Segmented X-ray Collimator Apertures for Scatter Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray collimators in non-destructive inspection systems struggle to effectively reduce scattered X-rays, leading to inaccurate measurements due to the difficulty in forming small surface features on materials like tungsten, which are commonly used in collimator construction.
Innovation Solution
The design of an X-ray collimator comprising two members with channels and protrusions, where the protrusions extend into the channels to form collimator apertures, allowing precise alignment and reduction of unwanted X-rays, with the members being made of tungsten or other materials like brass or lead, and featuring a unique configuration of passages and sections to optimize X-ray passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to form small surface features on tungsten collimators, then manufacturing precision deteriorates, but measurement precision cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is divided into two separate members: a first member with channels and a second member with protrusions. This segmentation allows each member to be manufactured independently with larger, easier-to-form features, avoiding the difficulty of forming small features on a single monolithic collimator while still achieving the required aperture precision when the members are assembled together.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If collimator aperture size is reduced to filter scattered X-rays, then scattered radiation reduction improves, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the collimator into two members, the manufacturing of small apertures is simplified. The channels and protrusions can be formed using larger tooling and less precise machining, reducing manufacturing difficulty while still achieving the small effective aperture needed to filter scattered X-rays.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions on the second member act as intermediaries that fit into the channels of the first member. This intermediary approach allows the creation of precise collimator apertures through the interaction of two separately manufactured components, rather than attempting to form all features directly on a single component.
3Measurement precision
If monolithic collimator design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but alignment precision of apertures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is segmented into two members that can be manufactured and aligned separately. The channels and protrusions are designed to work together to define the collimator apertures, allowing for precise alignment to be achieved through the mating geometry of the segmented components rather than requiring complex monolithic construction.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of X-ray measurements by reducing scattered radiation, enabling precise non-destructive inspection of components with improved collimator aperture sizes and alignment, effectively addressing the challenge of forming small features on tungsten and other materials.
Implementation Method 1
The first member and the second member are oriented such that the protrusions extend into the channels to define collimator apertures, each of the collimator apertures being aligned with the X-ray source
Data Source
AI summary
X-ray collimators, and related systems and methods involving such collimators are provided. In this regard, a representative X-ray collimator includes: a first member having channels located on a surface thereof; and a second member having protrusions located on a surface thereof; the first member and the second member being oriented such that the protrusions extend into the channels to define collimator apertures, each of the collimator apertures being defined by a portion of the first member and a portion of the second member.