Computed tomography imaging system with fluid reservoir component

Abstract

A computed tomography (CT) imaging system (100) includes a rotatable gantry (110) and a component (120). The component (120) is mechanically coupled to the frame (110), and the frame is configured to rotate the component about an axis of rotation (130). The component comprises a reservoir (140) for containing a fluid and a chamber (150). The chamber (150) is coupled to a reservoir (140) and is configured to receive bubbles (160) or particles (170) in a fluid that are stressed radially (180) relative to the axis of rotation (130) of the chassis (110) due to centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during rotation of the component about the axis of rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computed tomography (CT) imaging system having a component with a fluid reservoir. Background Art

[0002] The CT imaging system has a rotatable gantry. Various components may be coupled to the gantry, including, for example, an X-ray tube, a high voltage generator for the X-ray tube, and an X-ray detector. In use, the gantry rotates about an axis of rotation, and X-ray attenuation data is generated from different directions relative to the object using the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector. The X-ray attenuation data is then reconstructed to provide a volumetric image of the object.

[0003] Some components coupled to the gantry of a CT imaging system include a reservoir containing a fluid. The fluid can be used to provide cooling, or to provide electrical isolation for the component. For example, an X-ray tube may include such a reservoir. In this case, the fluid contained in the reservoir can be used to remove excess heat generated during the generation of X-ray radiation by the X-ray tube. A high voltage generator may also include such a reservoir. In this case, the fluid contained in the reservoir can be used to provide cooling for the generator and / or to provide electrical isolation.

[0004] During their manufacture, the reservoirs of such components are typically filled with fluid to an appropriate level. The reservoirs may be sealed to prevent the fluid from escaping. However, over time, bubbles or particles may develop in the fluid in the reservoir. For example, bubbles may be generated in the fluid due to excessive heating of the fluid by the component, or due to movement of the component through a rack, or due to circulation of the fluid within a pumped cooling circuit. Particles may also be present in the fluid due to excessive heating or mechanical wear. Bubbles or particles may reduce the ability of the fluid to perform its intended purpose. For example, bubbles in a cooling fluid may reduce its thermal conductivity, thereby reducing its ability to conduct heat. Bubbles in an electrically isolating fluid may reduce its electrical breakdown voltage, thereby reducing its performance as an electrical isolator. Particles in the fluid may also reduce its electrical breakdown voltage, thereby reducing its performance as an electrical isolator. Therefore, over time, the fluid in such components may need to be replaced to prevent its performance degradation from affecting the performance of the component.

[0005] Document US2011 / 0243296A1 discloses a computer tomography system having a gantry with a rotor side that can rotate around a system axis during operation, and on which at least one X-ray tube is mounted. In order to cool the at least one X-ray tube, a liquid cooling system is provided with a fluid volume filled with a coolant, the fluid volume extending from the system axis at different distances. The fluid volume is positioned on the gantry rotor and is therefore subject to centrifugal forces during operation. In order to increase the pressure of the cooling system, a flexible compensation volume and a movable mass element that rotates with the gantry are provided. The mass element is arranged so that the centrifugal force acting on the mass element during operation causes pressure to be applied to the cooling fluid.

[0006] However, there remains a need for improvements in components used in CT imaging systems to reduce the effects of air bubbles and / or particles in fluid reservoirs thereof. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a CT imaging system is provided. The CT imaging system includes a rotatable gantry and a component. The component is mechanically coupled to the gantry, and the gantry is configured to rotate the component around a rotation axis. The component includes a reservoir (for containing a fluid) and a chamber. The chamber is fluidically coupled to the reservoir, and the chamber is configured to receive bubbles or particles in the fluid, which are forced to move radially relative to the gantry rotation axis due to centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during the rotation of the component around the rotation axis.

[0008] In the above system, when the frame rotates the component about the rotation axis, bubbles or particles in the fluid in the reservoir are received into the chamber due to the centrifugal force acting on the fluid. By removing bubbles or particles from the fluid in this way, the effect of bubbles or particles on the performance of the component can be reduced.

[0009] Further aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a CT imaging system 100 including a rotatable gantry 110 and a component 120 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a component 120 including a reservoir 140 and a chamber 150 configured to receive bubbles 160 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a component 120 including a reservoir 140 and a chamber 150 configured to receive particles 170 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a component 120 including a reservoir 140 and a chamber 150 having an elongated shape, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a component 120 including a reservoir 140 and a chamber 150 having an elongated shape extending along a curved path in a direction 210 opposite to a rotational direction 220 of the gantry according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a liquid reservoir 140 and a sensor 230 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. S , 230 D Schematic diagram of an example of a component 120 of a chamber 150 .

[0016] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a stop position of the rack 110 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the opening 190 disposed at the radially innermost position of the reservoir 150 is arranged uppermost relative to the reservoir.

[0017] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a stop position of the rack 110 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the opening 190 disposed at the radially outermost position of the reservoir 150 is arranged most downwardly relative to the reservoir.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a CT imaging system 100 including one or more processors 240 and a remote processing device 250 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a computer-implemented method of generating a service ticket request according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Examples of the present disclosure are provided with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. In this description, for the purpose of explanation, a large number of specific details of specific examples are set forth. References in the specification to "examples," "embodiments," or similar language mean that features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the example are included in at least one example. It should also be understood that features described with respect to one example may also be used in another example, and that for the sake of brevity, not all features are necessarily repeated in each example. For example, features described with respect to a CT imaging system may be implemented in components of the CT imaging system in a corresponding manner.

[0021] In the following description, reference will be made to an example of a component coupled to a gantry of a CT imaging system. The component includes a reservoir for containing a fluid. In some examples, the component is an X-ray tube. However, it should be understood that the X-ray tube is only an example, and the component may also be a component different from the X-ray tube. For example, the component may also be a high voltage generator (also referred to as a generator) for delivering electrical energy to the X-ray tube. As another example, the component may be an X-ray detector. The component may also be a component different from the example X-ray tube, generator, and X-ray detector.

[0022] In some examples, the purpose of the fluid in the reservoir described herein is to cool a portion of a component. For example, the fluid in the reservoir can be used to cool a portion of an x-ray tube, or to cool a portion of an x-ray detector. In these examples, the fluid can be referred to as a cooling fluid. However, it is understood that the fluid can also be used for different purposes or additional purposes other than cooling. For example, the fluid can provide electrical isolation for a portion of a component. For example, the fluid can be used to provide electrical isolation for a portion of a generator. In these examples, the fluid can be referred to as an electrical isolation fluid.

[0023] In general, the fluid contained in the reservoir in the examples described herein can be any type of fluid suitable for its purpose. For example, a fluid suitable for cooling may include water or oil. A fluid suitable for providing electrical isolation may include oil. It is worth noting that water or oil may also contain various additives to improve its performance.

[0024] It is noteworthy that the computer-implemented method disclosed herein can be provided as a non-transient computer-readable storage medium, the non-transient computer-readable storage medium including computer-readable instructions stored thereon, the computer-readable instructions causing the at least one processor to perform the method when run by at least one processor. In other words, the computer-implemented method can be implemented in a computer program product. The computer program product can be provided by dedicated hardware or hardware capable of running the software in conjunction with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions of the method features can be provided by a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or by multiple independent processors (some of which may be shared). For example, one or more of the functions of the method features can be provided by a processor shared within a network processing architecture (such as a client / server architecture, a peer-to-peer architecture, the Internet, or the cloud).

[0025] The explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be interpreted as referring exclusively to hardware capable of running software, and may implicitly include, but is not limited to, digital signal processor "DSP" hardware, read-only memory "ROM" for storing software, random access memory "RAM", non-volatile storage devices, etc. In addition, examples of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable storage medium or a computer-readable storage medium, which provides program code for use by or in conjunction with a computer or any instruction execution system. For the purposes of this specification, a computer-usable storage medium or a computer-readable storage medium can be any device that can include, store, exchange, propagate or transmit a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device or device. The medium may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system or device or a propagation medium. Examples of computer-readable media include semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, removable computer disk, random access memory "RAM", read-only memory "ROM", hard disk, and optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk - read only memory "CD-ROM", compact disk - read / write "CD-R / W", Blu-ray Disc TM and DVD.

[0026] As described above, there is still a need for improvement in components used in CT imaging systems to reduce the effects of air bubbles and / or particles in their fluid reservoirs.

[0027] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a CT imaging system 100 including a rotatable gantry 110 and a component 120 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The rotatable gantry 110 is configured to support an X-ray tube 120 and an X-ray detector 270, such as Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the CT imaging system 100 may be used to perform an imaging operation on an object. For example, the object may be positioned at Figure 1 The rotatable gantry 110 is rotatable about the rotation axis 130 to generate X-ray attenuation data from different directions relative to the object using the X-ray tube 120 and the X-ray detector 270. The rotatable gantry 110 can be driven by one or more motors or actuators ( Figure 1 The X-ray attenuation data may then be reconstructed to provide a volumetric image of the object.

[0028] refer to Figure 1 , a CT imaging system 100 is provided, which includes a rotatable gantry 110 and a component 120. The component 120 is mechanically coupled to the gantry 110, and the gantry is configured to rotate the component around a rotation axis 130. The component includes: a reservoir 140 for containing a fluid, and a chamber 150. The chamber 150 is fluidically coupled to the reservoir 140. The chamber is configured to receive bubbles 160 or particles 170 in the fluid, and the particles 170 are forced in a radial direction 180 relative to the rotation axis 130 of the gantry 110 due to centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during rotation of the component around the rotation axis.

[0029] Figure 2 This is shown in more detail in Figure 1 The component 120 shown in FIG. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a component 120 including a reservoir 140 and a chamber 150 configured to receive a bubble 160 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The component 120 shown in FIG. 1 is mechanically coupled to the rotatable gantry 110 of the CT imaging system. Figure 2 The component 120 shown in FIG. 1 may be coupled to Figure 1 The rotatable gantry 110 of the CT imaging system 100 shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in the left part of the figure, it includes a corresponding rotatable frame 110 and a component 120.

[0030] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, component 120 is an X-ray tube. In this example, reservoir 140 contains a fluid for cooling the X-ray tube. When the gantry rotates the X-ray tube about rotation axis 130, bubbles 160 in the fluid in reservoir 140 are received in the chamber due to centrifugal force acting on the fluid.

[0031] exist Figure 2In the example shown, the chamber 150 is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 140 via an opening 190 in the reservoir. The opening 190 is disposed at the radially innermost position of the reservoir 140 for receiving gas bubbles 160 in the fluid that are forced radially inwardly relative to the rotational axis 130 of the gantry 110 due to centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during rotation of the component 120 about the rotational axis. Since the density of the gas bubbles is relatively lower than the density of the fluid, the gas bubbles are forced radially inwardly. By removing the gas bubbles from the fluid in this manner, the effect of the gas bubbles on the performance of the X-ray tube can be reduced. Particles in the fluid in the reservoir 140, which have a relatively low density, will also be forced radially inwardly and will also be received in the chamber due to the centrifugal forces acting on the fluid. By removing the particles from the fluid in this manner, the effect of the particles on the performance of the X-ray tube can also be reduced.

[0032] During gantry rotation of a CT imaging system, components that are mechanically coupled to the gantry are subject to centrifugal acceleration. The centrifugal acceleration, a, can be calculated using the following formula:

[0033] a=(2πf) 2 r Formula 1

[0034] Where f is the frequency of rotation and r is the distance from the component to the axis of rotation. Using typical values ​​for conventional CT imaging scans, namely f = 2.5 Hz, equivalent to a rotation period of 400 milliseconds, and for a radius of r = 0.8 meters for the gantry of the CT imaging system, the calculated value for the centrifugal acceleration is a = 197 m / s 2 This is approximately twenty times the strength of the Earth's gravitational field. Under certain operating conditions, the centrifugal acceleration can be even higher. In other words, under typical operating conditions of a CT imaging system, the centrifugal force exerted on the bubbles in the reservoir is much greater than the force produced by gravity, and therefore provides a significant improvement in the separation of the bubbles compared to gravity alone.

[0035] Figure 3 An alternative example that can be used to remove particles rather than bubbles from a fluid in a reservoir is illustrated in FIG. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a component 120 including a reservoir 140 and a chamber 150 configured to receive particles 170 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated, Figure 3 Zhongyu Figure 2 Items with the same label in refer to the same item and provide corresponding functionality. Figure 3In the example shown, the chamber 150 is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 140 via an opening 190 in the reservoir. The opening 190 is disposed at a radially outermost position of the reservoir 140 for receiving particles 170 in the fluid, the density of the particles being greater than the density of the fluid and being forced radially outward relative to the rotational axis 130 of the frame 110 due to centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during rotation of the component 120 about the rotational axis. Thus, Figure 3 The example shown in the figure is similar to Figure 2 The example shown in FIG. 1 differs in that the opening 190 in the reservoir is disposed at the radially outermost position of the reservoir 140 for receiving the particles 170 in the fluid. By removing particles from the fluid in this manner, the effect of the particles on the performance of the X-ray tube can be reduced.

[0036] It is worth noting that Figure 2 and Figure 3 The example shown in can also be combined by providing a first opening at a radially innermost position in the reservoir 140 and providing a second opening at a radially outermost position in the reservoir 140. The first chamber coupled with the first opening can be used to receive bubbles from the fluid in the reservoir, and the second chamber coupled with the second opening can be used to receive particles from the fluid in the reservoir.

[0037] Expected Figure 2 and Figure 3 Various modifications of the reservoir shown in . These are described in the examples below. Generally speaking, these examples are described with reference to a reservoir 140 including a chamber 150 configured to receive particles 170, such as Figure 3 However, it should be noted that, unless explicitly stated, these examples may alternatively be used with a reservoir 140 including a chamber 150 configured to receive a bubble 160, such as Figure 2 An example is shown in the figure.

[0038] Generally speaking, the diameter of particles or bubbles received by the chamber 150 is expected to be less than about 1 mm. Thus, generally speaking, the opening 190 in the reservoir can have a pore size in the range of about 1 mm to 1 cm.

[0039] In general, it should be noted that the reservoir 140 and the chamber 150 can have a variety of shapes, and the shapes are not limited to the examples shown in the figures. For example, in the example shown in the figures, the inner surface of the reservoir 140 including the opening 190 is funnel-shaped for guiding the bubbles 160 or particles 170 into the chamber 150. This helps prevent the bubbles or particles from getting stuck on the inner surface of the reservoir before entering the opening. However, it should be understood that the surface of the reservoir 140 including the opening 190 can have a shape different from this example. In some examples, the inner surface of the reservoir 140 including the opening 190 includes one or more guide structures, such as ribs, and they extend along the inner surface toward the opening 190 to guide the bubbles or particles toward the opening.

[0040] It is also noted that in the example shown in the figures, the chamber 150 is directly coupled to the reservoir 140. However, it should be understood that the chamber 150 may alternatively be indirectly coupled to the reservoir 140. For example, the reservoir 140 and the chamber may form part of a fluid circuit, and the chamber may be indirectly coupled to the reservoir 140 via the fluid circuit. In one example, the reservoir 140 and the chamber 150 form part of a fluid circuit that includes a heat exchanger and a pump for pumping fluid around the fluid circuit.

[0041] In one example, the chamber 150 includes an elongated shape 200 that extends radially relative to the rotational axis 130 of the gantry. Figure 4 It is shown in Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a component 120 including a reservoir 140 and a chamber 150 having an elongated shape, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The example shown in the figure is similar to Figure 3 The example shown in the figure corresponds to the example shown in Figure 4 In the example illustrated in , the chamber 150 has an elongated shape. Figure 4 Zhongyu Figure 3 Items with the same label refer to the same item and provide corresponding functionality. Figure 4 In the example illustrated in , the elongated shape extends radially outward relative to the rotation axis 130. Using a chamber 150 having an elongated shape, i.e., an aspect ratio greater than 1, helps improve the retention of particles 170 in the chamber 150 because particles that reach the distal end of the chamber need to travel a greater distance to escape back into the reservoir 140 compared to a chamber that does not have an elongated shape. Figure 2 In the example illustrated in , a chamber having an elongated shape can similarly be used to improve the capture of bubbles. In this case, the elongated shape extends radially inwardly relative to the axis of rotation 130.

[0042] In another example, the chamber 150 includes an elongated shape 200, and the chamber extends along a curved path in a direction 210 opposite to a rotational direction 220 of the gantry, and the curved path forms at least half a circle.

[0043] This example is in Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing component 120 including reservoir 140 and chamber 150 having an elongated shape extending along a curved path in a direction 210 opposite to a rotational direction 220 of the gantry, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 5 The example shown in the figure is similar to Figure 4 corresponds to the example shown in , except that Figure 5 In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , the chamber 150 extends along a curved path. Figure 5 Zhongyu Figure 4 Items with the same label refer to the same item and provide corresponding functions. Using a chamber 150 having a curved path in a direction 210 opposite to the direction 220 of the frame rotation, and the curved path forming at least half a circle, further improves the retention of the particles 170 in the chamber 150, because due to the centrifugal force generated by the frame rotation, the particles are forced to a position in the chamber more than half a circle and cannot escape back into the reservoir 140. Figure 2 In the example illustrated in , a chamber with a similar shape can also be used to retain bubbles.

[0044] In a related example, the curved path includes a spiral or a helix. Figure 5 , the use of a chamber extending along a curved path in the form of a spiral or helix further improves the retention of particles in the chamber because as the particles are forced further along the spiral or helical path due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the gantry (similarly, for slow rotation, also due to gravity), the particles gradually move away from the opening 190, thereby reducing the possibility of the particles escaping back into the reservoir. The use of a curved path in the form of a spiral or helix also has the advantage of providing a long path in a compact form.

[0045] In another example, at least a portion of the chamber is removable to remove air bubbles or particles from the chamber. This facilitates maintenance of the fluid. The fluid in the reservoir 140 can be cleaned incrementally by repeatedly removing air bubbles or particles through the removable portion of the chamber and replacing it with a new removable portion that is completely filled with clean fluid.

[0046] In this example, the chamber can be disassembled by providing the chamber with various fittings, such as threaded fittings, snap fittings, and bayonet fittings. In one example, the removable portion of the reservoir and chamber is provided with a self-locking valve. This helps to retain the fluid in the reservoir during disassembly of the removable portion of the chamber.

[0047] In another example, the distal end of the chamber is provided with a valve for extracting bubbles or particles. For example, a pump can be used to extract bubbles or particles from the chamber via the valve.

[0048] In another example, the chamber includes a window for visually inspecting the contents of the chamber. For example, the window may be provided by glass or a polymer. The window facilitates a service engineer to determine if particles or bubbles are present in the chamber and, therefore, whether a maintenance operation should be performed on the fluid in the reservoir.

[0049] In another example, bubbles or particles are trapped or destroyed in the chamber. In this example, the chamber 150 includes at least one of the following for capturing bubbles or particles, or for destroying bubbles: a plurality of electrodes configured to provide an electric field in the chamber, a semi-permeable membrane, a magnet, a filter, a catalyst, and an ultrasonic transducer. By capturing or destroying bubbles, they can be prevented from returning to the reservoir.

[0050] Bubbles or particles are typically charged, and therefore they move under the influence of an electric field. In this example, an electric field can be provided within the chamber by applying a DC potential difference between a pair of electrodes. The electric field generated between the electrodes causes bubbles or particles in the fluid to be captured near the oppositely charged electrodes. The electrodes can be arranged at various locations within or around the chamber 150. In one example, the electrodes are separated across the aperture of the chamber (such as across opening 190), or alternatively extend radially into the chamber. When bubbles or particles are forced into the chamber under the action of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the frame, the electrodes capture them.

[0051] The semipermeable membrane allows certain molecules, gases or small particles to pass through via osmosis. In this example, the semipermeable membrane is used to capture small particles that have passed through the semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane can be arranged at various positions within the chamber 150. For example, the semipermeable membrane can be provided to span the aperture within the chamber, such as across the opening 190, or alternatively radially deeper into the chamber. Therefore, small particles that have passed through the semipermeable membrane are trapped in the chamber portion outside the semipermeable membrane.

[0052] Some particles present in the fluid may be formed of ferromagnetic materials such as iron and steel. For example, such particles may be generated by mechanical wear of a pump in an integrated circuit circuit. In this example, ferromagnetic particles are removed from the fluid by (electro)magnets. Magnets may be arranged in various positions in or around chamber 150 to provide a magnetic field in the chamber. In one example, magnets are arranged in the walls of the chamber to capture ferromagnetic particles as they are forced into the chamber by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the frame.

[0053] The filter can be used to capture particles, or to capture or destroy bubbles. In this example, the filter can be arranged at various locations within the chamber 150. For example, the filter can be arranged across the aperture of the chamber, such as across the opening 190, or alternatively radially deeper into the chamber to capture or destroy bubbles or particles as they are forced into the chamber under the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the gantry.

[0054] A catalyst may be used to capture particles, or to dissolve or destroy bubbles.The catalyst may be provided to the inner surface of chamber 150 in the form of a hydrophilic (lipophobic) coating, and it combines with hydrophilic particles in a fluid such as oil.

[0055] Ultrasonic transducers can be used to deliver energy to the bubbles, causing them to collapse. In this example, the ultrasonic transducers can be arranged at various locations within the chamber, such as on the walls of the chamber, so as to destroy the bubbles when they are forced into the chamber under the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the gantry.

[0056] The walls may also be provided with textured surfaces or other geometries that capture particles or bubbles via surface tension.

[0057] In another example, the chamber 150 includes at least one sensor 230 S , 230 D Used to detect the presence of bubbles 160 or particles 170 in the chamber.

[0058] refer to Figure 6 The example is described, Figure 6 is a diagram according to some aspects of the present disclosure including a reservoir 140 and a sensor 230 S , 230 D Schematic diagram of an example of a component 120 of a chamber 150. In this example, the sensor(s) may be provided by various types of sensors. For example, at least one sensor 230 S , 230 D It may include one or more of the following: an optical sensor, an impedance sensor, a chemical sensor, a thermal sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a mass sensor.

[0059] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, an optical sensor is shown, which includes a light source 230 S and an optical detector 230 D . Light source 230 S and an optical detector 230 D Arranged to measure the light transmission in the chamber 190. Light source 230 S and an optical detector 230 DCan be arranged at various locations in or around the chamber. For example, light source 230 S and an optical detector 230 D The optical transmission device may be disposed on an aperture of the chamber 150, such as on the opening 190, or may alternatively extend radially into the chamber to sense the process of particles entering the chamber via a change in optical transmission as they are forced into the chamber by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the gantry. Various types of light sources may be used as the light source 230 S , such as a light emitting diode "LED", a laser, an incandescent lamp, etc. Various types of optical detectors can be used as the optical detector 230 D , such as photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, etc.

[0060] Particles in the fluid have the effect of increasing the light scattering of the fluid. Scattering occurs due to the size of the particles relative to the wavelength of the light radiation emitted by the light source. The size of the particles is expected to be relatively small compared to the wavelength of the light emitted by the light source, and therefore the particles are expected to scatter the light radiation. Relatively large particles may have a negative effect on the light source 230. S With optical detector 230 D In either case, Figure 5 In the example shown, as particles accumulate in the fluid, the light source 230 S and optical detector 230 D The light transmittance of the measured fluid decreases. Figure 5 The optical sensor shown can be used to generate a signal in response to light from a light source 230. S The detected radiation is measured by an optical detector 230 D The electrical signal generated determines the total amount of particles accumulated in chamber 190 .

[0061] Figure 6 The optical sensor shown can be used with Figure 2 A similar approach is used to detect bubbles. It is expected that bubbles will block the light source 230. S With optical detector 230 D Because the bubble is expected to be relatively larger than the wavelength of the light emitted by the light source. In this case, when the bubble passes through the optical sensor, the bubble will block the light from the light source 230 detected by the optical detector 23047D. S This causes intermittent pulses in the electrical signal generated by the optical detector. Therefore, the optical sensor can be used to count or integrate the optical detector 230 D The electrical pulses generated determine the total amount of bubbles accumulated in chamber 190. This information can be used to predict future problems with the fluid. Bubbles that are relatively smaller than the wavelength of the light radiation emitted by the light source have the ability to scatter the light emitted by the light source 230.S The light radiation emitted by the light source 230 is thus generated when these bubbles accumulate in the fluid. S and optical detector 230 D The measured light transmittance of the fluid may also decrease. Therefore, an optical sensor can be used to determine the total amount of such bubbles accumulated in chamber 190 by measuring the transmission of the light path.

[0062] Other types of sensors may also be used to detect bubbles or particles in a chamber in a similar manner. For example, bubbles or particles in a fluid cause the electrical impedance of the fluid to change, so an impedance sensor may be used to detect the presence of bubbles or particles. A chemical sensor may be used to detect the presence of a specific chemical in a fluid, and thus further classify the bubbles or particles as containing a specific gas or molecule. A thermal sensor may be used to detect the presence of bubbles by measuring the thermal conductivity of the fluid, and the thermal conductivity is affected by the amount of bubbles in the fluid. When bubbles are forced to pass through an acoustic sensor into the chamber under the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rack, the acoustic sensor may detect bubbles by means of intermittent changes in the sound or acoustic impedance of the fluid. The presence of bubbles in chamber 190 may also result in a reduction in its total mass. Therefore, a mass sensor may be used to determine the mass of the chamber, thereby determining whether there are bubbles in the chamber via a reduction in its mass.

[0063] Thus, various types of sensors may be used to determine the total amount of bubbles or particles that have accumulated in chamber 190. This may help determine whether maintenance operations should be performed on the fluid in the chamber.

[0064] In another example, the CT imaging system includes one or more processors 240 configured to control the rotation of the gantry 110 . Figure 1 An example of a CT imaging system is shown having one or more processors 240. The one or more processors 240 may be used to provide various advantageous effects.

[0065] In some examples, the rotation of the gantry controlled by one or more processors 240 is used to remove bubbles or particles from the fluid, thereby cleaning the fluid. In one example, bubbles or particles are removed from the fluid in the reservoir during a conventional CT imaging scan. As described above, the centrifugal acceleration during a conventional CT imaging scan is approximately twenty times or more the strength of the earth's gravitational field, which is a significant improvement over bubble separation provided by gravity alone. Therefore, the fluid can be cleaned during routine use of the CT imaging system.

[0066] In another example, bubbles or particles are removed from the fluid in the reservoir during a dedicated fluid cleaning process. During the dedicated fluid cleaning process, the gantry is rotated at a higher rotation frequency than a conventional CT imaging scan, or for a longer duration than a conventional CT imaging scan, to remove bubbles or particles from the fluid in the reservoir. This enhances the ability to remove bubbles or particles from the fluid in the reservoir compared to conventional CT imaging scans.

[0067] In another example, the one or more processors 240 are configured to provide a stop position of the rack. In this example, the chamber 150 is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 140 via an opening 190 in the reservoir, and:

[0068] Opening 190 is disposed at the radially innermost position of reservoir 140 for receiving gas bubbles 160 in the fluid that are forced radially inward relative to rotational axis 130 of housing 110 due to centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during rotation of component 120 about the rotational axis.

[0069] The opening 190 is disposed at a radially outermost position of the reservoir 140 for receiving particles 170 in the fluid, wherein the density of the particles is greater than the density of the fluid and the particles 170 are forced radially outward relative to the rotation axis 130 of the frame 110 due to the centrifugal force acting on the fluid during the rotation of the component 120 about the rotation axis.

[0070] As the gantry decelerates and eventually stops at the stop position, gravity becomes dominant over the centrifugal force. Therefore, in this example, the stop position is defined by the gantry's rotation angle φ, where

[0071] The opening 190 located at the radially innermost position of the reservoir 140 is arranged uppermost relative to the reservoir; or

[0072] The opening 190 located at the radially outermost position of the reservoir 140 is arranged at the bottom relative to the reservoir. This ensures that any trapped particles or bubbles can still be trapped even without any frame rotation.

[0073] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 To describe this example. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a stop position of the rack 110 , wherein the opening 190 disposed at the radially innermost position of the reservoir 150 is arranged uppermost relative to the reservoir according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 7The stop position shown prevents bubbles from escaping from the fluid in the chamber 150 when the CT imaging system is not in use. The gantry can be arranged in the stop position by measuring the rotation angle φ of the gantry and stopping or rotating the gantry to the stop position via one or more motors or actuators that control the rotation of the gantry. The rotation angle φ of the gantry in the CT imaging system can usually be measured by a sensor. The rotation angle φ can be obtained from a rotation sensor or a position sensor. For example, a rotary encoder can be mechanically coupled to one or more motors or actuators that control the rotation of the gantry and used to measure the rotation angle φ.

[0074] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a stop position of the rack 110 , wherein the opening 190 disposed at the radially outermost position of the reservoir 150 is arranged most downwardly relative to the reservoir according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The stop position shown prevents particles from escaping from the fluid in chamber 150 when the CT imaging system is not in use. Figure 8 In the example shown, the rack can be Figure 7 Arrange in the stop position in a manner similar to that described in .

[0075] In another example, the one or more processors 240 are further configured to:

[0076] Received by at least one sensor 230 S , 230 D Generated sensor data;

[0077] determining a state of chamber 150 based on the sensor data; and

[0078] The indication of the chamber status is transmitted to the remote processing device 250 via the data communication network 260 to trigger a service work order request to verify the functionality of the component 120, or to perform a maintenance operation on the component.

[0079] This example refers to Fig. 9 Describe, Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a CT imaging system 100 including one or more processors 240 and a remote processing device 250 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0080] In this example, the state of the chamber represents the degree of filling of the chamber with bubbles or particles. The state of the chamber can be represented as an analog value or a digital value. For example, the state can be represented as "full" or "empty", or as a percentage of filling. By triggering a service work order request to verify the functionality of component 120, or performing maintenance operations on the component, it can be ensured that the performance of component 120 is not degraded by the presence of bubbles or particles in the fluid. Indications of chamber status can be transmitted via data communications network 260 using any form of data communications, including wired, optical, and wireless communications. For example, when wired or optical communications are used, communications can be carried out via signals transmitted on an electrical or optical cable, and when wireless communications are used, communications can be carried out, for example, via radio frequency or optical signals.

[0081] In another example, a component 120 for a CT imaging system 100 is provided. The component includes:

[0082] a mount for coupling the component to the rotatable frame 110; and

[0083] wherein the mounting is configured such that when the component is mechanically coupled to the frame 110, the frame rotates the component 120 about a rotation axis 130 of the frame;

[0084] The component 120 includes a reservoir 140 for containing a fluid, and a chamber 150;

[0085] wherein the chamber 150 is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 140, and wherein the chamber is configured to receive bubbles 160 or particles 170 in the fluid, the particles 170 being forced in a radial direction 180 relative to the rotational axis 130 of the frame 110 due to centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during rotation of the component about the rotational axis.

[0086] In this example, the component may be, for example, an X-ray tube, a generator, or an X-ray detector. The mounting member may be provided by various mechanical couplers suitable for coupling to a frame of a CT imaging system. The mounting member has a size and shape configured to couple with a corresponding coupling member of the frame. The mounting member may include positions for one or more fasteners that are configured to cooperate with corresponding positions on the frame. For example, in the example of an X-ray tube, the X-ray tube may include a bracket with holes for receiving bolts, wherein the positions of the holes correspond to the positions of the holes on the frame of the CT imaging system.

[0087] In another example, a computer-implemented method is provided for providing a reference Fig. 9 The component 120 of the described CT imaging system 100 generates a service work order request. The method includes:

[0088] receiving S110 an indication of a chamber status at the remote processing device 250; and

[0089] A service work order request is automatically generated S120 based on the received indication to verify the functionality of the component 120 or to perform a maintenance operation on the component.

[0090] refer to Fig.10 To describe this example, Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a computer-implemented method of generating a service ticket request according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0091] In this example, the chamber status represents the degree to which the chamber is filled with bubbles or particles, as described above. By automatically triggering a service ticket request, this example ensures that the performance of the part is maintained in an efficient manner.

[0092] The computer-implemented method may also be provided in the form of a computer program product. Fig. 9 The computer program product of the component 120 of the CT imaging system 100 described above is provided. The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations including:

[0093] receiving S110 an indication of a chamber status at the remote processing device 250; and

[0094] A service work order request is automatically generated S120 based on the received indication to verify the functionality of the component 120 or to perform a maintenance operation on the component.

[0095] The above examples should be understood as illustrative of the present disclosure, rather than limiting. Further examples are also contemplated. For example, the examples described with respect to the CT imaging system may also be provided by components of the CT imaging system in a corresponding manner. It should be understood that the features described with respect to any one example may be used alone or in combination with the other described features, and may be used in combination with one or more features of another example, or in combination with other examples. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be adopted without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or operations, and the word "one" or "an" does not exclude multiple. Although specific features are described in different dependent claims, this does not indicate that combinations of these features cannot be used to advantage. Any figure marks in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting their scope.

Claims

1. A computer tomography (CT) imaging system (100), comprising: A rotatable frame (110); as well as Component (120); wherein the component (120) is mechanically coupled to the frame (110), and the frame is configured to rotate the component about a rotation axis (130); Wherein, the component comprises a reservoir (140) and a chamber (150), wherein the reservoir is used to contain a fluid; wherein the chamber (150) is fluidically coupled to the reservoir (140), and wherein the chamber is configured to receive bubbles (160) or particles (170) in the fluid, the bubbles or particles being radially (180) forced relative to the rotational axis (130) due to centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during rotation of the component about the rotational axis of the frame (110).

2. The CT imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The chamber (150) is fluidly coupled to the reservoir (140) via an opening (190) in the reservoir, and wherein: The opening (190) is disposed at a radially innermost position of the reservoir (140) for receiving bubbles (160) in the fluid, the bubbles being forced radially inwardly relative to the rotational axis (130) of the frame (110) due to centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during rotation of the component (120) about the rotational axis; or The opening (190) is disposed at a radially outermost position of the reservoir (140) for receiving the particles (170) in the fluid, the density of the particles being greater than the density of the fluid, and the particles being forced radially outward relative to the rotational axis (130) of the frame (110) due to centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during rotation of the component (120) about the rotational axis.

3. The CT imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The chamber (150) comprises an elongated shape (200), and wherein the elongated shape extends radially relative to the rotational axis (130) of the gantry.

4. The CT imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The chamber (150) comprises an elongated shape (200), wherein the chamber extends along a curved path in a direction (210) opposite to a rotational direction (220) of the gantry, and wherein the curved path forms at least a half circle.

5. The CT imaging system according to claim 4, wherein: The curved path may comprise a spiral or a helix.

6. The CT imaging system according to any one of the preceding claims 1, wherein: At least a portion of the chamber is removable to facilitate removal of air bubbles or particles from the chamber.

7. A CT imaging system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The chamber (150) includes at least one of the following for capturing bubbles or particles or for destroying bubbles: a plurality of electrodes configured to provide an electric field within the chamber, a semi-permeable membrane, a magnet, a filter, a catalyst, and an ultrasonic transducer.

8. A CT imaging system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The chamber (150) includes at least one sensor (230 S , 230 D ), wherein the at least one sensor is used to detect the presence of bubbles (160) or particles (170) in the chamber.

9. The CT imaging system according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one sensor (230 S , 230 D ) includes one or more of the following: optical sensors, impedance sensors, chemical sensors, thermal sensors, acoustic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and mass sensors.

10. The CT imaging system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more processors (240); and in, The one or more processors are configured to control rotation of the gantry (110).

11. A CT imaging system according to claim 10, when dependent on claim 2, wherein: The one or more processors (240) are further configured to provide a stop position of the gantry, and wherein the stop position is defined by a rotation angle (φ) of the gantry, wherein: The opening (190) disposed at the radially innermost position of the liquid reservoir (140) is arranged uppermost relative to the liquid reservoir; or The opening (190) provided at the radially outermost position of the reservoir (140) is arranged at the lowest position relative to the reservoir.

12. A CT imaging system according to claim 10, when dependent on claim 8, wherein: The one or more processors (240) are further configured to: Receiving sensor data generated by the at least one sensor (230 S ,230 D ); determining a state of the chamber (150) based on the sensor data; and The indication of the chamber status is transmitted to a remote processing device (250) via a data communications network (260) to trigger a service work order request for verifying the functionality of the component (120) or performing a maintenance operation on the component.

13. The CT imaging system according to any one of the preceding claims 1, wherein: The component (120) comprises an X-ray tube, and wherein the fluid comprises a cooling fluid for the X-ray tube; or Therein, the component (120) comprises a voltage generator, and the fluid comprises an electrically isolating fluid and / or a cooling fluid of the generator.

14. A component (120) for a CT imaging system (100), the component comprising: a mounting for coupling the component to a rotatable frame (110); and wherein the mounting member is configured such that when the component is mechanically coupled to the frame (110), the frame rotates the component (120) about a rotation axis (130) of the frame; Wherein, the component (120) comprises a liquid reservoir (140) and a chamber (150), wherein the liquid reservoir is used to contain a fluid; wherein the chamber (150) is fluidically coupled to the reservoir (140), and wherein the chamber is configured to receive particles (170) in the fluid, the particles (170) being radially (180) forced relative to the rotational axis (130) of the frame (110) due to centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during rotation of the component about the rotational axis.

15. A computer-implemented method for generating a service ticket request for a component (120) for a CT imaging system (100) according to claim 12, the method comprising: receiving (S110) at the remote processing device (250) an indication of the chamber status; and Based on the received indication, a service work order request is automatically generated (S120) for verifying the functionality of the component (120) or performing a maintenance operation on the component.

Images