Primary Collimator for Multi-Focus X-Ray Diffraction Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional primary collimators for multi-detector inverse fan beam x-ray diffraction imaging (MIFB XDI) systems are complex, expensive, and less precise, limiting their efficiency and compatibility with quasi-3D tomosynthesis and multi-focus x-ray sources.
Innovation Solution
A primary collimator design featuring a multi-focus x-ray source with a near-focus diaphragm and a near-object diaphragm, which aligns channels to transmit x-ray fan beams to specific convergence points, simplifying the system and enhancing precision by using only two diaphragms, thereby reducing complexity and fabrication costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional primary collimators are used in MIFB XDI systems, then the system can operate with multi-focus x-ray sources, but the collimator structure becomes complex, expensive, and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is divided into two separate diaphragms: a first diaphragm positioned near the x-ray source with channels aligned to focus points, and a second diaphragm positioned near the object with channels aligned to convergence points. This segmentation allows each diaphragm to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining compatibility with multi-focus x-ray sources and quasi-3D tomosynthesis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary geometric relationship where channels in the first diaphragm are aligned with focus points and channels in the second diaphragm are aligned with convergence points, creating a precise optical path that mediates between the multi-focus source and the object being imaged. This intermediary alignment structure enables the system to handle multiple focus points without requiring a complex collimator design
2Reliability
If conventional primary collimators are used in MIFB XDI systems, then the system can function, but fabrication costs increase and manufacturing precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the collimator into two diaphragms with distinct functions (source alignment and object convergence alignment), each component can be manufactured with standard precision tolerances. The modular design allows for easier quality control and reduces the cumulative error that would occur in a single complex collimator structure, thereby improving manufacturing precision while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The two-diaphragm collimator design serves multiple functions: it collimates x-rays from multiple focus points, directs beams to multiple convergence points, and enables both conventional imaging and quasi-3D tomosynthesis. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple structure that can be manufactured with standard precision, reducing fabrication costs while maintaining reliability
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 solution results in a mechanically simpler, less expensive, and more precise primary collimator that enhances photon efficiency and compatibility with quasi-3D tomosynthesis, allowing for analysis of object materials from multiple projection directions with improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source transmits x-rays through a container, for example a suitcase, towards a detector
Implementation Method 2
x-ray diffraction imaging (XDI) system
Data Source
AI summary
A primary collimator for a multiple inverse fan beam x-ray diffraction imaging (MIFB XDI) system. The MIFB XDI system includes a multi-focus x-ray source (MFXS) defining a plurality of focus points arranged along a length of the MFXS. Each focus point is sequentially activated to emit an x-ray fan beam including a plurality of primary beams each directed to a corresponding convergence point. The primary collimator includes a first diaphragm configured to be positioned with respect to the MFXS. The first diaphragm defines a plurality of first channels through a thickness of the first diaphragm. Each first channel is aligned with a corresponding focus point and configured to transmit the x-ray fan beam. A second diaphragm is positioned with respect to the first diaphragm and defines a plurality of second channels through a thickness of the second diaphragm. Each second channel is axially aligned with a corresponding first channel.