X-Ray Beam Collimator Position Sensing for Accurate Dose Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray beam control apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining x-ray dose due to mechanical wear and low accuracy of hardware components, particularly in manual collimators, which are susceptible to mechanical play and have limited precision in calculating radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs inductive position sensors, specifically using asymmetrical LC-tank circuits with inductance to digital converters, to accurately measure the positions of collimator shutters and x-ray filters, compensating for environmental factors like temperature and mechanical play, thereby enhancing the precision of x-ray dose calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical position sensors are used in manual collimators, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but mechanical wear and mechanical play reduce measurement precision and reliability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position sensors with inductive sensors that detect the position of collimator shutters and filter assemblies through electromagnetic induction without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and mechanical play while maintaining ease of manual operation, as the inductive sensors passively detect position changes without requiring physical connection to moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inductive sensors as an intermediary between the operator's manual adjustments and the digital system that calculates x-ray dose. These sensors detect position changes through electromagnetic fields without direct mechanical contact, serving as a non-contact mediator that transfers position information from the mechanical collimator components to the digital processing system.
2Device complexity
If mechanical position sensors are used in manual collimators, then device complexity is reduced, but mechanical wear and mechanical play reduce reliability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position sensors with inductive sensors that detect position through electromagnetic induction without mechanical contact. This substitution reduces device complexity by eliminating mechanical linkages while dramatically improving reliability by eliminating wear-related failures. The inductive sensors have no moving parts that can wear out, ensuring long-term operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive sensors automatically detect position changes through electromagnetic fields without requiring mechanical maintenance or calibration. The system self-adjusts to position changes as the collimator shutters and filter assemblies move, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment mechanisms that would require periodic maintenance and reducing reliability concerns related to mechanical degradation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional hardware components are used for position detection, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but accuracy in calculating radiation exposure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical position sensors with inductive sensors that provide higher measurement precision for calculating x-ray dose. The inductive sensors detect position through electromagnetic induction, providing more accurate and consistent position data without significantly complicating manufacturing. The sensor assembly can be integrated into the existing collimator structure with minimal additional manufacturing steps.
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 provides a wear-resistant and highly accurate method for determining x-ray dose by precisely measuring shutter and filter positions, improving the reliability and accuracy of radiation exposure assessment.
Implementation Method 1
The inductive position sensor may comprise an electrical coil configured to generate a non-homogeneous magnetic field along a length of the electrical coil
Implementation Method 2
asymmetrical LC-tank circuits with inductance to digital converters
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray beam control apparatus including at least one moveable x-ray attenuating member, and at least one position sensor, wherein the position sensor is configured to contactlessly detect movement of at least one of the attenuating members and to output a signal indicative of the position of the attenuating member.