Fixed Cathode MBFEX Tube for Mammographic CT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammographic X-ray imaging technologies face challenges such as high error rates, limited sensitivity to calcifications, and radiation exposure due to mechanical rotation of X-ray tubes, which complicates early breast cancer detection and increases scan time, especially in dense breast tissue.
Innovation Solution
A computer tomograph using a multi-focus field emission X-ray tube (MBFEX) with a fixed arrangement of individually controllable X-ray emitters, where cathodes are aligned with a common anode, allowing for sequential activation to generate projection views without mechanical movement, reducing motion blur and enabling high-resolution imaging with adjustable X-ray beam geometry and radiation density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional rotating X-ray tube is used for mammographic imaging, then the system can capture projection views from multiple angles, but mechanical rotation causes motion blur and increases scan time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single rotating X-ray tube into multiple fixed X-ray emitters arranged in an arc, with each emitter capable of independent sequential activation. This segmentation eliminates the need for mechanical rotation while maintaining the ability to capture projection views from multiple angles, thereby resolving the contradiction between spatial resolution and scan time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an electronically controlled sequential activation system. Instead of physically rotating the X-ray tube, the system electronically switches between multiple fixed emitters, substituting mechanical motion with electronic control to eliminate motion blur and reduce scan time.
2Device complexity
If a conventional rotating X-ray tube is used, then the system structure is simpler, but mechanical instability and susceptibility to failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical rotation mechanism entirely by using multiple fixed X-ray emitters with electronic sequential activation. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control systems removes sources of mechanical instability and failure, thereby improving reliability while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static arrangement of multiple emitters into a dynamic imaging system through electronic sequential activation. Each emitter can be independently controlled to activate in sequence, providing the functional dynamics of rotation without the mechanical complexity and instability associated with physical rotation mechanisms.
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 approach reduces radiation exposure, enhances sensitivity and specificity, and shortens imaging time while maintaining high resolution, particularly in dense breast tissue, by eliminating mechanical rotation and allowing for precise control of X-ray emission.
Implementation Method 1
cathodes which are for field emission of electrons extracted and accelerated in an electric field, directed toward the respective anode
Implementation Method 2
the respective anodes being for directional emission of X-rays as X-ray beams
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer tomograph (1) for mammographic x-ray imaging, comprising a WBFEX tube (20) and a flat-bed x-ray detector (30). A plurality of cathodes (40) are arranged in a fixed manner in rows in the MBFEX tube (20), the cathodes (40) being provided for the field emission of electrons, and the geometry as well as the radiation density and the wavelength range of an x-ray beam (b) can be adjusted, the MBFEX tube (20) can be moved parallel (z) to the flat-bed x-ray detector (30), the flat bed x-ray detector (30) comprising a moveable as well as also openable x-ray screen (31) and, using the x-ray screen (31), an imaging area (A) on the surface of the detector (D) of the flat-bed x-ray detector (30) can be selected and moved. Compared to conventional computer tomographs having rotating X-ray components, the claimed computer tomograph (1) has a particularly light and compact design, with which a particularly small focal spot size can be achieved.