Offset Dental X-Ray Sensor for Large Volume CBCT Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental X-ray apparatuses with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology face limitations in reconstructing large object volumes due to the size constraints of the X-ray sensor, resulting in insufficient image reconstruction for dental half-arches, and increased costs associated with larger sensor sizes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features an X-ray generator and sensor system where the sensor is offset relative to the X-ray beam, allowing a larger volume to be reconstructed by illuminating a greater lateral extent of the object while maintaining effective radioprotection through controlled collimation, ensuring that the peripheral area receives significantly lower radiation intensity compared to the central area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the sensor size is increased to reconstruct a larger object volume, then the reconstructed volume increases, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by offsetting the sensor from the central axis of the X-ray beam, moving it to a lateral position. This spatial repositioning allows the same sensor to capture a larger lateral extent of the object during rotation, effectively increasing the reconstructed volume without increasing sensor size or cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by positioning the sensor offset from the center of the X-ray beam rather than symmetrically aligned. This asymmetric configuration enables the sensor to cover a broader lateral field of view during rotation, achieving larger volume reconstruction with the same sensor dimensions
2Volume of stationary object
If the sensor is offset to capture a greater lateral extent of the object, then the reconstructed volume increases, but the radiation dose to peripheral areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing collimation that creates non-uniform radiation distribution across the sensor surface. The collimation means are configured to provide strong illumination to the central area of the sensor while providing weak illumination to the peripheral area, thereby protecting peripheral regions from excessive radiation exposure while maintaining adequate imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the radiation intensity parameter across different regions of the sensor by adjusting the collimation configuration. The collimation means are designed to modulate the X-ray beam intensity, creating a gradient where the central region receives higher intensity for detailed imaging while peripheral regions receive reduced intensity for radioprotection
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the collimation is adjusted to reduce peripheral radiation, then radioprotection improves, but the illumination uniformity across the sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts and utilizes the non-uniform illumination pattern created by the collimation means. Rather than seeking uniform illumination, the system is designed to work with the intentional gradient where the central area receives strong illumination for high-quality imaging and the peripheral area receives weak illumination for radioprotection, converting what could be seen as a deficiency into a functional feature
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 configuration enables the reconstruction of larger object volumes with the same-sized sensor, providing effective radioprotection and improving the homogeneity of radiation intensity across the sensor's active surface, thereby enhancing the quality and safety of three-dimensional imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator adapted to emit a beam of X-rays toward an object... an X-ray sensor having an active surface disposed facing the generator, the generator and the sensor being adapted to be moved simultaneously in rotation about a rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
The sensor receives the rays that have irradiated the head of the patient, converts them into electrical signals
Implementation Method 3
provided with collimation means adapted to collimate the emitted beam... the arrangement of the collimation means and the sensor offset in this way being such that the collimated beam illuminates the active surface of said sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A dental X-ray apparatus of the conical-beam digitized-tomography type includes: an X-ray generator emitting an X-ray beam towards an object and provided with a collimation element for collimating the emitted beam; an X-ray sensor having an active surface arranged opposite the generator; wherein the generator and the sensor can rotate simultaneously about a rotation axis, the sensor being oriented so that a longitudinal axis extending from the generator to the sensor through the rotation axis is perpendicular to the active surface of the sensor, the center of the sensor being transversally offset relative to the projection of the axis on the sensor's active surface, the arrangement of the collimation element and the sensor thus offset defining that the collimated beam illuminates the sensor's active surface while leaving a peripheral area of the surface that is faintly illuminated by the collimated beam relative to the rest of the active surface.