X-Ray Shielding Grating Structure for Stable Scatter Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray absorption grids for shielding against scattered radiation in computed tomography are mechanically unstable, limit spatial resolution due to coarse structuring, and fail to effectively block scattered radiation in multiple planes.

Innovation Solution

A shielding grid comprising a glass disc with trenches filled with X-ray absorbing material, where the trenches run between depressions on the disc, allowing direct X-rays to pass through while absorbing scattered X-rays, and the glass provides mechanical stability and fine structuring for improved resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If lead strips with paper spacers are used to block scattered radiation, then scattered radiation is suppressed in one plane, but the structure becomes mechanically unstable and easily deformed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattered radiation suppressionVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining a rigid substrate (glass, plastic, or metal) with X-ray absorbing material (lead strips or other high-Z materials) to create a mechanically stable anti-scatter grid. The substrate provides structural integrity while the absorbing material blocks scattered radiation, resolving the contradiction between mechanical stability and radiation suppression capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If coarse structuring is used in the shielding grid, then manufacturing is simplified, but spatial resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidspatial resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs fine structuring parameters including small pitch dimensions (0.1-1.0 mm), thin separator thickness (10-100 μm), and controlled filling ratios (30-70%) to achieve high spatial resolution while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. These parameter optimizations allow the grid to resolve fine anatomical details without requiring overly complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If lead strips are stacked with paper spacers to form the grid, then scattered radiation blocking is achieved, but the structure cannot suppress scattered radiation in multiple planes and lacks mechanical stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattered radiation blockingVSAvoidmulti-plane suppression capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a simple stacked structure to a three-dimensional integrated structure where X-ray absorbing elements are positioned within a rigid substrate framework. This dimensional integration allows the grid to effectively suppress scattered radiation from multiple angles and planes simultaneously, as the absorbing material is distributed throughout the grid volume rather than confined to single-plane stacking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the X-ray absorbing material is placed in trenches filled completely, then scattered radiation absorption is maximized, but direct X-ray transmission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattered radiation absorptionVSAvoiddirect X-ray transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial filling of trenches with X-ray absorbing material, optimizing the filling ratio to balance scattered radiation absorption and direct X-ray transmission. By controlling the amount of absorbing material (filling 30-70% of trench volume) and using appropriate pitch-to-separator ratios, the grid achieves sufficient scatter suppression while maintaining high transmission of primary X-rays for quality imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 effectively blocks scattered X-rays while maintaining mechanical stability and allowing direct X-rays to pass through, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution in X-ray imaging.

Implementation Method 1

the trenches are filled with an X-ray absorbing material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4231316A1Shielding mask for ionizing radiation and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 SCHOTT AG
  • EP4231316A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4231316A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4231316A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved grating for shielding X-ray scatter radiation for an imaging X-ray device. For this purpose, a shielding grating (1) against X-ray scatter radiation is provided, comprising: - a disk (3) with a first side (5) and a second side (7) opposite the first side (5), wherein the disk (3) has an arrangement of recesses (15) which are open towards the second side (7) of the disk (3), and wherein the disk (3) has a grating (9) of grooves (11) open towards the first side (5), wherein the grooves (11) are filled with an X-ray-absorbing material (13), and wherein, viewed from one of the sides (5, 7), the grooves (11) extend between the recesses (15) and at a distance from the recesses (15) such that walls (19) remain between the recesses and the grooves (11).