X-ray grating alignment via segmented flat segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray grating systems in dark field X-ray image acquisition face challenges in achieving focused grating structures, leading to suboptimal alignment and image quality due to manufacturing tolerances and unfocused grating configurations.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple flat X-ray grating segments with individual alignment units that allow for precise rotation and adjustment to focus normals at a common intersection point, enabling the alignment of grating structures to a focal point, thereby compensating for manufacturing tolerances and adjusting to different focal distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single flat X-ray grating is manufactured, then manufacturing is simpler, but alignment precision to the focal point deteriorates due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large X-ray grating into multiple smaller flat grating segments (e.g., 3-9 segments). Each segment can be manufactured separately with standard tolerances, then individually aligned and adjusted using alignment units to achieve precise focal point convergence without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances across the entire grating surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alignment units that enable dynamic adjustment of each grating segment's position and orientation. This allows the segments to be individually tuned to converge their normals at the focal point, compensating for manufacturing variations and enabling precise alignment that would be impossible with a fixed, monolithic grating structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple flat X-ray grating segments are used, then alignment precision to focal point improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the grating into multiple adjustable units, the system achieves precise focal point alignment through individual segment adjustment rather than requiring a single complex monolithic structure. The segmentation allows for modular assembly and adjustment, managing complexity through standardization of segment units.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment units serve multiple functions: they position each grating segment, orient the segment normals toward the focal point, and compensate for manufacturing tolerances. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and simplifies the overall control system.
3Measurement precision
If grating segments are individually aligned, then image quality improves, but alignment time and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the X-ray imaging process itself to guide alignment. By observing the X-ray patterns and image quality in real-time, operators can adjust each grating segment to achieve optimal focal point convergence. This feedback-driven approach streamlines the alignment process compared to purely theoretical or pre-calculated methods.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for aligning an X-ray grating to an X-ray radiation source, the device (10) comprising at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19); at least one alignment unit (31-39) for aligning one of the at least two flat X-ray grating segments; wherein the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19) are arranged in juxtaposition and are forming an X-ray grating (20); wherein the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19) each comprise a grating surface (41-49) for X-ray radiation, each grating surface (41-49) comprising a geometrical center; wherein normals (21-29) to each of the grating surfaces (41-49) define a common plane (73), wherein the normals (21-29) intersect the geometrical center of the grating surface (41-49); wherein at least a first of the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19) is rotatable around an axis (131-139) that is perpendicular to the common plane (73); and wherein the first of the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19) that is rotatable around the axis (131-139) is connected to a first of the at least one alignment unit (31-39). The invention provides a device (10) and a method (100) which provide an improved X-ray grating (20).