Slotted Plate X-ray Filter for Dual-Energy CT

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computed tomography devices require complex hardware expansions and multiple X-ray sources to achieve dual-energy imaging, which is costly and limits their widespread clinical application.

Innovation Solution

A slotted plate with two different X-ray filter regions is positioned in the beam path of a single X-ray source to generate radiation components with distinct spectra simultaneously, allowing for dual-energy recordings without the need for multiple X-ray sources or detectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple X-ray sources or complex hardware expansions are used to achieve dual-energy imaging, then dual-energy capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-energy imaging capabilityVSAvoidhardware expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The incident X-ray beam is segmented into different energy components by positioning the slotted plate with filter regions in the beam path, creating separate radiation components with distinct spectra that can be detected simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the slotted plate are assigned different X-ray filter properties to create localized spectral modifications, allowing simultaneous generation of multiple energy spectra from a single X-ray source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating X-ray filter is used to change the X-ray spectrum over time, then dual-energy capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-energy capabilityVSAvoidmoving mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the filter to achieve spectral differentiation over time, the invention inverts the approach by using a stationary filter arrangement that differentiates the spectrum spatially across multiple detector elements simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical rotating filter system is replaced with a stationary slotted plate containing multiple filter regions, eliminating moving parts while achieving the same dual-energy spectral differentiation through spatial arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two X-ray radiators with different energy are used, then dual-energy imaging is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-energy imagingVSAvoidnumber of X-ray sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The functionality of two separate X-ray radiators with different energies is merged into a single X-ray source combined with a multi-region filtered detector system, reducing the number of sources while maintaining dual-energy capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single X-ray source is made multi-functional by combining it with a detector system that can simultaneously process multiple energy spectra through different filter regions, replacing the need for multiple specialized sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables dual-energy imaging in a cost-effective and material-efficient manner, allowing existing CT devices to be retrofitted for dual-energy capabilities, enhancing material differentiation and expanding clinical applications.

Implementation Method 1

two different X-ray filter regions (8a, 8b) for the X-ray spectrum differentiation of the incident X-ray beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray filtering: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10123756B2Single source dual energy having two filters for X-ray spectrum differentiation in the case of radiator screens having slotted plates

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A slotted plate is for limiting an incident x-ray radiation. The slotted plate includes at least one slotted opening and two different x-ray filter regions for x-ray spectrum differentiation of the incident x-ray radiation. The two different x-ray filter regions are permanently arranged in the region of the at least one slotted opening such that radiation portions of the x-ray radiation penetrating the slotted opening having different x-ray spectra can be generated simultaneously. A radiator screen, an x-ray radiator for generating a radiation beam fan, a computer tomography device having such an x-ray radiator, and a method for controlling such a computer tomography device are also disclosed.