X-ray Collimator with Electron-Absorbing Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray beam apparatuses generate ozone due to electron beam leakage, which is not effectively suppressed by conventional collimators, leading to unwanted irradiation and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A collimator design featuring a radiodense collimating portion and a less radiodense electron-absorbing plug, where the plug is thinner to minimize electron absorption and ozone generation, while maintaining x-ray transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional collimator with uniform radiodense material is used, then x-ray beam collimation is achieved, but electron beam leakage occurs causing ozone generation
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is designed with non-uniform material distribution: a first portion made of radiodense material (e.g., tungsten) for x-ray absorption, and a second portion made of less radiodense material (e.g., aluminum or plastic) for electron absorption. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous optimization for both x-ray collimation and electron suppression, resolving the contradiction between beam collimation and electron leakage prevention.
2Reliability
If a thick radiodense material is used in the collimator, then electron absorption is improved, but x-ray transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator employs spatially differentiated material properties where the first portion (facing the electron source) uses radiodense material optimized for electron absorption, while the second portion uses less radiodense material that allows efficient x-ray transmission. This local quality differentiation enables the system to suppress electrons effectively without significantly attenuating the x-ray beam, resolving the contradiction between electron suppression and x-ray transmission efficiency.
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
The collimator effectively reduces ozone generation by absorbing electrons and minimizing their interaction with atmospheric oxygen, thereby extending equipment life and preventing unwanted irradiation without significantly affecting x-ray beam intensity.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray collimating portion having an x-ray transmission aperture formed therein
Implementation Method 2
X-rays which do not pass through the aperture are absorbed in the radiodense material
Implementation Method 3
an electron absorbing portion positioned in or arranged to overlie the X-ray transmission aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an X-ray beam collimator. In one configuration, the collimator comprises an X-ray collimating portion having an X-ray transmission aperture formed therein. In one configuration, an electron absorbing portion is positioned in or arranged to overlie the X-ray transmission aperture. In one configuration, the X-ray collimating portion has a thickness in a direction through the aperture greater than a thickness in the same direction of the electron absorbing portion. In one configuration, the collimator comprises an x-ray collimating portion made of a conducting first material having an x-ray transmission aperture formed therein. In one configuration, an electron absorbing portion made of a conducting second material is arranged to plug or cover the x-ray transmission aperture. In one configuration, the first material is relatively more radiodense than the second material. Also disclosed is an x-ray beam apparatus, a method of reducing ozone generation and a structure manufacturing method using the disclosed collimator.