Rotating X-ray Shielding Member for Compact CT Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray CT apparatuses for medical use are large, heavy, and expensive, making them unsuitable for small and middle-sized animals, and pose challenges in X-ray shielding, leading to difficulties in installation and operation, particularly due to their weight and size, which necessitates exclusive inspection rooms and increased radiation exposure risks for operators.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight X-ray CT apparatus with an X-ray shielding structure featuring a rotating X-ray shielding member treated with heavy metal or heavy metal alloys, allowing for effective X-ray protection and operability improvements, including a sample setting portion with X-ray shielding and a window for observation, to prevent X-ray leakage while reducing the overall weight and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the X-ray CT apparatus uses a housing backed by lead plates for X-ray shielding, then the X-rays are effectively shielded from leaking outside, but the apparatus becomes very heavy in weight
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple sections (main body, door, window portions) with lead plates applied only to specific surfaces requiring shielding. This segmented approach reduces the total amount of lead material needed compared to backing the entire housing, thereby reducing weight while maintaining effective X-ray shielding where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
Lead plates are selectively applied only to specific local areas of the housing that require X-ray shielding (interior surfaces of the main body, door, and window portions) rather than uniformly backing the entire structure. This localized shielding approach minimizes the use of heavy lead material while ensuring adequate protection in critical areas.
2Weight of stationary object
If the X-ray CT apparatus is made small-sized and light-weight, then it becomes more portable and easier to operate, but the X-ray shielding effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is constructed as a composite structure combining a lightweight base material (such as metal or plastic) with lead plate reinforcements applied to specific surfaces. This composite approach allows the apparatus to maintain light weight overall while providing effective X-ray shielding through the integrated lead plates in critical areas.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire housing is backed by lead plates for complete X-ray shielding, then no X-rays leak outside, but the apparatus becomes difficult to move and requires floor reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple sections (main body, door, window portions) with lead plates applied only to specific surfaces requiring shielding. This segmented approach reduces the total amount of lead material needed compared to backing the entire housing, thereby reducing weight while maintaining effective X-ray shielding where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
Lead plates are selectively applied only to specific local areas of the housing that require X-ray shielding (interior surfaces of the main body, door, and window portions) rather than uniformly backing the entire structure. This localized shielding approach minimizes the use of heavy lead material while ensuring adequate protection in critical areas.
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 enables the creation of a more portable and safer X-ray CT apparatus that can be used for small and middle-sized animals, reducing radiation exposure risks and operational challenges, while maintaining effective X-ray shielding and improving usability, thus expanding the utility of X-ray CT technology.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray shielding member having an opening portion for introducing said sample therein on one end surface and being treated with an X-ray protection process on an entire periphery thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Small-sized X-ray CT apparatus obtaining a cross-section or 3D image of a sample, using X-rays. Included: an X-ray generating apparatus irradiating X-rays on the sample; an X-ray detecting device detecting X-rays passing through the sample; and a device processing a detection signal from the X-ray detecting device, to re-structure the cross-section or 3D image of the sample; an X-ray shielding member having an opening portion for introducing the sample therein on one end surface and being treated with an X-ray protection process on an entire periphery thereof; and a means rotationally driving the X-ray shielding member, wherein the X-ray generating apparatus and the X-ray detecting device are treated with the X-ray protection process, respectively, and are fixed on a wall surface of the X-ray shielding member at positions opposing to each other, putting an rotation axis thereof therebetween, and thereby constructed with the X-ray shielding member in one body.