Motorized X-ray Collimator with Synchronized Movable Leaves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray collimators are unable to modulate beam quality, shape, or size in real-time, limiting their effectiveness in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
A motorized x-ray collimator with independently movable leaves that can be completely or partially attenuating, synchronized with the x-ray source to modify beam quality on a pulse-to-pulse basis, allowing for rapid changes in beam quality and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional collimators use fixed beam blocking leaves, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the beam quality cannot be modulated in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed beam blocking leaves with movable leaves that can be positioned independently. Each leaf can be moved into or out of the beam path using motorized mechanisms, enabling real-time modulation of beam quality, shape, and size. This dynamic capability allows the collimator to adapt to different imaging requirements without requiring multiple fixed collimators or complex manual adjustments.
2Productivity
If conventional collimators use manual or motorized leaf movement, then the beam shape can be adjusted, but the operation cannot be synchronized with x-ray pulse generation for real-time beam modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the motorized leaf movement with the periodic x-ray pulse generation. The collimator leaves are moved into or out of the beam path at specific moments within each x-ray pulse cycle, allowing real-time modulation of beam quality on a per-pulse basis. This periodic coordination ensures that beam modifications occur precisely when needed during the x-ray exposure cycle, eliminating synchronization delays and enabling rapid beam quality changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional collimators block portions of the beam, then the beam shape is defined, but the beam quality (energy, intensity, dose distribution) cannot be modulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different regions of the beam to have different qualities through independent leaf positioning. Leaves can be selectively moved to block or allow x-rays in specific areas, creating spatially varying beam characteristics. This allows certain regions to receive modified beam quality (e.g., filtered or unfiltered) while other regions receive standard beam quality, enabling localized optimization for different imaging or therapy requirements without exposing unnecessary areas to radiation.
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
Enables real-time modification of x-ray beam quality and shape, enhancing imaging capabilities by allowing different beam qualities to be used for specific regions of interest, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing exposure.
Implementation Method 1
the individual leaf or leaves can be all completely attenuating or all partially attenuating of x-rays
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an x-ray source operable to generate x-ray beams, a collimator comprising one or more leaves configured to modify the x-ray beams, a motorized system operable to move the one or more leaves of the collimator independently in or out of the x-ray beams, and a controller configured to synchronize operation of the x-ray source and the motorized system, allowing modification of the x-ray beams substantially in real time with generation of the x-ray beams. At least one leaf or each of the leaves of the collimator may be configured to modulate a beam quality of the x-ray beams.