X-Ray Collimator Angle Sensing With Resistive Strip Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray systems lack accurate rotational angle measurement for rotatable collimators, leading to potential misalignment and increased radiation exposure due to incorrect amplimat chamber positioning.
Innovation Solution
A rotational angle measurement device comprising a resistive strip and plunger attached to the X-ray collimator, which generates an electrical signal indicative of the rotational angle through relative movement during collimator rotation, combined with a processing device for calibration and angle determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rotational angle measurement is not implemented, then the system structure remains simple, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate leading to potential misalignment and increased radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical angle measurement systems with an electrical measurement approach using a resistive strip and plunger. The resistive strip is attached to the rotating collimator assembly while the plunger remains stationary, and their relative movement generates electrical signals that directly indicate rotational angle, eliminating the need for complex mechanical encoders or potentiometers.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive strip acts as an intermediary element between the rotating collimator assembly and the stationary plunger. As the collimator rotates, the resistive strip moves relative to the plunger, and this intermediate element converts the mechanical rotation into measurable electrical resistance changes that can be processed to determine the rotational angle.
2Reliability
If accurate rotational angle measurement is implemented, then reliability improves by preventing misalignment, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical angle measurement systems with an electrical measurement approach using a resistive strip and plunger. The resistive strip is attached to the rotating collimator assembly while the plunger remains stationary, and their relative movement generates electrical signals that directly indicate rotational angle, eliminating the need for complex mechanical encoders or potentiometers.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device provides real-time feedback about the collimator's rotational position through electrical signals generated by the resistive strip-plunger interaction. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system continuously monitors and can respond to positional deviations, maintaining reliable alignment between the X-ray source, collimator, and detector throughout the examination process.
3Measurement precision
If complex measurement devices are used, then measurement precision improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical angle measurement systems with an electrical measurement approach using a resistive strip and plunger. The resistive strip is attached to the rotating collimator assembly while the plunger remains stationary, and their relative movement generates electrical signals that directly indicate rotational angle, eliminating the need for complex mechanical encoders or potentiometers.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive strip is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than using expensive precision mechanical components, the patent employs this straightforward electrical element that provides sufficient measurement precision for clinical purposes while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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
Enables precise collimator rotation feedback, reducing the risk of incorrect radiation dosage measurement and optimizing collimation to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The plunger is arranged to be in contact with the elongated strip such that a rotation of the rotatable X-ray collimator moves the elongated strip relative to the plunger to produce an electrical signal indicative of a rotational angle of the rotatable X-ray collimator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of radiation based imaging. In particular the invention relates to the field of X-ray collimation. In order to reduce the risk of wrong amplimat chamber position which may result into additional dose to patient, there is provided a rotational angle measurement device (10) for measuring a rotational angle of a rotatable X-ray collimator. The rotational angle measurement device (10) comprises a resistive strip (12), and a plunger (14). The resistive strip (12) comprises an elongated tape (15) that is attached to a first portion (60) of the rotatable X-ray collimator, and an longitudinal extent (LA) of the elongated tape (15) is arranged to be curved about the rotation axis of the rotatable X-ray collimator. The plunger (12) is attached to a second portion (40) of the X-ray collimator. The first portion and the second portion are arranged to rotate relative to each other during a rotation of the X-ray collimator. The plunger (12) is arranged to be in contact with the elongated strip (15) such that a rotation of the rotatable X-ray collimator moves the elongated strip (15) relative to the plunger to produce an electrical signal indicative of a rotational angle of the rotatable X-ray collimator.