Hoop Chopper Wheel Layout for Higher-Resolution X-Ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld x-ray imaging devices using rotating disk chopper wheels face issues with weight and resolution due to the disk and associated shielding taking up space and being located behind the backscatter detector assembly, leading to degraded image resolution.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hoop chopper wheel assembly with x-ray attenuating material, allowing apertures to pass x-rays closer to the front of the instrument, reducing weight and enhancing resolution by minimizing the distance between the beam exit and the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotating disk chopper wheel is used with shielding located behind the backscatter detector assembly, then the device can be constructed with traditional components, but the image resolution is degraded due to increased beam width at the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional disk chopper wheel configuration to a hoop chopper wheel configuration, changing the spatial arrangement from a planar disk to a three-dimensional hoop structure. This dimensional change allows the chopper wheel to be positioned closer to the front of the instrument, reducing the beam width at the target and improving image resolution without increasing device complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotating disk chopper wheel with shielding is used, then the device can block x-rays effectively, but the weight increases due to the disk and associated shielding taking up space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential x-ray blocking function from the traditional disk chopper wheel configuration and relocates it to a hoop chopper wheel positioned closer to the front of the instrument. This extraction and relocation reduces the amount of shielding material needed while maintaining x-ray blocking capability, thereby reducing the overall device weight
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from a planar disk configuration to a three-dimensional hoop configuration, the patent optimizes the spatial distribution of shielding material. The hoop structure provides effective x-ray blocking with less material volume, reducing weight while maintaining the necessary protective function
3Measurement precision
If the chopper wheel is positioned closer to the front of the instrument, then the beam width at exit is reduced and resolution is improved, but the device structure becomes more compact and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a three-dimensional hoop chopper wheel configuration that allows compact positioning of the chopper wheel at the front of the instrument. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the length of the instrument while maintaining effective beam chopping, improving resolution without increasing overall device size
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 hoop chopper wheel design achieves higher resolution by allowing the beam width at the instrument's exit to be nearly identical to the aperture width, improving image clarity and reducing the overall weight of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a hoop chopper wheel rotatably mounted within the housing and comprising an x-ray attenuating material configured to block x-rays of the fan beam
Implementation Method 2
a transmission anode configured to receive electrons accelerated in a longitudinal axis of the x-ray tube and to produce source x-rays thereby
Implementation Method 3
an x-ray collimator configured to collimate the source x-rays for output as a fan beam of x-rays centered in an x-ray extraction direction
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray imaging apparatus includes a holdable housing; an x-ray source mounted within the housing and configured to output a fan beam of x-rays; and a hoop chopper wheel rotatably mounted within the housing and comprising an x-ray attenuating material configured to block x-rays of the fan beam. The hoop chopper wheel defines a set of beam apertures of which each aperture is configured to pass therethrough a corresponding angular portion of x-rays from the fan beam, so that rotation of the hoop chopper wheel causes scanning of the corresponding angular portion of x-rays. The x-ray source may be a transmission-type x-ray tube configured to output the fan beam centered in an x-ray extraction direction forming an angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the x-ray tube.