Cone Beam CT X-Ray Source and Detector Angled Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cone beam computed tomography systems face challenges in maintaining a wide field of view during scanning due to the rigid arrangement of the x-ray source and detector, which can interfere with the patient's anatomy, particularly the shoulder, when rotating around a vertical axis.
Innovation Solution
The x-ray source and detector are mounted on an arm that rotates about a vertical axis, with the source attached at an angle of 2 to 20 degrees and the detector at an angle of 2 to 20 degrees or parallel, allowing them to be spaced apart to accommodate an anatomical target without interference during scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the x-ray source and detector are rigidly connected on opposite ends of the arm and arranged to rotate about a vertical axis, then the system structure is simple and rigid, but the detector may contact the patient's shoulder during rotation, interfering with the patient and limiting the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the detector's position relative to the arm adjustable rather than fixed. The detector is mounted on the arm with the capability to move along the arm's length, allowing dynamic repositioning. This enables the system to adapt the detector's distance from the rotation axis, preventing contact with the patient's shoulder while maintaining a wide field of view during rotation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the x-ray image detector is moved further away from the source so as not to contact the patient's shoulder during operation, then patient interference is avoided, but the field of view is drastically reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is mounted on the arm with adjustable positioning capability, allowing it to move along the arm's length. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize the detector's position: far enough from the rotation axis to avoid patient contact, yet positioned to maintain an adequate field of view for imaging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the arm is translatable along the vertical axis to adjust to the patient's height, then the system is adaptable to different patient positions, but the x-ray source and detector may still interfere with the patient's anatomy during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines vertical translation of the entire arm assembly with longitudinal adjustment of the detector along the arm. This multi-degree-of-freedom dynamic positioning allows the system to first adjust to the patient's height via vertical translation, then further optimize the detector's radial position to avoid anatomical interference during rotation, addressing both adaptability and interference issues.
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 arrangement prevents interference with the patient during scanning while maintaining a wide field of view, as demonstrated by the increased gap between the detector and the patient's shoulder, enhancing the effectiveness of cone beam computed tomography imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source (22) is attached to the first end of the arm (21)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for x-ray detector and x-ray source arrangement in cone beam computed tomography systems are provided. An arm having a first end and a second end is mounted onto a support structure such that the arm rotates about a vertical axis. An x-ray source and an x-ray detector are separately attached to each end of the arm at angles in a range of about 2 to 20 degrees from the vertical axis, such that each is adapted to rotate with the arm about the vertical axis. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are spaced apart to enable an anatomical target to be interposed between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector for cone beam computed tomography scanning, such that the x-ray source and the x-ray detector do not interfere with the target during scanning.