X-ray Phase Imaging Subject Holder Resin Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray phase imaging apparatuses face challenges in reducing artifacts caused by metal components like the subject holder, rotation mechanism, and direction changing mechanism, which scatter X-rays and degrade image quality, especially when trying to rotate subjects with carbon fibers to optimize carbon fiber detection.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray phase imaging apparatus incorporates a subject holder made of a material with higher X-ray transmittance than metal and lower X-ray scattering, allowing it to be placed within the X-ray irradiation area without significantly degrading image quality. This design also includes a first rotation mechanism that can rotate the subject holder by at least 180 degrees, increasing the angular range for subject rotation and improving image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal subject holder is used in the X-ray irradiation area, then the structural strength and rigidity are sufficient, but X-ray scattering occurs causing artifacts that degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the subject holder from metal to resin, which has different X-ray interaction properties. This parameter change reduces X-ray scattering and absorption, thereby minimizing artifacts in the captured images while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength for holding the subject during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs resin material as a composite alternative to metal for the subject holder. This material selection balances mechanical requirements (strength and rigidity to hold the subject) with radiological requirements (low X-ray scattering and absorption), resolving the contradiction between structural reliability and image quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the direction changing mechanism rotates the subject along a quarter-circle arc frame, then the mechanism can be prevented from appearing on the image, but the angular rotation range is limited to 90 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second rotation mechanism that enables rotation about an axis orthogonal to the first rotation axis. This dimensional addition allows the subject to be oriented in multiple directions (including aligning carbon fibers with the grating) without requiring the direction changing mechanism to appear in the X-ray path, thus expanding the effective angular range beyond 90 degrees.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the rotation function into two independent rotation mechanisms: one for rotating the subject holder about a horizontal axis, and another for rotating the entire assembly about a vertical axis. This segmentation allows each mechanism to operate independently within its optimal range while achieving a combined multi-axis rotation capability that exceeds the limitations of a single arc-frame mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If metal components are used in the rotation mechanism, then mechanical strength and precision are sufficient, but X-ray scattering from these components degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition of the rotation mechanism components that are positioned within the X-ray irradiation area, replacing metal parts with resin parts. This parameter change maintains the necessary mechanical precision for rotation while significantly reducing X-ray scattering and absorption, thereby improving image quality without sacrificing rotational accuracy.
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 use of a non-metallic subject holder reduces artifacts in captured images and allows for a broader range of subject rotation, enhancing the ability to precisely image the internal structure of subjects like carbon fiber reinforced plastics.
Implementation Method 1
the subject holder is formed of a first material having an X-ray transmittance greater than metal and an X-ray scattering degree smaller than the metal
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray scattering degree smaller than the metal
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of gratings arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, and including a first grating to be irradiated with X-rays by the X-ray source and a second grating to be irradiated with the X-rays from the first grating
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray phase imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source; an X-ray detector; a plurality of gratings; a subject holder arranged in an X-ray irradiation area and configured to hold the subject; and an image processor configured to generate an X-ray phase contrast image based on an intensity distribution of the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector. The subject holder is formed of a first material having an X-ray transmittance greater than metal and a scattering degree smaller than the metal.