Dual Collimation Layout for Multi-Focal-Spot X-Ray FOV Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray systems with multiple focal spots face challenges in controlling the field-of-view (FOV) of overlapping x-ray beams within a vacuum enclosure, as external collimation becomes insufficient, leading to issues with beam overlap and dose distribution without corresponding image detection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing both internal and external collimation techniques, where internal collimators within the vacuum enclosure control the x-ray beams in the X-Z plane, and external collimators in the Y-Z plane, ensuring precise FOV control and alignment with the x-ray detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If external collimation is used to control x-ray beams from multiple focal spots, then the field-of-view can be controlled, but the beams begin to overlap within the vacuum enclosure making external collimation insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The collimation system is segmented into two distinct parts: internal collimators positioned within the vacuum enclosure and external collimators positioned outside. This segmentation allows each collimator type to address specific aspects of beam control, with internal collimators managing beams before they overlap and external collimators providing additional control where needed, thereby resolving the insufficiency of external collimation alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution extends the collimation approach from a single external dimension to multiple dimensions by adding internal collimation within the vacuum enclosure. This dimensional extension allows control of x-ray beams at different spatial locations and angles, effectively managing beam overlap that cannot be addressed by external collimation alone.
2Area of stationary object
If x-ray sources are spaced closely to reduce system size, then the system becomes more compact, but the x-ray beams overlap within the vacuum enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
Internal collimators are positioned to perform preliminary collimation of x-ray beams before they have a chance to overlap significantly within the vacuum enclosure. By establishing beam boundaries early in the beam path, the system maintains precise beam separation control even when sources are closely spaced, preventing the overlap problem before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimation system applies different collimation characteristics to different beams based on their specific trajectories and overlap patterns. Each internal collimator is configured with local adjustments to control beam width and direction, providing customized beam control for each focal spot pair, thereby maintaining precision despite close spacing.
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
Achieves accurate FOV control for overlapping x-ray beams, minimizing undetected radiation exposure and optimizing image detection by aligning beam projections with the x-ray detector area, while simplifying the machining process and reducing system weight.
Implementation Method 1
an anode including at least one target with a plurality of focal spots disposed in a planar array within the vacuum enclosure, each focal spot configured to generate an x-ray beam in response to an electron beam from a corresponding one of the electron sources
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of first collimators disposed within the vacuum enclosure, each first collimator associated with a corresponding one of the focal spots and configured to collimate the x-ray beam of the corresponding focal spot
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include an x-ray system, comprising: a vacuum enclosure; a plurality of electron sources disposed within the vacuum enclosure; an anode including at least one target with a plurality of focal spots disposed in a planar array within the vacuum enclosure, each focal spot configured to generate an x-ray beam in response to an electron beam from a corresponding one of the electron sources; a plurality of first collimators disposed within the vacuum enclosure, each first collimator associated with a corresponding one of the focal spots and configured to collimate the x-ray beam of the corresponding focal spot; and a second collimator integrated with a housing of the vacuum enclosure or external to the vacuum enclosure, the second collimator configured to collimate each of the x-ray beams.