Radially Movable Filter Disks for Compact Irradiation Collimators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices for irradiation systems are limited in size reduction due to fixed filter disk positions and increased beam path demands, which hinder compact collimator design and flexibility in image acquisition techniques.
Innovation Solution
The filter device features radially movable filter disks tensioned by spring elements against a guide contour, allowing for combined translation and rotation movements to optimize positioning and reduce the device's size, enabling a more compact design or larger filter disks to be used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If filter disks are arranged in fixed positions on a rotatable disk, then the filter device can be implemented with a compact design, but the size of the disk cannot be reduced further and the beam path size cannot be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The filter disks are made movable in the radial direction through spring elements and guide contours, transforming the static fixed-position arrangement into a dynamic system. This allows the filter disks to be positioned radially outward when needed for the beam path and radially inward for compactness, resolving the contradiction between compact size and beam path flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds radial movement capability to the traditional rotational positioning, creating a two-degree-of-freedom system (radial + rotational). This dimensional extension allows the filter device to achieve both compact configuration and enlarged beam path by utilizing the radial dimension, thereby resolving the contradiction
2Volume of moving object
If the filter device is relocated closer toward the focus to reduce size, then the collimator size is reduced, but the filter device is already arranged on the top side of the collimator with no further relocation possible
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-element-based mechanism provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the filter disks to move radially outward when needed for operation and inward for compactness. This dynamic adjustment compensates for the inability to relocate the entire filter device closer to the focus, achieving size reduction without compromising operational ease
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger filter disks are used to achieve higher flexibility in image acquisition techniques, then the beam path flexibility is improved, but the size of the disk carrying them must inevitably increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radial movability provided by spring elements and guide contours allows large filter disks to be positioned radially outward only when needed for the beam path. When not in use, they can be retracted radially inward, enabling the use of larger filter disks for flexibility without permanently increasing the disk carrier size, thus resolving the contradiction
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 solution allows for a reduction in the size of the filter device and collimator, enhancing accessibility and flexibility in irradiation systems by providing degrees of freedom in disk movement and enabling larger filter disks to be employed, thus improving the system's compactness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
tensioned by way of a respective spring element radially away from the axis or toward the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device is for a collimator of an irradiation device. In an embodiment, the filter device includes a plurality of filter disks, arranged on a disk that is rotatable around an axis. Each filter disk is mounted so as to be movable in a radial direction and is tensioned by way of a respective spring element radially away from the axis or toward the axis against a guide contour, effecting a radial movement of at least one filter disk.