X-ray Collimator Segmentation for Compact Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of X-ray units with a collimator unit is bulky, restricting handling and positioning possibilities, and requires a larger mechanical system for mounting and control, leading to increased volume and reduced flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A compact housing unit with a positionable fastening system that allows the collimator unit to be oriented and controlled independently of the X-ray source, enabling precise adjustment and alignment with an X-ray detector, and allowing for a more slender mechanism for movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the collimator unit is arranged in the housing with the X-ray source, then the X-ray window can be delimited, but the housing occupies a large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator unit is separated from the housing with the X-ray source and mounted on a positionable fastening unit, allowing independent positioning and orientation of the collimator away from the main housing, thus reducing the required housing volume while maintaining full collimation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A positionable fastening unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the housing and the collimator unit, enabling the collimator to be positioned at different locations and orientations relative to the housing, thereby reducing housing volume requirements while preserving handling freedom
2Device complexity
If the collimator unit is arranged in the housing with the X-ray source, then the X-ray window can be delimited, but the mechanical system must be dimensioned larger
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical system is segmented into separate components: the housing with X-ray source, the positionable fastening unit, and the collimator unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall mechanical system complexity while maintaining full positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening unit is designed to be positionable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the collimator's position and orientation relative to the housing. This dynamic capability enables precise positioning with a more compact mechanical system compared to a rigid integrated design
3Volume of moving object
If the entire collimator unit is rotated at the output of the X-ray head, then the collimation field can be oriented, but the housing occupies a large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The positionable fastening unit serves as an intermediary that provides rotational and positioning capabilities for the collimator unit independently of the housing size, enabling full orientational versatility without requiring a large housing volume
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator unit is positioned in a separate dimension away from the housing through the fastening unit, allowing rotational orientation to occur in space external to the housing, thereby enabling full orientational capability without increasing housing volume
Data Source
AI summary
A device and to an associated method for a diagnostic apparatus. A housing unit can be aligned by way of a securing unit which is connected to the housing and it can be controlled in such a way that the diaphragm unit which is connected to the x-ray source and is arranged in the housing unit can be aligned in accordance with a specified position.