CT Collimator Structure for Higher Dose Efficiency Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT detectors with uniform and wide flat panels or grids in the collimator shield too many useful X-rays, leading to poor dose efficiency and reduced imaging quality.
Innovation Solution
A collimator with 3D printed design featuring first bases with wide widths and second bases with narrower widths, along with obliquely arranged first shielding plates, ensures coverage of shadows and uniform pixel performance, enhancing dose efficiency and imaging quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If uniform and wide flat panels or grids are used in the collimator, then structural strength is improved, but dose efficiency deteriorates due to shielding too many useful X-rays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the width of bases at different locations. First bases have a first width while second bases have a second width that is smaller than the first width. This local variation allows the collimator to maintain structural strength where needed while reducing X-ray shielding in critical areas, thereby improving dose efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator is segmented into multiple bases (first bases and second bases) with different widths. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently - first bases provide structural support with wider dimensions, while second bases reduce X-ray blocking to improve dose efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If 3D printed collimator with flat panels is used to reduce costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but dose efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D printed collimator incorporates local quality variations through its digital model, creating different base widths in different regions. This allows cost-effective 3D printing while achieving optimized X-ray transmission patterns that improve dose efficiency, avoiding the need for expensive traditional manufacturing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters (base widths) in the 3D printed collimator design. By adjusting the width parameters of first and second bases in the digital model, the system achieves both cost-effectiveness through 3D printing and improved dose efficiency through optimized X-ray transmission characteristics.
3Reliability
If wider bases are used to cover shadows, then operational performance is improved, but dose efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality differentially. First bases have wider dimensions to cover shadows and ensure operational performance, while second bases have narrower dimensions to reduce X-ray shielding and improve dose efficiency. Each location's base width is optimized for its specific functional requirement.
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 achieves higher dose efficiency and improved imaging quality by effectively shielding X-rays while maintaining operational performance, regardless of the X-ray source's angle or alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a collimated X-ray passes through the scintillator and is converted from a high-energy X-ray into low-energy visible light
Implementation Method 2
an optical signal is converted into an electrical signal by using the photodiode
Implementation Method 3
the collimator blocks X-ray scattered light, a collimated X-ray passes through
Data Source
AI summary
A computed tomography imaging system including a collimator and detector assembly are described herein. The collimator is coupled to the detector assembly, and includes a collimator module. The collimator module includes a plurality of first bases arranged at intervals, second bases located between every two first bases, and a plurality of first shielding plates located on the first bases. The width of the second bases is less than the width of the first bases, and the width of the first shielding plates is less than the width of the first bases.