X-ray Tube Loading Mechanism for Multi-Axis Tomosynthesis Scanning
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital tomosynthesis devices with limited angle scanning designs face challenges in achieving clear 3D imaging due to unidirectional scanning, which is insufficient for complex directional structures in the human body, leading to suboptimal imaging results for structures like skull fractures.
Innovation Solution
A loading mechanism for the x-ray tube that allows for swinging and rotating in multiple directions, including longitudinal, translational, oblique, and complex directions under a limited angle, utilizing a swing element with a first rotating axis and a rotating element with a second axis perpendicular to it, enabling the x-ray tube to move and orient accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If unidirectional limited angle scanning is used in conventional digital tomosynthesis, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but imaging precision for complex directional structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed unidirectional scanning to dynamic multi-directional scanning. The x-ray tube and detector assembly can rotate around the patient and swing between different angular positions, enabling adaptive scanning trajectories that match complex directional structures. This dynamic movement allows the system to capture projections from multiple orientations, significantly improving imaging precision for structures like skull fractures while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements another dimension by adding rotational and swinging movements to the traditional linear scanning path. Instead of moving only along a single axis, the imaging system now operates in three-dimensional space, rotating around the patient and swinging between angular positions. This multi-dimensional scanning approach enables comprehensive coverage of complex directional structures, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and imaging precision.
2Measurement precision
If multi-directional swinging and rotating mechanism is added to enable complex direction scanning, then imaging precision for complex directional structures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the x-ray tube, detector, and positioning mechanisms into an integrated assembly. The x-ray tube and detector are coupled together with their sensitive/active areas facing each other, and they move together as a unified unit during rotation and swinging operations. This merged design achieves multi-directional scanning capability while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional imaging assembly that can perform multiple scanning operations (rotation, swinging, positioning) with a single integrated mechanism. The same assembly that houses the x-ray tube and detector also incorporates the positioning mechanisms for both rotational and swinging movements, allowing one component to fulfill multiple functions and thereby reducing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional unidirectional scanning is used, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability to different directional structures in the human body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the imaging system to adapt its scanning trajectory dynamically based on the imaging requirements. The x-ray tube and detector assembly can rotate to different angular positions and swing between different orientations, allowing the system to adapt to various directional structures in the human body such as skull fractures, carotid arteries, and other anatomical features with different orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the scanning parameters (angular positions, rotation angles, swing幅度) to be adjusted based on the specific imaging needs. The system can modify its scanning trajectory parameters to match different anatomical structures, achieving high adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through controlled parameter variation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a loading mechanism for x-ray tube. The loading mechanism for x-ray tube includes an x-ray tube, a swing element and a rotating element. The x-ray tube includes a focal spot location and an x-ray opening. The swing element includes a first rotating axis, and the first rotating axis passes through the focal spot location. The swing element rotates about the first axis to rotate the x-ray tube within a limit swing range. The rotating element is connected to the swing element. The rotating element has a second rotating axis, and the first rotating axis perpendicular to the second rotating axis. The rotating element rotates about the second rotating axis to drive rotate the x-ray tube and the swing element. In addition, the scanning system for three-dimensional image is provided.