Dual Diaphragm X-Ray Beam Control for Precision and Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diaphragm devices for x-ray apparatuses fail to achieve precise adjustment and fast dynamic masking of the radiation beam simultaneously, leading to increased radiation exposure during scanning due to the trade-off between precision and speed, resulting in unnecessary exposure of subjects during leading and trailing movements in helical scans.
Innovation Solution
The use of two separate diaphragms, one for precise adjustment of the radiation beam and another for dynamic masking, allows for high precision and speed, respectively, ensuring only the necessary region of the subject is exposed during scanning, thereby reducing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single diaphragm is used for both precise adjustment and dynamic masking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adjustment precision and speed cannot be optimized simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The single diaphragm is divided into two separate diaphragms: a first diaphragm for precise radiation beam adjustment and a second diaphragm for dynamic masking. This segmentation allows each diaphragm to be optimized for its specific function, with the first diaphragm achieving high adjustment precision and the second diaphragm enabling fast dynamic masking, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adjustment precision.
2Device complexity
If a single diaphragm is used for both precise adjustment and dynamic masking, then the device structure is simplified, but the adjustment speed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm device is segmented into two independent diaphragms that can operate at different speeds. The second diaphragm is specifically designed for fast dynamic masking operations, while the first diaphragm handles precise but slower adjustment tasks. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both high adjustment speed and acceptable device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the radiation beam is not dynamically masked during leading and trailing movements, then the device operation is simpler, but the radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second diaphragm is positioned and configured to perform preliminary masking of the radiation beam during leading and trailing movements before the actual scanning of the usable volume. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary radiation exposure to regions that will not be included in the final image reconstruction, thereby reducing harmful radiation effects while maintaining relatively simple device operation.
4Measurement precision
If the scan volume is increased to ensure complete coverage, then the measurement precision is improved, but the radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second diaphragm is designed to dynamically adjust its position and opening during the scanning process. During leading and trailing movements, the diaphragm closes to mask unnecessary radiation, while during the scanning of the usable volume, it opens to allow sufficient radiation for high-quality image reconstruction. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to maintain measurement precision while minimizing radiation exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
in a diaphragm device for an x-ray apparatus for scanning a subject with a radiation beam and a scanning method using such a diaphragm device, the diaphragm device has at least two diaphragms. For at least one segment of the scan, the radiation beam that has been adjusted with the first diaphragm can be at least partially dynamically masked by the second diaphragm. High adjustment precisions for precise exposure of a measurement field of detector and high adjustment speed for masking of a radiation beam that is not needed for reconstruction of an image, or for reduction of a radiation exposure of the subject can be implemented to equal degree with the two diaphragms that are separate from one another.