X-ray Reflector for Spatial Resolution and Source Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray apparatuses face challenges in providing sufficient space between the examination volume and the X-ray detector or source without compromising spatial resolution, especially when using high-power rotary anode X-ray tubes or flat-panel detectors, which restricts the use of certain parameter combinations and reduces service life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an X-ray reflector to redirect X-rays generated by the source, allowing for a larger space between the examination volume and the detector without impairing spatial resolution, enabling the use of emitters with high spatial extension by focusing X-rays and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the distance between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector is increased to enlarge the available space, then the available space is improved, but the spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An X-ray reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the X-ray source and the detector. The reflector redirects X-rays from the source to the detector, enabling a larger source-detector distance while maintaining spatial resolution through the reflective geometry that preserves ray convergence at the detector plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a direct linear arrangement to a configuration involving angular redirection via the reflector. By utilizing the angular dimension and reflective geometry, the patent achieves increased spatial separation in one dimension while maintaining resolution through the geometric relationship established by the reflector.
2Productivity
If high X-ray current and short pulse times are used to improve imaging performance, then the imaging capability is improved, but the service life of the emitter deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the X-ray emitter by using larger emitters with increased spatial extension. This parameter change allows the system to achieve high imaging capability through extended emitter design while reducing the thermal and mechanical stress on individual emitter regions, thereby extending service life.
3Measurement precision
If a small emitter is used to achieve high spatial resolution, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the available service life of the emitter deteriorates due to high current and short pulse requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a small emitter to achieve high spatial resolution, the patent inverts the approach by using a larger emitter and compensating for the reduced inherent resolution through the X-ray reflector geometry. This inversion allows the system to achieve high spatial resolution via geometric focusing while using a more durable, longer-lasting emitter.
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 configuration allows for increased space between the examination volume and the X-ray detector or source while maintaining high spatial resolution, enabling efficient imaging with extended emitters and reducing operational constraints.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray reflector, embodied to reflect X-rays generated by the X-ray source such that the X-rays hit the X-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray apparatus includes an X-ray source embodied to generate X-rays; an X-ray detector; and an X-ray reflector. The X-ray reflector is embodied to reflect X-rays generated by the X-ray source such that the reflected X-rays hit the X-ray detector. The X-ray detector is in particular embodied to detect the X-rays. The X-ray apparatus can, on the one hand, enlarge the available space above a patient. Furthermore, focusing via the X-ray reflector enables the power of the X-ray source to be increased while retaining a constant spatial resolution or the spatial resolution to be improved while retaining a constant power of the X-ray source.