Segmented X-ray Diaphragm for Compact Retraction Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatuses with movable diaphragms face challenges in minimizing the size of the diaphragm and the entire apparatus due to the need for a large retraction space when fully opening the irradiation aperture, as all diaphragm blades must be retracted in opposite directions, leading to increased space requirements.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray diagnostic apparatus employs a movable diaphragm that folds and houses X-ray shielding members along the side surface of the X-ray tube when opening the irradiation aperture, allowing for reduced retraction space and downsizing by dividing the diaphragm blades along the opening/closing direction, thus preventing the increase in the diaphragm's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If all four diaphragm blades are opened to fully open the irradiation aperture, then the irradiation field can be maximized, but the retraction space required increases and the size of the movable diaphragm main body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm blade is divided into a first diaphragm blade portion and a second diaphragm blade portion that can move relative to each other. When the irradiation aperture needs to be opened, only the first portion needs to be retracted rather than the entire blade, significantly reducing the retraction space required and allowing the movable diaphragm main body to be downsized while still achieving full aperture opening.
2Manufacturing precision
If the movable diaphragm is used in close contact with the object, then imaging quality is improved, but securing sufficient retraction space becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the diaphragm blade into movable portions, the retraction space is dramatically reduced. This allows the movable diaphragm to be positioned in close contact with the object for high-quality imaging without requiring excessive clearance behind it for blade retraction, as only the first portion needs to retract rather than the entire blade structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the diaphragm blades are made movable to adjust the irradiation field, then flexibility is improved, but the complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm blade is segmented into two portions with the second portion movable relative to the first. This segmentation provides flexibility for irradiation field adjustment while keeping the structure relatively simple, as the movement mechanism is localized to just the portion that needs to move rather than requiring complex mechanisms for the entire blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The second diaphragm blade portion is designed to be movable relative to the first portion, allowing dynamic adjustment of the irradiation field. This dynamic configuration enables flexible control of the X-ray beam shape and size while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through localized mobility.
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 enables the production of clear images while preventing blurring at the end faces and maintaining effective X-ray shielding, allowing the diaphragm to be brought closer to the object without increasing the apparatus's size, thereby reducing the retraction space and downsizing the entire system.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube capable of firing X-rays
Implementation Method 2
X-ray shielding members (X-ray absorbing members) 177, 179
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes: an X-ray tube which generates X-rays to be irradiated at an object; an X-ray diaphragm which houses an X-ray shielding member forming an irradiation aperture, through which the X-rays pass, along a side surface of the X-ray tube; an X-ray detector which detects X-rays passing through the object; and an image data generation circuitry which generates image data based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector.