Variable Focus X-ray Anti-scatter Grid Using Electroactive Polymer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray detectors with variable source-image-distance face challenges in maintaining optimal image quality due to suboptimal anti-scatter grid ratios, leading to shading artifacts and reduced performance in discriminating primary from scattered radiation.
Innovation Solution
An anti-scatter device with a variable focused anti-scatter grid using electroactive polymer material in the cover element, allowing adjustable focusing distance by applying voltage, which changes the distance and orientation of X-ray absorbing slats, enabling adaptation to varying source-image-distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed anti-scatter grid ratio is used, then the device structure is simple, but image quality deteriorates when source-image-distance varies from the nominal focal distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the anti-scatter grid adjustable rather than fixed. The grid can be repositioned along the beam path using a mechanical adjustment mechanism, allowing the focusing distance to be dynamically changed to match different source-image-distances. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the grid to adapt to varying imaging conditions while maintaining optimal image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the focusing distance of the anti-scatter grid to be varied. By changing the positional parameter of the grid along the beam path, the system can optimize performance for different source-image-distances. This directly addresses the contradiction by making a key parameter (focusing distance) adjustable rather than fixed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a higher aspect ratio anti-scatter grid is used, then scattered radiation reduction is improved, but shading artifacts increase when operated away from nominal focal distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the dynamics principle to make the anti-scatter grid repositionable, allowing optimization of the balance between scattered radiation reduction and shading artifact minimization. By dynamically adjusting the grid position according to the actual source-image-distance, the system can maintain optimal performance without suffering from excessive shading artifacts that would occur with a fixed high aspect ratio grid.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a variable focused anti-scatter grid is used, then adaptability to different source-image-distances is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by separating the adjustment function from the grid structure itself. The grid remains a relatively simple component, while the complexity is extracted into a dedicated mechanical adjustment mechanism that moves the grid along the beam path. This reduces overall device complexity compared to designs where the variable focusing capability is integrated into the grid structure.
4Measurement precision
If the anti-scatter grid is moved closer to the X-ray source, then scattered radiation discrimination is improved, but the grid requires higher precision positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by providing an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows the grid to be moved to optimal positions. Rather than requiring extremely precise fixed positioning, the system can be dynamically adjusted to achieve the correct distance from the source, thereby maintaining good radiation discrimination without demanding ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances.
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 enhances image quality by allowing the anti-scatter device to maintain consistent performance across a broad range of source-image-distances, reducing shading artifacts and improving radiation discrimination, while being cost-efficient and mechanically simplified.
Implementation Method 1
the cover element comprises an electroactive polymer material, wherein a dimension of the cover element is changeable, variable and/or increasable by applying and/or varying a voltage to the electroactive polymer material
Implementation Method 2
an anti-scatter grid with a plurality of slats for absorbing X-rays and/or photons and/or X-ray photons
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An anti-scatter device (10) for an X-ray detector (100) is provided. The anti- scatter device (10) comprises an anti-scatter grid (12) with a plurality of slats (13) for absorbing X-rays and a cover element (14, 14a) arranged on a side (17a) of the anti-scatter grid (12), wherein ends (16a) of the slats (13) are coupled to the cover element (14, 14a), and the cover element (14, 14a) comprises an electroactive polymer material. A dimension of the cover element (14, 14a) is changeable by applying a voltage to the electroactive polymer material, such that a distance between the ends (16a) of the slats is changeable by applying the voltage.