Mirror Element Dose Measurement in X-Ray Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for dose measurement in x-ray devices, such as direct measurement using an ionization chamber or calculation from generator parameters, are costly, space-intensive, and prone to miscalculations, and cannot provide real-time dose rate or DAP rate monitoring.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that injects a light field into an x-ray beam using a mirror element with a carrier material, measuring radiation-induced changes to determine the dose, which can be part of the mirror element or another component in the radiation field, allowing for accurate and real-time dose measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an ionization chamber is installed directly adjoining the x-ray collimator for direct measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose measurement accuracyVSAvoidadditional components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror element serves dual purposes: it reflects light for the light field function and contains carrier material for radiation dose measurement. This integration eliminates the need for separate ionization chambers while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus uses its own existing structural components (mirror element with carrier material) for dose measurement rather than requiring external dedicated measurement devices. The mirror element inherently serves both its optical function and radiation detection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If an ionization chamber is installed for direct measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the apparatus occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose measurement accuracyVSAvoidapparatus space

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The dose measurement function is merged into the existing mirror element structure by incorporating carrier material within it. This combination eliminates the need for separate space-consuming ionization chambers while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If dose is calculated from generator parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to miscalculations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system simplicityVSAvoiddose calculation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The calculation-based dose determination method is replaced with direct physical measurement using radiation-induced changes in carrier material. This substitution eliminates calculation errors while keeping the device simple by using existing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If calculation method is used for dose determination, then device complexity is reduced, but real-time monitoring capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system simplicityVSAvoidreal-time dose rate determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The indirect calculation method is replaced with direct physical measurement that provides immediate real-time dose rate information. The radiation-induced changes in carrier material occur continuously, enabling real-time monitoring without complex computational delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a cost-effective, space-efficient, and accurate method for dose measurement, capable of real-time monitoring of the dose rate, reducing miscalculations and scatter radiation, and enhancing the precision of dose determination.

Implementation Method 1

measuring radiation-induced changes to a carrier material, the carrier material being part of at least one of the mirror element and another component of the apparatus, lying in the radiation field of the x-ray device when used in the x-ray device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation-induced changes: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

a mirror element to inject a light field into an x-ray beam penetrating through the mirror element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11497460B2Method and apparatus for dose measurement in an x-ray device

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

An apparatus, for dose measurement designed for use in an x-ray device, is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a mirror element designed to inject a light field into an x-ray beam penetrating through the mirror element; and a measuring device to measure radiation-induced changes to a carrier material. The carrier material is part of the mirror element and/or another component of the apparatus, which lies in the radiation field of the x-ray device when used normally in an x-ray device. A corresponding method for dose measurement and to an x-ray device is also disclosed.