Multi-slit Rotatable Collimator for CT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT imaging systems face challenges in efficiently changing collimator slits to adjust slice counts during scans, which affects the speed and patient exposure to X-rays, as existing methods are not fast, simple, or reliable.
Innovation Solution
A multi-slit rotatable collimator with slits of varying widths is introduced, allowing for quick rotation to position specific slits or block X-rays, enabling fast and reliable adjustments in slice counts and shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional methods are used to change collimator slits, then the system can adjust slice counts, but the adjustment process is slow and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is designed with multiple slits of different widths that can be dynamically selected by rotating the collimator assembly. The drive mechanism enables rapid rotation to position the desired slit in the X-ray beam path, transforming a static single-slit design into a dynamic multi-slit system that can quickly adapt to different slice count requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate collimators are used for different slice counts, then various slice counts can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single collimator assembly incorporates multiple slits with different widths, allowing one component to perform the function of multiple separate collimators. By rotating the collimator to position different slits in the X-ray beam path, the system can adjust slice counts without requiring separate collimator assemblies for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple slits that would traditionally require separate collimator assemblies are merged into a single rotatable collimator structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to provide different slice count configurations through rotational positioning of the integrated multi-slit structure.
3Productivity
If the X-ray beam width is increased for faster scanning, then scanning speed improves, but patient X-ray exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical parameter of the collimator slit width to optimize the balance between scanning speed and patient exposure. By selecting from multiple pre-defined slit widths, the system can adjust the X-ray beam width to match the specific scanning requirements, using wider slits for faster scanning when necessary and narrower slits for reduced exposure when appropriate.
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 rapid and precise adjustments in X-ray beam width for different slice counts, improving scanning speed while minimizing patient X-ray exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-tubular structure extending coaxially along a longitudinal axis, the semi-tubular structure being formed out of an X-ray impermeable material
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for collimating an X-ray beam, the apparatus comprising: a multi-slit rotatable collimator comprising: a semi-tubular structure extending coaxially along a longitudinal axis, the semi-tubular structure being formed out of an X-ray impermeable material; at least one slit formed in the semi-tubular structure, wherein the at least one slit extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the semi-tubular structure; a mount for rotatably supporting the semi-tubular structure in the path of an X-ray beam; and a drive mechanism for selectively rotating the semi-tubular structure about the longitudinal axis of the semi-tubular structure, whereby to selectively (i) position the at least one slit in the path of the X-ray beam so as to tailor the X-ray beam to the width of the at least one slit, and (ii) position a solid portion of the semi-tubular structure in the path of an X-ray beam so as to block an X-ray beam.