in radiation imaging modalities face issues with unintended vibration and motion of septa, leading to reduced image quality and resource-intensive assembly processes, which increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An anti-scatter collimator design featuring a first and second layer with retaining members that maintain the position of septa, allowing primary radiation to pass through while absorbing secondary radiation, with end supports to secure the layers and reduce movement.
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 stability is improved, but device complexity and assembly resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixation function directly into the layer structures themselves. The first and second layers are configured to physically contact and maintain septa positions, eliminating the need for separate fixation structures. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining septa stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the separate fixation structures from the collimator design. By using the layers themselves to maintain septa positions through physical contact, the patent removes the unnecessary complexity of additional fixation components while achieving the same stability function.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixation structures are used for septa, then assembly is possible, but assembly time and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation function is merged into the layer structures, which are then assembled as integrated units with the septa. This combining of functions into fewer components reduces the number of assembly steps and decreases manufacturing time and costs.
3Device complexity
If septa are not securely positioned, then assembly complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to vibration and motion
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is segmented into distinct functional layers (first layer, second layer) that each contribute to septa positioning. This segmentation allows for simplified individual component design while achieving secure septa positioning through the coordinated arrangement of multiple simple components, reducing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex fixation structures to secure septa, the invention inverts the approach by having the septa naturally maintained in position by the geometric configuration and physical contact of the layers themselves. This inversion simplifies the design while ensuring stability.
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 minimizes vibration and motion of septa, enhancing image quality and reducing assembly complexity and costs by securely positioning the septa between the radiation source and detector array.
Implementation Method 1
The septum has a third attenuation coefficient that is greater than the first attenuation coefficient and the second attenuation coefficient
Data Source
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AI summary
Among other things, an anti-scatter collimator is provided including a first layer defining a first retaining member at a first surface. A second layer defines a second retaining member at a first surface that faces the first surface of the first layer. A septum is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and physically contacts the first retaining member and the second retaining member. The first retaining member and the second retaining member maintain a position of the septum relative to the first layer and the second layer. The septum has a third attenuation coefficient that is greater than a first attenuation coefficient of the first layer and a second attenuation coefficient of the second layer. An end support is attached to the first layer and to the second layer. The end support borders an end of the septum.