Rotating Collimator Shielding Wings for Radiation Field Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collimators for radiation generating apparatuses are inconvenient to use and can increase patient radiation exposure when adjusting the size of the radiation field, especially when trying to focus on circular regions, as they require replacing conical members or using variable collimators with rectangular openings.
Innovation Solution
A collimator with a ring-shaped frame and adjustable shielding wings made of radiation shielding metal, featuring a reinforcement part for stability, allows for easy adjustment of the radiation field size by rotating the shielding wings, which are designed to form a circular shape and minimize exposure to unnecessary areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conical members of various sizes are replaced to adjust radiation field size, then the radiation field size can be adjusted, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic collimator design where the collimator body can be rotated to different angular positions to adjust the radiation field size. This replaces the static approach of replacing conical members with a dynamic rotation mechanism, allowing continuous adjustment without removing or replacing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator is designed with multiple functional positions that can accommodate different radiation field sizes (e.g., AP, PA, LAT, OBlique positions). A single collimator structure serves multiple purposes by rotating to different angles, eliminating the need for multiple separate conical members of various sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable collimator with rectangular opening is used, then the radiation field size can be adjusted, but unnecessary parts are photographed increasing patient radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator design allows for selective shielding where only the specific area requiring examination is exposed to radiation. By rotating the collimator to precise angular positions, the radiation field is localized to the necessary anatomical region, preventing exposure of surrounding unnecessary areas that would occur with rectangular openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a circular aperture design in the collimator rather than rectangular openings. This circular geometry, when rotated to different angular positions, creates a more focused and localized radiation field that better conforms to the desired examination area, reducing scatter radiation and exposure to adjacent tissues.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding wings are made of lead only, then radiation shielding is effective, but the structure becomes easily deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding wing is constructed as a composite structure with a lead core for radiation shielding surrounded by an aluminum alloy casing for structural strength. This composite design combines the high density and radiation attenuation properties of lead with the mechanical strength and deformation resistance of aluminum alloy, achieving both effective shielding and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are applied to different parts of the shielding wing: lead is concentrated in the central shielding portion where radiation attenuation is most critical, while the aluminum alloy casing provides structural support at the periphery. This localized material distribution optimizes both radiation protection and mechanical properties.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conical members are kept for different radiation field sizes, then various field sizes can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple collimator functions into a single rotatable collimator body. Instead of having separate conical members for different field sizes, all collimator positions (AP, PA, LAT, OBlique) are merged into one structure that can be rotated to achieve different radiation field configurations, significantly reducing the total number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single collimator structure is designed to perform multiple functions by rotating to different angular positions. One collimator body serves as AP collimator, PA collimator, LAT collimator, and OBlique collimator sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated collimators and simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
Enables precise adjustment of the radiation field size, reducing patient exposure and preventing penumbra, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
the shielding wing is made of a radiation shielding metal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a collimator for radiation generating apparatus, attached to a radiation generating apparatus, the collimator comprising: a frame fixed to the radiation generating apparatus and formed in a ring shape; and a shielding adjustment part provided with a plurality of shielding wings, one end of the shielding wings being hinged to the frame such that, when rotated, the other end of the shielding wings enters into a center of the frame, and the each one end of the shielding wings being disposed to be spaced apart on the frame, wherein the shielding wing is made of a radiation shielding metal. Accordingly, it is possible to easily adjust the diameter of radiation field made in a circular shape.