Multi-Blade Collimator Aperture Shape Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray collimators have limitations in providing an adjustable aperture that maintains shape and orientation while resizing, and often result in unnecessary X-ray exposure and image quality issues due to fixed beam shapes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-blade collimator device comprising a base member, rotational member, and X-ray-attenuating blades that adjust to change the aperture size and shape, allowing for adjustable polygonal or rectangular apertures with multiple layers for enhanced control over X-ray beam collimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed-shape collimator is used, then the device structure is simple, but the X-ray beam shape cannot be adjusted and causes unnecessary exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is divided into multiple independent blades that can move relative to each other. Each blade can be individually positioned to define different aperture shapes, replacing the conventional fixed structure with segmented movable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator transitions from a static fixed-shape structure to a dynamic system where blades can be repositioned. The blades are mechanically connected to allow movement while maintaining relative positioning, enabling adjustable aperture shapes.
2Manufacturing precision
If the aperture size is changed in conventional collimators, then the beam coverage is adjusted, but the shape and orientation change along with the size
Solution Approach 1:
The blade mechanism allows independent control of aperture dimensions while maintaining shape geometry. As blades move to change size, their coordinated movement preserves the intended aperture shape and orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple blades work independently but cooperatively to define the aperture. Each blade's position can be adjusted to maintain shape consistency while changing overall aperture dimensions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If excess X-rays reach the detector, then more data is captured, but image blooming and bleeding occur reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator provides precise local control of X-ray exposure by defining specific aperture shapes. Only the necessary areas receive X-rays, preventing overload of detector regions that would cause blooming while ensuring adequate exposure of the region of interest.
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 multi-blade collimator effectively reduces X-ray exposure, maintains image quality, and adapts to various X-ray beam shapes and sizes, improving diagnostic efficiency by allowing precise adjustment of the aperture without altering its orientation or shape.
Implementation Method 1
multiple X-ray-attenuating blades (15) that fit together to define an aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for making and using a multi-blade collimator device are described herein. The collimator device can include a base member, a rotational member, and multiple X-ray-attenuating blades that fit together to define an aperture. The blades are typically disposed between the base member and rotational member. Additionally, the blades can be mechanically connected to or interfaced with the base member and the rotational member so that when the rotational member is rotated with respect to the base member, the blades move and cause the aperture to change in size. The aperture can be any shape, including polygonal, square, or rectangular. While the aperture's size can be increased and decreased, the shape and orientation of the aperture can remain substantially constant. The collimator can contain a single layer of blades or multiple layers of blades. Other embodiments are described.