Double-Pulsed X-Ray Source for High-Speed Blood Flow and Fragment Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring blood flow velocity and associated mechanical stresses in vascular systems lack high-resolution and accuracy, while techniques for tracking explosively driven fragments at high speeds face limitations in temporal and spatial resolution, especially in environments with high luminosity or opaque fireballs.
Innovation Solution
A double-pulsed X-ray source system with a high-voltage source, transformer, and controller unit is developed, capable of producing X-ray pulses with sub-microsecond separation, integrated with a scintillator and detector system for high-resolution imaging of fluid flow and fragment tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging modalities (ultrasound, PIV, MRI) are used for blood flow measurement, then certain advantages are achieved, but high spatial and temporal resolution with high accuracy cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple specialized components: double-pulsed X-ray source for temporal resolution, micro-columnar scintillator for spatial resolution, and high-speed detector for frame rate. Each component addresses specific limitations of traditional modalities, collectively achieving the required measurement precision for clinical blood flow assessment.
2Measurement precision
If optical techniques are used for high-speed imaging, then high resolution is achieved, but imaging through opaque fireballs or in high luminosity environments is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses X-rays as an intermediary imaging modality that can penetrate opaque fireballs and ignore high luminosity interference. The micro-columnar scintillator acts as a mediator converting X-rays to visible light for detection, enabling imaging in environments where optical techniques fail.
3Speed
If single-pulsed X-ray sources are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but sub-microsecond temporal resolution for tracking fast-moving particles is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic double-pulsed X-ray emission with sub-microsecond separation to capture fast-moving particles at different positions. This periodic action enables temporal resolution necessary for tracking high-speed blood flow and fragment motion, overcoming the limitations of single-pulsed sources.
4Speed
If high frame rate imaging is implemented, then temporal resolution is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-columnar scintillator is pre-optimized with specific crystal structure and doping to maximize light output and minimize decay time. This preliminary optimization ensures that sufficient signal is generated even during brief exposure periods at high frame rates, maintaining signal-to-noise ratio while achieving required temporal resolution.
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 system provides high temporal and spatial resolution for blood flow measurements and 3D tracking of fast-moving fragments, overcoming existing limitations with a good signal-to-noise ratio, enabling precise fluid flow characterization and fragment analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A double-pulsed X-ray source system with a high-voltage source, transformer, and controller unit is developed, capable of producing X-ray pulses with sub-microsecond separation
Implementation Method 2
integrated with a scintillator and detector system for high-resolution imaging
Data Source
AI summary
Systems that can overcome the limitations of current blood flow measurement systems and systems that can track in 3D the explosively driven fragments traveling at 1,000 m/s or faster, will provide temporal resolution of 1 μs, spatial resolution of 50 μm to 1 mm (or finer based on geometry), and allow imaging over at least 122×122 cm2 area are disclosed hereinbelow. These systems use a double-pulsed X-ray generator.