Round X-ray Shield for Flat Panel Detector Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging systems, particularly in orthopedic imaging, face challenges in achieving improved image quality while maintaining compatibility with legacy workflow features and reducing radiation dosage outside the sensitive surface.
Innovation Solution
A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus with a curved or circular housing and an X-ray shield having a hole of a different shape, superimposed on a rectangular or square flat panel module, transforms the field of view and reduces radiation exposure, allowing for better image quality without altering existing workflow or image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a round or curved detector housing is used to maintain legacy workflow compatibility, then compatibility with existing orthopedic imaging workflows is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase compared to rectangular housings
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is divided into separate functional components: a rectangular flat panel detector module and a separate curved/round housing structure. This segmentation allows the detector module to be manufactured using standard rectangular processes while the housing provides the required curved geometry for workflow compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A curved housing acts as an intermediary structure between the rectangular detector module and the imaging workflow requirements. The housing adapts the rectangular module to fit curved C-arms and maintain compatibility with existing orthopedic imaging workflows without requiring changes to the detector module itself.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rectangular flat panel module is used to reduce manufacturing costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but compatibility with round or curved imaging workflows deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the detector module (rectangular, easy to manufacture) from the housing (curved, workflow-compatible). This allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular flat panel detector module serves multiple purposes: it provides the imaging function and can be adapted to work with various housing shapes, making it a universal component that maintains compatibility across different imaging workflows while keeping manufacturing simple.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the X-ray shield covers the entire detector surface to reduce radiation dosage, then radiation protection is improved, but the field of view and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray shield is designed with a shaped aperture that provides localized shielding - it blocks radiation in specific directions while leaving the central imaging area open. This creates different shielding qualities in different regions: full shielding at the edges and open access at the center for optimal image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaped aperture in the X-ray shield converts the potentially harmful effect of radiation blockage into a beneficial collimation effect. By strategically positioning the shield, it blocks scattered radiation that would degrade image quality while allowing primary beam radiation to reach the detector, thus improving both radiation protection and image quality.
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 provides enhanced image quality, reduced radiation dosage, and compatibility with existing manufacturing and electronics, enabling efficient retrofitting of IITV-based systems with flat panel technology, particularly in orthopedic and vascular imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray shield has a hole of a fixed second shape different from said first shape. The shield is configured and superimposed so as to cover at least one corner portion of the flat panel module.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray detector assembly (DA), comprising an X-ray sensitive flat panel (FD) module having a first shape. An X-ray shield (S) is superimposed on said panel, said shield having a hole i) of a fixed second shape different from said first shape or ii) of a fixed size different from a size of the first shape.