Mammographic CT Collimator Shield Gap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mammographic CT apparatuses face challenges in preventing X-ray leakage to the subject while capturing images of the breast base due to the collimator's position away from the sensing device and interference from the X-ray shield, which limits the proximity of the sensing device to the top panel.
Innovation Solution
A mammographic CT apparatus design featuring a gantry with a collimator and sensing device that rotate together, an annular shield between the collimator and radiation tube, and an annular gap allowing the collimator edge to fit into the shield's gap, enabling the collimator to be closer to the top panel and reducing X-ray leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the collimator is built into the X-ray generator around the focal point, then the X-ray irradiation region can be defined, but an X-ray penumbra is formed at a wide region on the outer side of the irradiation region and leakage of X-rays to the subject cannot be sufficiently prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is separated from the X-ray generator and positioned independently near the sensing device. This segmentation allows the collimator to be placed at an optimal position for minimizing penumbra and preventing X-ray leakage, while the X-ray generator remains at its focal point position. The collimator acts as an independent component that defines the irradiation region more precisely.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator serves as an intermediary component between the X-ray generator and the sensing device. It is positioned near the sensing device to minimize the penumbra region and prevent X-ray leakage to the subject, while still allowing the X-ray beam to pass through and define the irradiation region accurately.
2Area of stationary object
If the collimator is positioned near the top panel to bring the X-ray irradiation region close to the top panel, then images of the base of the breast can be taken, but the X-ray shield interferes with the collimator and prevents it from being brought into proximity with the top panel
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is separated from both the X-ray generator and the X-ray shield, allowing it to be positioned independently in the space between them. This segmentation enables the collimator to be placed near the top panel to cover the base of the breast, while the X-ray shield remains in its protective position without interfering with the collimator's placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator is positioned in a different spatial dimension between the X-ray generator and the sensing device, rather than being attached to either component. This dimensional repositioning allows the collimator to be near the top panel for complete breast coverage while the X-ray shield maintains its protective function without interference.
3Area of stationary object
If the sensing device is brought into proximity with the top panel to enable imaging up to the base portion of the breast, then images of the base of the breast can be captured, but the non-sensing area on the perimeter and the X-ray shield interfere and prevent the sensing device from being brought into proximity with the top panel
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device is separated from the X-ray shield, allowing independent positioning of each component. This segmentation enables the sensing device to be placed near the top panel to capture images of the base of the breast, while the X-ray shield remains in its protective position without interfering with the sensing device's placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device is positioned in a different spatial dimension between the X-ray shield and the top panel, allowing it to be near the top panel for complete breast coverage including the base portion. The X-ray shield maintains its protective function in its original position without interfering with the sensing device's optimal placement.
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 configuration effectively prevents X-ray leakage and allows for clear imaging of the breast base by positioning the collimator and sensing device closer to the top panel, enhancing image quality and radiation containment.
Implementation Method 1
the X-rays which have transmitted through the breast are sensed by the sensing device
Implementation Method 2
a sensing device disposed within the gantry so as to face the radiation tube, and configured to sense radiation which has been emitted from the radiation tube and been transmitted through the accommodation portion
Implementation Method 3
a collimator disposed between the accommodation portion and the radiation tube, and configured to rotate around the rotation axis integrally with the radiation tube and sensing device
Implementation Method 4
an annular shield disposed between the rotational path of the collimator and the rotational path of the radiation tube, having an annular gap corresponding to the rotational path of the collimator
Data Source
AI summary
A mammographic CT apparatus includes: a gantry, including a front face plate in which an insertion opening is formed for inserting a breast into an accommodation portion a radiation tube and sensing device disposed within the gantry; a driving unit configured to rotate the radiation tube and the sensing device around a rotation axis set in the normal direction of the accommodation portion, at the same angular speed and in the same direction; a collimator disposed between the accommodation portion and the radiation tube, and configured to rotate around the rotation axis integrally with the radiation tube and sensing device; and an annular shield disposed between the rotational path of the collimator and the rotational path of the radiation tube, having an annular gap corresponding to the rotational path of the collimator, wherein an edge of the collimator or sensing device is fit into the gap.