Dynamic Grille for Mammography Tomosynthesis Secondary Radiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammography and tomosynthesis apparatuses face challenges in maintaining good image quality during both procedures due to secondary radiation interference, requiring manual or automated removal of collimation grilles, which complicates combined examinations and increases apparatus size.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a focused grille system that intercepts secondary radiation between the X-ray tubes and detector, allowing for adjustable X-ray beam collimation and maintaining the grille in place during both mammography and tomosynthesis, using a ring frame structure for stable breast positioning and rotatable components to optimize X-ray source and detector alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a typical mammographic grille is used for all tomosynthesis projections, then secondary radiation is reduced, but primary beam is attenuated for positions different from mammography
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is made movable relative to the X-ray source, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned according to the source position. This enables the grille to maintain optimal orientation for removing secondary radiation while minimizing attenuation of the primary beam at different projection angles during tomosynthesis
Solution Approach 2:
The grille design allows it to serve multiple functions: it effectively removes secondary radiation during mammography and can be repositioned to optimize performance during tomosynthesis projections at different angles, making it universally applicable for both procedures without requiring removal
2Reliability
If the grille is removed manually during tomosynthesis, then primary beam attenuation is avoided, but the breast must be decompressed and spatial adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically repositioning the grille according to the X-ray source position without requiring manual intervention. The grille moves autonomously to maintain optimal orientation, eliminating the need for operator involvement in grille management
Solution Approach 2:
The grille is made dynamically adjustable through an automated positioning system that moves it according to the X-ray source position, allowing the system to adapt to different procedural requirements without manual intervention or breast decompression
3Ease of operation
If automated grille removal is implemented, then operational complexity is reduced, but apparatus dimensions are increased and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grille positioning function is merged with the existing X-ray source positioning system. The grille moves in coordination with the source position changes, utilizing the same spatial framework and control mechanisms, thereby avoiding the need for separate housing space and reducing overall apparatus dimensions
4Ease of operation
If the grille remains in place during tomosynthesis, then automated operation is simplified, but primary beam attenuation occurs at limit positions
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is made dynamically repositionable, allowing it to automatically adjust its position and orientation according to the X-ray source location. This enables the grille to remain in place during tomosynthesis while minimizing primary beam attenuation through real-time positioning adjustments
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 setup reduces secondary radiation incidence, enabling high-quality radiographic images during both procedures without grille removal, improving contrast and spatial resolution while allowing for efficient X-ray dose management and reduced operator and patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
When X-rays pass through a part of the human body such as the breast, however, secondary photons are generated. These secondary photons (also known as 'scattering radiation' or 'diffuse radiation' or 'secondary radiation') propagate in different directions relative to the rays emitted by the X-ray source
Implementation Method 2
These apparatuses comprise an X-ray source and a detector configured to receive the X-rays emitted by the source
Implementation Method 3
in the breast being analyzed X-rays are absorbed to a different extent by parts affected by tumor growths or the like as compared to parts without tumor growths
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for tomosynthesis and/or mammography includes: an X-ray detector, for receiving and detecting X-rays in a first, detection plane; an X-ray source, which can be activated individually and is positioned to emit a corresponding X-ray beam towards the first, detection plane; a processing and control unit, for activating the X-ray source and receiving a signal relating to X-rays which passed through the breast and were detected by the detector to derive a radiographic image representative of the internal structure of the breast; a grille for removing diffuse radiation, interposed between the source and the detector to receive X-rays which passed through the breast. The grille including plates positioned opposite the chest of the patient when the breast is positioned in a positioning region, and which are angled to converge towards the same region proximal to the X-ray source.