Lateral-Supported X-Ray Collimator Assembly for Scatter Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems, particularly CT imaging systems, face challenges in the design and configuration of collimator assemblies, specifically post-patient collimators, which need to provide sufficient scatter rejection while maintaining detection efficiency and being less sensitive to deformation during operation.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system with a collimator assembly featuring a plurality of collimator plates and a physically stabilizing lateral support structure, arranged orthogonal to the direction of incoming X-rays, enhances rigidity and reduces deformation, allowing for taller collimator plates and improved scatter rejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the collimator plates are made taller to improve scatter rejection, then the scatter rejection performance is improved, but the collimator assembly becomes more sensitive to deformation during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral support structure that extends in the lateral direction (orthogonal to the X-ray beam direction) to provide dimensional stability. This lateral bracing counteracts the increased deformation sensitivity caused by taller collimator plates, allowing the plates to be made taller without compromising structural stability during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the collimator assembly structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the rigidity and scatter rejection performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator assembly is divided into modular components including multiple collimator plates and separate lateral support structures. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, then assembled together to form the complete assembly with the required rigidity and scatter rejection performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the collimator plates are made taller to improve scatter rejection, then the scatter rejection performance is improved, but the detection efficiency may be reduced due to increased absorption of primary X-rays
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral support structure is designed with selective positioning and spacing to provide structural reinforcement only where needed for stability, while maintaining open spaces between the support elements. This allows primary X-rays to pass through the gaps without significant absorption, preserving detection efficiency while still providing the necessary structural support for taller collimator plates that improve scatter rejection.
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 improved collimator assembly provides enhanced rigidity, reduced deformation, and increased scatter rejection, while simplifying manufacturing and maintaining detection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The physically stabilizing lateral support structure comprises at least one side plate having a plurality of openings therein and attached to at least part of a short side of at least a subset of the collimator plates
Implementation Method 2
The collimator assembly should preferably be easily manufactured, while providing sufficient scatter rejection and allowing good detection efficiency
Implementation Method 3
The emitted X-rays are attenuated by the subject or object as they pass through, and the resulting transmitted X-rays are measured by the detector
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source, an X-ray detector and a collimator assembly in the X-ray path between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. The X-ray detector comprises a plurality of detector modules arranged side-by-side and adapted to be oriented towards the X-ray source, the detector modules being arranged side-by-side along a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of incoming X-rays. The collimator assembly (70) is based on a plurality of spaced collimator plates (71) arranged side-by-side in a direction coinciding with the direction of the detector modules. The collimator assembly (70) further comprises a physically stabilizing lateral support structure (72) arranged in a lateral plane extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of incoming X-rays.