X-ray Collimator with Independent Sliding Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collimators for X-ray beam adjustment have a large volume, complex structure, and low precision due to non-adjustable left and right stops, requiring asymmetric adjustments and occupying excessive space.
Innovation Solution
A collimator with up-and-down and left-and-right adjustment mechanisms, featuring rotating nuts and moving leading screws, allows for independent adjustment of sliding stops, enabling symmetrical adjustments and varying X-ray beam angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional collimator structure is used with upper and lower sliding stops, then X-ray beam can be defined, but the volume is large and structure is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is divided into four independent sliding stops (upper, lower, left, right) that can be adjusted separately. Each stop is controlled by its own leading screw mechanism, allowing independent adjustment without requiring simultaneous movement of multiple components. This segmentation reduces the overall structural complexity and volume while maintaining effective X-ray beam definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes all four sliding stops adjustable rather than having fixed stops. Each stop is connected to a leading screw that can be rotated to move the stop position dynamically. This dynamic adjustability allows the collimator to adapt to different imaging requirements without requiring a large fixed structure, thereby reducing volume while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If upper and lower sliding stops are adjusted simultaneously, then beam profile can be maintained, but adjustment precision is low
Solution Approach 1:
Each sliding stop is equipped with its own leading screw mechanism, allowing independent and precise adjustment of each stop position. The upper, lower, left, and right stops can be adjusted separately without affecting each other, enabling high-precision positioning. This segmentation eliminates the need for simultaneous adjustment while maintaining beam profile integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the adjustment parameter from simultaneous multi-point adjustment to independent single-point adjustment. Each leading screw can be rotated to precisely control the position of its associated sliding stop, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments. This parameter change from coupled to independent adjustment significantly improves measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If left and right stops are stationary, then structure is simplified, but adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The left and right sliding stops are made adjustable through leading screw mechanisms, transforming them from stationary to dynamic components. Each stop can be independently positioned by rotating its associated leading screw, providing full adjustability in all four directions (upper, lower, left, right). This dynamic design maintains structural simplicity while significantly improving adaptability for different imaging applications.
4Reliability
If asymmetric adjustment is required, then target points can be positioned, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is segmented into four independently adjustable sliding stops, each controlled by its own leading screw. This segmentation allows asymmetric positioning of target points by adjusting only the necessary stops rather than requiring symmetric adjustment of all stops. The independent adjustment capability enables precise target point positioning without requiring additional space for symmetric mechanisms.
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
Enables precise control of X-ray beam angles and width, allowing for flexible application in various radiation imaging systems with improved adjustment precision and reduced space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
upper and lower moving leading screws threadedly connected with the upper and lower first rotating nuts... each of the upper and lower leading screws is connected with the upper and lower sliding stops to drive the upper and lower sliding stops, respectively, to vertically move
Data Source
AI summary
A collimator for adjusting an X-ray beam includes: an up-and-down adjustment mechanism; a left-and-right adjustment mechanism, a supporting member; and an adjusting plate connected with the supporting member. The up-and-down adjustment mechanism comprises first rotating nuts, up-and-down moving leading screws threadedly connected with the first rotating nuts, and upper and lower sliding stops located in the supporting member. Each of the leading screws is connected with the upper and lower sliding stops to drive the upper and lower sliding stops, respectively, to vertically move. The left-and-right adjustment mechanism comprises second rotating nuts, horizontally moving leading screws connected with second rotating nuts, and left and right sliding stops located in the supporting member. Each of the horizontally moving leading screws are connected with the left and right sliding stops to drive the left and right sliding stops, respectively, to horizontally move.