X-ray Collimator Blade with Segmented Blocking Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray collimators in CT imaging systems fail to efficiently shape X-ray beams to match curved detectors, leading to beam distortion and excessive radiation exposure due to scatter radiation, resulting in reduced imaging efficiency and increased subject dosage.
Innovation Solution
A collimator design featuring blades with primary and secondary blocking members, where the primary member has a non-planar surface to shape the X-ray beam and the secondary member has a planar surface to block scatter radiation, ensuring precise beam alignment and reduced scatter exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a curved collimator is used to shape the X-ray beam to match the curved detector, then beam coverage of the detector is improved, but scatter radiation escape is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator blade is divided into two distinct blocking members: a primary blocking member with a curved surface that shapes the main X-ray beam to match the detector geometry, and a secondary blocking member with a flat surface that specifically blocks scatter radiation. This segmentation allows each member to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surfaces of the collimator blade are assigned different geometric properties suited to their specific functions. The primary blocking member has a curved surface for beam shaping, while the secondary blocking member has a flat surface for scatter radiation blocking. This local differentiation of geometric quality enables simultaneous optimization for both beam coverage and scatter rejection.
2Ease of manufacture
If a planar collimator is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but beam projection coverage of the curved detector is distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is segmented into multiple blades, each containing both primary and secondary blocking members. This segmentation allows the complex curved surfaces to be manufactured as separate components that can be assembled together, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the necessary geometric precision for effective beam shaping and scatter blocking.
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 solution improves radiation dose efficiency by aligning the X-ray beam with the detector and reducing unnecessary scatter radiation, enhancing the amount of radiation used for image reconstruction while minimizing exposure to the subject.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the one or more blades has a primary blocking member and a secondary blocking member with material densities sufficient to block X-ray radiation
Implementation Method 2
The secondary blocking member is secured in a fixed position relative to the primary blocking member between the primary blocking member and the panel to block scatter radiation from the X-ray beam from emanating through the exit port
Data Source
AI summary
A collimator includes a panel and one or more blades. The panel defines an exit port, and the one or more blades are held between the panel and an X-ray source to cover at least a portion of the exit port. Each of the one or more blades has a primary blocking member and a secondary blocking member with material densities sufficient to block X-ray radiation. The primary blocking member shapes an X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray source. The secondary blocking member is secured in a fixed position relative to the primary blocking member between the primary blocking member and the panel to block scatter radiation from the X-ray beam from emanating through the exit port. The primary blocking member has a substantially non-planar surface facing toward the X-ray source. The secondary blocking member has a substantially planar surface facing toward the X-ray source.