X-ray Anti-scatter Grid With Columnar Secondary Septa
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray anti-scatter grids, particularly 2D DMLS tungsten grids, face issues with high manufacturing costs, incompatibility with smaller pixel CT detectors, and grid line artifacts due to thick septa walls, which degrade image quality and spectral energy resolution in next-generation 3D X-ray Cone-Beam CT imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A new 2D X-ray anti-scatter grid design incorporating primary and secondary septa walls, where secondary septa walls are formed from columnar structures extending between primary septa walls, allowing for a cost-effective transition from 1D to 2D structure using established manufacturing technology, reducing septa wall thickness and eliminating grid line artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 2D DMLS tungsten grids are used to improve anti-scatter performance, then scatter-to-primary signal ratio is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grid structure is segmented into two distinct components: reusable primary septa walls made of lead or high-Z material, and disposable secondary septa walls made of lower-cost materials such as plastic or aluminum. This segmentation allows the expensive primary structure to be reused while the cheaper secondary structures are replaced, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining anti-scatter performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material strategies by combining different materials for primary and secondary septa walls. Primary walls use high-Z materials (lead, tungsten) for optimal X-ray absorption, while secondary walls use lower-cost materials (plastic, aluminum) that are sufficient for their specific function, creating a cost-effective composite structure
2Reliability
If thick septa walls are used to improve anti-scatter performance, then scatter radiation is better absorbed, but grid line artifacts occur and spectral energy resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-scatter function is segmented between primary and secondary septa walls. The primary walls provide structural support and initial scattering protection, while the secondary walls add additional scattering protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling thinner overall wall structures that reduce grid line artifacts while maintaining anti-scatter performance
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the grid structure have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. Primary septa walls use high-Z materials concentrated at critical locations for maximum scattering protection, while secondary walls use lighter materials in regions where additional protection is needed but full high-Z material density is unnecessary, reducing overall thickness and grid line artifacts
3Reliability
If thick septa walls are used to improve anti-scatter performance, then scatter radiation is better absorbed, but pixel pitch must be larger
Solution Approach 1:
The grid structure is divided into primary and secondary septa walls with different thicknesses and material densities. This segmentation allows the primary walls to be thinner since they work in conjunction with secondary walls, enabling the grid to support smaller pixel pitches while maintaining adequate anti-scatter performance through the combined protection of both wall types
4Ease of manufacture
If 1D anti-scatter grids are used to reduce manufacturing complexity, then manufacturing cost is lower, but anti-scatter performance is insufficient for spectral 3D X-ray imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-scatter function is segmented into two directional components: primary septa walls that address scattering in one direction and secondary septa walls that address scattering in the perpendicular direction. This segmentation transforms a 1D grid into a functional 2D grid, providing sufficient anti-scatter performance for spectral 3D X-ray imaging while using simpler, lower-cost materials and manufacturing methods than full 2D DMLS grids
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 design enhances anti-scatter performance, supports high-resolution CT detectors with smaller pixel pitches, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates grid line artifacts, enabling better image quality and spectral resolution without the need for expensive 3D printing.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of columnar structures comprise an X-ray absorbing material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an X-ray anti-scatter grid (10). The anti-scatter grid comprises a plurality of primary septa walls (20), and a plurality of secondary septa walls (30). The plurality of primary septa walls comprise an X-ray absorbing material. The plurality of primary septa walls are substantially parallel to one another. The plurality of secondary septa walls are located between adjacent pairs of walls of the plurality of primary septa walls such that each secondary septa wall is located between an adjacent pair of walls of the plurality of primary septa walls. Each secondary septa wall of the plurality of secondary septa walls is formed from a plurality of columnar structures (40) extending between the plurality of primary septa walls. The plurality of columnar structures comprise an X-ray absorbing material.