Multi-source X-ray Generator with Fan Beam Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiology devices, such as CT-scanners and CBCT systems, face challenges in achieving adequate image definition, particularly for soft tissue analysis, and have bulky mechanical structures susceptible to scattered radiation.
Innovation Solution
A radiology device that combines the advantages of CT-scanners and CBCT systems by using a generator and detector that revolve together around the patient, emitting fan beams that require only a single revolution, and incorporates a method to correct scattered radiation effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conical beam is used in CBCT systems, then the acquisition speed is improved and only a single revolution is required, but the definition for soft tissue analysis deteriorates and scattered radiation effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conical beam is segmented into multiple parallel fan beams by dividing the x-ray source into multiple sources arranged along an axis. Each source emits a collimated fan beam that is restricted to a specific plane, preventing scattered radiation from affecting adjacent detection zones and improving image definition while maintaining single-revolution acquisition capability
Solution Approach 2:
Each detection zone is optimized for its specific fan beam with dedicated collimation and detection geometry. The parallel fan beam configuration ensures that each local detection region receives only primary radiation from its corresponding source, improving local image quality and soft tissue differentiation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an anti-scatter grid is placed on the detector in CBCT systems, then scattered radiation effects are minimized, but the device complexity and susceptibility to scattered radiation remain significant
Solution Approach 1:
The scattered radiation problem is solved by extracting and eliminating the source of scattered radiation through geometric design. The parallel fan beam configuration with restricted emission planes prevents scattered radiation from reaching the detector, removing the need for anti-scatter grids and associated complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Collimators are introduced as intermediary elements between the x-ray sources and the object/detector system. These collimators restrict the fan beams to specific planes and block scattered radiation before it reaches the detector, simplifying the overall system by eliminating the need for anti-scatter grids
3Power
If x-ray tubes with significant dimensions are used, then sufficient x-ray flux is achieved for imaging, but the mechanical structure becomes bulky and the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The x-ray generation system is segmented into multiple compact sources rather than using a single large tube. Each source can be a smaller, lighter unit, and their distributed arrangement along an axis provides the necessary collective x-ray flux while reducing the weight and bulk of the mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The x-ray sources are arranged in a linear dimension along an axis perpendicular to the fan beam planes. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple sources to be packed efficiently without increasing the rotational footprint, reducing the bulk of the mechanical structure while maintaining sufficient x-ray flux through the object
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 device achieves a lightweight mechanical structure with low susceptibility to scattered radiation, enhancing the quality of both 2D and 3D radiological images, and allows for the correction of scattered radiation effects.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (12) comprising several sources (16) distributed along a direction (18) and each emitting a beam (20) of ionizing rays that is essentially flat and of fantail form
Implementation Method 2
the useful volume (60), passed through by the ionizing rays from the generator and received by the detector (14)
Implementation Method 3
notably by Compton interactions of the x-rays with the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A radiology device includes an ionizing ray generator and a detector configured to detect the rays emitted by the generator, the generator and the detector being opposite with respect to one another, the device delimiting a useful volume, passed through by the ionizing rays from the generator and received by the detector, the generator comprising several sources distributed along a direction and each emitting a beam of ionizing rays that is essentially flat and of fantail form, the sources being disposed so as to irradiate all of the useful volume without translation. A method is provided implementing a device and consisting in successively sequencing the emission of several of the sources.