Shielding Mesh Structure for Scattered X-Ray Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shielding meshes for radiation detectors in imaging x-ray devices, such as computed tomographs, are inefficient in blocking scattered ionizing radiation, leading to reduced signal/noise ratio, resolution, and contrast in tomograms. Current meshes are mechanically unstable, prone to deformation, and lack fine structuring, which affects spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
A shielding mesh comprising a plate with depressions on one side and trenches filled with x-ray-absorbing material on the opposite side. The trenches run between the depressions and are designed to absorb scattered x-rays, while direct x-rays can pass through the depressions. This configuration enhances mechanical stability and allows for fine structuring, improving spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If lead strips with paper spacers are used to block scattered radiation, then scattered radiation is absorbed, but the structure is mechanically unstable and can be permanently deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lead strips (for radiation absorption) with a rigid foam material (for mechanical stability) to create a composite structure. The foam material provides structural support while the lead strips maintain their radiation-absorbing function, resolving the contradiction between radiation blocking capability and mechanical stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid foam material is used to stabilize the lead strip structure, then mechanical stability is improved, but fine structuring is suppressed affecting spatial resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous rigid foam material that provides mechanical stability while allowing fine structuring of the lead strips within its structure. The porous nature of the foam enables the lead strips to be positioned with high precision without being constrained by a solid matrix, thus maintaining fine structuring capability while achieving mechanical stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mesh structure is made more dense to improve scattered radiation blocking, then radiation absorption improves, but direct radiation transmission is reduced affecting signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform distribution of lead strips within the foam material. The lead strips are positioned and oriented to specifically target scattered radiation paths while leaving gaps and varying densities that allow direct radiation to pass through. This localized variation in material distribution enables selective attenuation of scattered radiation while maintaining transmission of direct radiation, thus improving signal 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 proposed shielding mesh effectively blocks scattered ionizing radiation, enhancing the signal/noise ratio and improving the resolution and contrast of tomograms. Its mechanical stability and fine structuring capabilities address the limitations of existing meshes, leading to better imaging quality in x-ray computed tomography.
Implementation Method 1
the trenches are filled with an x-ray-absorbing material, wherein the trenches, viewed from one of the sides, run between the depressions and at a distance from the depressions so as to leave walls between the depressions and the trenches
Data Source
AI summary
A shielding mesh to counter scattered ionizing radiation is provided. The shielding mesh includes a plate, arrangement of depressions, a mesh of trenches, and an x-ray-absorbing material. The plate has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The arrangement of depressions are in the plate and are open toward the second side. The mesh of trenches are in the plate and are open toward the first side. The x-ray-absorbing material is in the mesh of trenches. The mesh of trenches and arrangement of depressions are configured so that a wall of the plate remains between the arrangement of depressions and the mesh of trenches.