X-Ray Tube Collimator Layout for Automated Detector Calibration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collimator arrangements for x-ray tubes require manual insertion of a thick filter plate for detector calibration, which is cumbersome and inefficient due to the large size and weight of the plate, necessitating a service technician's presence.

Innovation Solution

A collimator arrangement with differentiated drives for diaphragms near and away from the focal point, allowing a filter plate to be easily moved into and out of the beam path, eliminating the need for additional kinematics and enabling automated calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thicker filter plate is manually introduced into the beam path for detector calibration, then the calibration function is achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires service technician intervention due to the large size and weight of the plate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector calibration capabilityVSAvoidfilter plate insertion operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs detector calibration automatically using an integrated thin filter plate and automated control mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention by service technicians. The control unit automatically introduces the thin filter plate into the beam path for calibration operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A thin filter plate integrated into the collimator arrangement serves as an intermediary solution for detector calibration, replacing the need for thick manual filter plates. This thin filter plate can be automatically positioned by the drive mechanism, enabling easy and automated calibration operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If a thicker filter plate is permanently arranged in the collimator arrangement, then automated calibration becomes possible, but the device volume and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector calibration automationVSAvoidcollimator arrangement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration function is extracted from the main collimator structure by using a separate, movable thin filter plate that can be introduced into the beam path only when needed. This allows automated calibration without permanently increasing the complexity of the collimator arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter plate arrangement is made dynamic through the drive mechanism, allowing the thin filter plate to be moved into and out of the beam path as needed. This dynamic capability enables automated calibration while maintaining a compact, simple collimator structure during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the filter plate is made thinner for easier handling, then the operational ease improves, but the beam hardening effect and calibration effectiveness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter plate handlingVSAvoidbeam hardening effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical insertion of thick filter plates is replaced by an automated drive mechanism that positions a thin filter plate. This substitution enables easy operation while maintaining calibration effectiveness through precise automated positioning and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by using a thin filter plate with specific optical and physical properties that, when precisely positioned by the drive mechanism, achieve the required beam hardening effect. The control unit adjusts the filter plate position to optimize the calibration effect despite the reduced thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 compact design and automated calibration of x-ray detectors, reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The filter plates are used to harden the beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250349446A1Collimator arrangement for an x-ray tube

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A collimator arrangement for an x-ray tube includes a diaphragm arrangement close to the focal point with a plurality of diaphragms close to the focal point and a diaphragm arrangement at a distance from the focal point with a plurality of diaphragms at a distance from the focal point. The diaphragms close to the focal point can be adjusted between a maximum opened position and a maximum closed position via a number of first drives. The diaphragms at a distance from the focal point can be adjusted between a maximum opened position and a maximum closed position via a number of second drives.