X-ray Anti-scatter Grid Using Hollow Glass Capillary Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray anti-scatter grids are heavy, costly, and cause image artifacts due to their thickness, which degrades image clarity and increases X-ray dose, as they require significant lead sheet height to block off-axis X-rays effectively.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray anti-scatter device comprising X-ray transparent dielectric tubes with X-ray opaque layers, specifically formed from borosilicate glass and tungsten, arranged to achieve an open area ratio greater than 80% and a tube length to width ratio greater than 100:1, reducing off-axis X-rays while minimizing weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If lead sheets are used to block off-axis X-rays, then X-ray scattering is reduced, but the device weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the lead structure from flat sheets to tapered structures with specific angle ranges (15-45 degrees). This parameter change allows the lead material to be more efficiently distributed, blocking off-axis X-rays while reducing the total volume and weight of lead required compared to traditional parallel sheet configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines lead (for X-ray absorption) with aluminum or other lighter materials (for structural support and spacing). This composite approach allows the heavy lead to be used only where absolutely necessary for X-ray blocking, while lighter materials handle structural functions, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining scattering reduction effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If lead sheet height is increased to block off-axis X-rays, then image contrast improves, but image artifacts increase and X-ray dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific angular parameters (taper angles between 15-45 degrees) for the lead structures. This geometric parameter optimization allows the grid to effectively block off-axis X-rays that degrade image contrast, while the controlled taper prevents excessive grid thickness that would cause grid artifacts. The angle range is specifically chosen to balance these competing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead structures have varying thicknesses along their length, with the thickness optimized for each specific location and angle. This local optimization ensures that X-ray blocking effectiveness is maximized where needed (at oblique angles) while minimizing unnecessary lead thickness in other regions, thereby reducing both artifacts and required X-ray dose.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lead sheet height is increased to block off-axis X-rays, then X-ray scattering is reduced, but device complexity and fabrication difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific parameter ranges for the tapered lead structures (angles of 15-45 degrees, specific height-to-width ratios) that optimize scattering reduction while maintaining manufacturability. These parameter specifications provide clear fabrication guidelines that balance performance requirements with manufacturing capabilities, avoiding overly complex geometries that would be difficult to produce.
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 enhances image resolution, reduces weight and cost, and minimizes image artifacts by effectively blocking off-axis X-rays with a more efficient and lightweight structure, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and X-ray imaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
each of the X-ray opaque tubes has an axial orientation, an outside width and an inside width... the wall thickness of the X-ray opaque tubes is selected to obtain what is known as an X-ray open area ratio of greater than 80%... results in excellent blocking of off-axis X-rays
Implementation Method 2
each X-ray opaque tube is directed towards a point a selected distance away from the dielectric layer with either a curved surface or with a flat plane surface
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray anti-scatter grid having thinner X-ray opaque layers, smaller X-ray opaque diameters, greater aspect ratio, lower weight and improved image resolution is disclosed. A method of forming the X-ray anti-scatter grid is disclosed that includes a set of hollow X-ray transparent glass capillary tubes that are fused together, with an X-ray opaque layer thick enough to block X-rays at a specified energy inside the capillary tubes. The capillary tubes provide the high aspect ratio and light weight, while the X-ray opaque layer is provided by a deposition process that has features similar to atomic layer deposition (ALD). The high aspect ratio and thin layers improves resolution and decreases image artifacts, and large area X-ray anti-scatter grids are provided by aligning the axis of the an X-ray opaque layers to the X-ray source.