Multifocal X-ray Tube Filter Mover for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing X-ray diagnosis apparatuses with multifocal X-ray tubes face challenges in reducing manufacturing costs due to the need for large, expensive radiation quality filters that cover all focal points, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray diagnosis apparatus employs a radiation quality filter mover that positions a radiation quality filter only at the focal point emitting X-rays, reducing the filter's area and using a multifocal X-ray tube with multiple focal points to emit X-rays independently, allowing for tomosynthesis imaging without continuous tube movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a radiation quality filter with wide area is used to cover all focal points, then the radiation quality can be adjusted for all focal points, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the large area of expensive material
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation quality filter is made movable rather than stationary, allowing it to dynamically position itself at different focal points. The filter mover mechanism enables the filter to move between focal points and remain only when needed, transforming a static wide-area filter requirement into a dynamic localized filtering solution that reduces material usage while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions the radiation quality filter at the appropriate focal point before X-ray emission occurs. By anticipating which focal point will be active and placing the filter there in advance, the system eliminates the need for a large filter covering all focal points simultaneously, thereby reducing material cost while ensuring radiation quality is properly adjusted
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed X-ray tube with multiple focal points is used, then image blurring is prevented, but a large area radiation quality filter is needed to cover all focal points
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation quality filter coverage is segmented in space and time rather than being continuous. The filter positions itself at specific focal points at specific times when those focal points are active, breaking down the requirement for a large continuous filter into smaller discrete positioning events, thereby reducing the filter area while maintaining image sharpness
Solution Approach 2:
The filter mover acts as an intermediary mechanism between the multiple focal points and the radiation quality filter. This mediator enables the filter to efficiently transition between focal points and position itself precisely where needed, eliminating the need for the filter to cover all focal points simultaneously and reducing the required filter area
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 reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing the area of the radiation quality filter required, enabling efficient X-ray imaging with reduced blurring and improved image quality, while maintaining the ability to perform tomosynthesis without moving the X-ray tube.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation quality filter for adjusting photon energy is needed for an X-ray tube having multiple focal points in order to change the radiation quality of X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray diagnosis apparatus according to the embodiment disclosed herein includes an X-ray tube configured to have a plurality of focal points and configured to emit X-rays from each focal point, a radiation quality filter configured to change radiation quality of the X-rays emitted from each of the focal points, and a mover configured to move the radiation quality filter in a direction along which the focal points are aligned.