Symmetrical Collimator Arm Frame for 3D Radiation Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiation imaging techniques for large-sized objects face challenges in obtaining accurate 3D information due to overlapping images from single-viewing angle scans, and existing CT techniques are costly and complex, making them inefficient for quick inspection.

Innovation Solution

An arm frame structure with symmetrical collimators and detector arrays arranged at two viewing angles, allowing for the division of X-ray beams into symmetrical beams that are received by vertically and horizontally positioned detectors, enabling 3D scanning with adjustable components for precise alignment and cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If CT technique is used to obtain 3D information, then imaging accuracy is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the imaging system into separate functional components: a radiation source, collimators for beam shaping, and detector arrays for signal reception. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while achieving 3D imaging capability without requiring a complete CT scanner system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional 2D projection imaging to 3D tomographic imaging by introducing detector arrays that capture signals from multiple angles. The collimators create divergent beams that pass through the object at different orientations, enabling reconstruction of three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional detector readings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If single-viewing angle scan is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but image overlap occurs making inspection difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidimage overlap
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces angular diversity by arranging collimators and detector arrays to receive radiation beams from multiple viewing angles. This dimensional addition of angular information allows the system to distinguish between overlapping objects at different depths, eliminating the superposition problem of single-angle imaging while maintaining relative structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The collimators are arranged asymmetrically relative to the radiation source, creating divergent beam paths that provide multiple viewing angles. This asymmetric arrangement enables the detection of objects at different depths and orientations, preventing image overlap while keeping the overall device structure simple and compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Measurement precision

If CT technique is used for large-sized objects, then imaging capability is improved, but inspection speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidinspection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The collimators are pre-positioned to create divergent beams that simultaneously illuminate multiple regions of large-sized objects. The detector arrays are pre-configured to capture signals from these pre-diverged beams, enabling parallel acquisition of data from different spatial locations and improving inspection speed without sacrificing imaging quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By introducing angular diversity through strategically positioned collimators and detector arrays, the system achieves 3D imaging capability that allows rapid scanning of large objects. The multi-angle detection geometry enables faster data acquisition compared to conventional single-angle methods, improving productivity while maintaining comprehensive imaging coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 allows for accurate 3D imaging of large-sized objects with a simpler and cost-effective system, capable of quickly detecting objects from multiple angles, overcoming the limitations of prior art by preventing image overlap and enhancing detection efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

employ X-rays emitted from a radiation source, and the X-rays pass through the object to be detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

the X-rays pass through the object to be detected and are received by detectors to be converted into electrical signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2224229B1Arm support structure and radiation imaging system with the arm support structure
Publication Date: 2013.02.27 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP2224229B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2224229B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP2224229B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

Disclosed is an arm frame structure for a radiation imaging system, comprising a first upright column, a mounting frame, and first and second collimators mounted on said first upright column, and first and second detector devices. Said first and second collimators are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to a plane P therebetween to divide a ray beam emitted from a radiation source into first and second beams emitted symmetrically. Said first and second detector devices are symmetrically mounted on the mounting frame with respect to the plane P and are arranged to be far away from said first and second collimators to receive the first and second beams, respectively. This invention further provides a radiation imaging system including the arm frame structure.