Primary Collimator Element Placement for X-Ray Diffraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fabrication of primary collimators for x-ray diffraction imaging devices is challenging due to the large amount of material required, which becomes even more difficult as the number of detectors increases, making it hard to manage and optimize the collimator's structure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve placing a primary collimator element at the intersection of multiple beams, utilizing a gantry with multiple x-ray sources and detectors, and a secondary collimator to ensure constant scatter angles and precise detection of scattered radiation, reducing the material needed while maintaining detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional primary collimator structure is used, then the collimator can accommodate detectors, but the amount of material required becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The primary collimator is divided into multiple independent collimator elements (first collimator element, second collimator element, etc.) that can be separately positioned and optimized. Each element corresponds to specific detector elements, allowing the system to achieve the required detection coverage with minimal material by only placing collimator elements where detectors are located.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-plane collimator structure to a three-dimensional arrangement where collimator elements are positioned at different locations and orientations. The collimator elements are arranged such that they intersect at specific points in space, creating a volumetric detection capability that reduces material requirements while maintaining detection efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If the number of detectors is increased, then detection capability improves, but the difficulty of fabricating the primary collimator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is segmented into discrete elements that can be independently manufactured and positioned. This modular approach allows the system to accommodate a large number of detectors without requiring a single complex collimator structure, thereby reducing fabrication difficulty while maintaining high detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computational methods to simulate and optimize the collimator configuration before physical fabrication. Virtual models of the collimator elements and detectors are created to determine optimal positions and geometries, simplifying the manufacturing process by allowing iterative optimization without physical trial-and-error.
3Measurement precision
If more detectors are added to increase detection capability, then the complexity of managing and optimizing the collimator structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the collimator into separate elements that can be independently optimized for each detector region, the system manages complexity through modular design rather than a monolithic structure. Each collimator element can be optimized for its specific detector correspondence without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs computational optimization to automatically determine the optimal parameters (positions, orientations, geometries) of collimator elements based on detector configurations. This automated parameter optimization reduces manual management complexity while achieving optimal detection performance.
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 approach allows for the development of a primary collimator that can accommodate a large number of detectors with reduced material usage, enhancing fabrication ease and precision, and improving the detection of scattered radiation with constant scatter angles.
Implementation Method 1
a primary slit collimator which allows a narrow beam of primary radiation of an electron beam source to pass through
Implementation Method 2
a fan beam is obtained through a primary slit collimator which allows a narrow beam of primary radiation of an electron beam source to pass through
Implementation Method 3
Radiation scattered from an area to be examined of the item of luggage is projected onto a detector field
Data Source
AI summary
A method for developing a primary collimator is described. The method includes placing a primary collimator element at an intersection of a first set of at least two beams.