Integrated CT Filter Carriage for Beam Shaping and Dose Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT imaging systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting radiation energy distribution and reducing radiation dose based on subject anatomy, requiring multiple bowtie and hardening filters that increase cost and complexity, and prolong scan times.
Innovation Solution
An integrated filter assembly with a single carriage system incorporating multiple bowtie and hardening filters, allowing for precise adjustment of radiation energy distribution and dose based on scan type and subject anatomy, reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate bowtie and hardening filters are used, then imaging quality and radiation dose optimization are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bowtie filters and hardening filters into a single integrated filter assembly that moves as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components, simplifies the overall system structure, and lowers cost while maintaining the ability to optimize imaging quality through the integrated filter configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated filter assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it includes both bowtie filters for spatial energy distribution and hardening filters for beam conditioning, all within a single movable unit. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various imaging requirements without needing separate filter systems.
2Reliability
If multiple separate bowtie and hardening filters are used, then imaging quality and radiation dose optimization are improved, but scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all filters into a single integrated assembly that moves together, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate filter changes during scanning. The unified filter carriage can be positioned and adjusted as one unit, reducing the time required to switch between different filter configurations compared to managing multiple separate filters.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple separate bowtie and hardening filters are used, then radiation dose optimization is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple filters into a single assembly, reducing the total number of separate components that need to be manufactured, stored, and maintained. This consolidation lowers the overall cost of the filter system while preserving the ability to optimize radiation dose through the integrated filter configuration.
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
Enhances imaging quality by optimizing radiation energy distribution and reducing radiation exposure, while maintaining system reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a hardening filter may be positioned between the radiation source and the imaging subject for intercepting the lower energy radiations, thereby attenuating and 'hardening' the beam
Implementation Method 2
A bowtie filter may be positioned between the radiation source and the imaging subject for adjusting the spatial distribution of the radiation energy based on the anatomy of the imaging subject
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for integrated filter assemblies including a bowtie filter and a hardening filter mounted on a single carriage. In one embodiment, an imaging system may include an x-ray source to generate an x-ray beam, a pre-patient collimator positioned adjacent to the x-ray source such that the x-ray beam passes through the pre-patient collimator. The pre-patient collimator includes a carriage, and at least one filter coupled to one edge of the carriage and extending away from the carriage.