Positron emission tomography device

Abstract

The invention discloses a positron emission tomography device. The positron emission tomography apparatus includes: a gantry; the at least one detection module is connected to the rack; the sliding mechanism is connected with at least one of the detection modules, and the sliding mechanism is configured to controllably drive the detection modules to move according to a preset direction; and the anti-falling mechanism is connected with the sliding mechanism and the detection module, and the anti-falling mechanism is configured to limit the detection module by adopting a pneumatic principle when the detection module falls. According to the invention, the precise sliding mechanism, the detection module and the rack main body structure can be effectively protected, mechanical damage, precision loss or functional faults caused by impact are prevented, and the accuracy of scanning positioning and the stability of image acquisition are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging device. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial medical imaging device, positron emission tomography (PET) equipment requires optimized structural design to improve examination efficiency, adaptability, and patient safety. Traditional PET scanners typically employ a fixed-diameter gantry structure, whose mechanical dimensions cannot be flexibly adjusted. This significantly limits versatility and scanning efficiency when dealing with patients of different sizes (such as children and adults) or examination conditions requiring different positioning. To address this issue, variable-diameter PET systems have emerged. These systems typically consist of upper and lower structures, a sophisticated motion control system, and core safety features. They can adapt to diverse clinical needs by adjusting the aperture size, demonstrating significant advantages over traditional fixed PET scanners.

[0003] In variable-diameter PET systems, a highly efficient and reliable fall arrestor is essential to ensure the absolute safety of movable parts (such as C-rings) during vertical lifting and to prevent falls due to unexpected power failure. The performance of this device directly affects the overall safety level, operational stability, and service life of the equipment.

[0004] Existing fall protection solutions for mobile or liftable equipment mainly include the following typical solutions: 1. Mechanical hard limit devices, which limit the final position of moving parts by setting physical blocks. The disadvantage is that when a moving part accidentally falls, it will rigidly collide with the limit device, generating a huge instantaneous impact force. This impact can cause potential damage to the equipment's structure (such as precision guide rails and drive components), affecting long-term accuracy, and it cannot adapt to the buffering requirements under different working conditions (such as load changes). 2. Hydraulic buffer devices, which utilize the throttling and damping effect of liquids to smoothly absorb energy, offering better buffering than purely mechanical methods. However, its implementation relies on a complete hydraulic circuit system, including cylinders, pipelines, control valves, and possibly oil storage devices. This system is usually large and complex, requiring significant installation and maintenance space. For PET equipment, especially the core moving parts of variable-diameter PET devices, the internal space is extremely compact and has extremely high cleanliness requirements, making the integration of a large hydraulic system very difficult, or even infeasible, greatly limiting its application in high-end medical equipment.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a new anti-fall mechanism to meet the requirements of variable diameter PET equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging device to address at least one technical problem existing in traditional solutions.

[0007] This application provides a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging device, comprising: a frame; at least one detection module connected to the frame; a sliding mechanism connected to at least one of the detection modules, the sliding mechanism being configured to controllably drive the detection module to move in a predetermined direction; and a fall protection mechanism connected to both the sliding mechanism and the detection module, the fall protection mechanism being configured to use aerodynamic principles to limit the detection module when it falls.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, the sliding mechanism includes: a slide rail and a slider, the slide rail being connected to the frame, and the slider being connected to at least one of the detection modules; the fall protection mechanism includes: a switch, a cylinder, and an air brake guide block, the switch being disposed at the opening of the cylinder, the switch being connected to both the sliding mechanism and the detection module, and the air brake guide block being connected between the slide rail and the detection module; when the detection module falls, it pulls the switch to open the cylinder, thereby activating the air brake guide block to fix the detection module.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the switch includes a photoelectric interface and a light-shielding plate. The photoelectric interface is connected to both the cylinder and the slide rail, and the light-shielding plate is connected to the detection module. When the detection module falls, the photoelectric interface disconnects from the light-shielding plate, and the cylinder opens.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the slide rail is arranged in a vertical direction.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the number of detection modules is two, which are respectively arranged on opposite ends of the slide rail.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the cylinder includes an upper buffer cylinder and a lower buffer cylinder, and each of the upper buffer cylinder and the lower buffer cylinder is provided with a switch. The switch of the upper buffer cylinder is connected to the detection module located at the upper end of the slide rail, and the switch of the lower buffer cylinder is connected to the detection module located at the lower end of the slide rail.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the fall arrest mechanism further includes a gas cylinder connected to the cylinder and mounted on the frame.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the fall protection mechanism further includes a one-way valve disposed on the pipeline between the gas cylinder and the gas cylinder.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, the upper buffer cylinder and the lower buffer cylinder share the same gas cylinder.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the upper buffer cylinder and the lower buffer cylinder are connected by a pipeline.

[0017] The positron emission tomography (PET) device provided in this application uses pneumatic principles to fix the detection module. The instantaneous force is quiet and stable, avoiding the instantaneous rigid impact of mechanical hard-stopping and the generation of violent rebound, thus preventing secondary impacts. This ensures high operational stability and effectively protects the precision sliding mechanism, detection module, and main frame structure from mechanical damage, loss of accuracy, or functional failure caused by impacts, ensuring the accuracy of scanning positioning and the stability of image acquisition. This is crucial for diagnostics requiring high-precision image fusion. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a PET device in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the PET device in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the PET unit from another angle; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the left side of the PET unit; Figure 6 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the rear side of a PET unit. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more readily understood, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0021] It should be noted that when an element is said to be "fixed to" another element, it can be directly fixed to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is said to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "substantially equal" or "substantially equal to" as used herein mean that the difference between the two lies within a range of errors considered equivalent in the art. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The terms “and / or” or “and / or” as used herein include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] The following is a reference appendix Figures 1-6 Some preferred embodiments of this application will be described. It should be noted that the following description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] In one embodiment, the PET device 1000 may include a frame 100, at least one detection module 200, a sliding mechanism 300, and a fall arrestor 400. At least one detection module 200 is connected to the frame 100. In some common examples, there are two detection modules 200, each with a plate-shaped or C-shaped cross-section. At least one of the two detection modules 200 is movable to facilitate use in bedside or proton beam applications and to accommodate different sizes of test subjects. The sliding mechanism 300 is connected to at least one of the detection modules 200 and is configured to controllably drive the detection module 200 to move in a predetermined direction. Taking two detection modules 200 as an example, the predetermined direction is vertical. In other examples, the predetermined direction may be at an angle to the vertical or horizontal direction, such as diagonally upward or downward. The fall protection mechanism 400 is connected to both the sliding mechanism 300 and the detection module 200. The fall protection mechanism 400 is configured to use a pneumatic principle to limit the detection module 200 when it falls.

[0025] Specifically, in one example of this application, the sliding mechanism 300 includes: a slide rail 310 and a slider 320 (see...). Figure 5The slide rail 310 is connected to the frame 100, and the slider 320 is connected to at least one of the detection modules 200. It is understood that the slider 320 is connected to the movable detection module 200. The slide rail 310 and the slider 320 cooperate to move relative to each other, thereby realizing the movement of the detection module 200. The slider 320 is usually moved by external force, such as by sliding along the slide rail 310 via a mechanism connected to a motor 500. The fall protection mechanism 400 includes: switches (421, 422), a cylinder, and a pneumatic brake guide block. The switches (421, 422) are located at the opening of the cylinder. The switches (421, 422) are connected to both the sliding mechanism 300 and the detection module 200. The pneumatic brake guide block is connected between the slide rail 310 and the detection module 200. When the detection module 200 falls, it pulls the switches (421, 422), causing the cylinder to open and activating the air brake guide block to restrain the detection module 200. The air brake guide block moves with the detection module 200. When the detection module 200 malfunctions, the cylinder is activated, and the air brake guide block instantly clamps the slide rail 310, thereby restraining the detection module 200.

[0026] Optionally, in some examples, the slider 320 and the air brake guide block can be combined into one. The slider 320 is connected between the slide rail 310 and the detection module 200, and is also connected to the cylinder. When the detection module 200 malfunctions, the cylinder is activated, and the slider 320 instantly clamps the slide rail 310, thereby fixing the detection module 200.

[0027] Preferably, the air brake guide block incorporates a pressure-sensitive material, such as a silicone pad, which generates dynamic friction through the expansion of high-pressure gas upon triggering, achieving instantaneous braking. Compared to traditional mechanical locking buffer devices, the response time is reduced to less than 50ms, and the braking distance is reduced by 60%.

[0028] Specifically, in one example of this application, the switches (421, 422) include a photoelectric interface 4211 and a light-shielding plate 4212. The photoelectric interface 4211 is connected to both the cylinder and the slide rail 310, and the light-shielding plate 4212 is connected to the detection module 200. When the detection module 200 falls, the photoelectric interface 4211 is disconnected from the light-shielding plate 4212, and the cylinder is activated. It should be noted that when the detection module 200 is functioning normally, the light-shielding plate 4212 is located within the photoelectric interface 4211. When the detection module 200 moves, the photoelectric interface 4211 moves synchronously with the detection module 200 along the slide rail 310, and the light-shielding plate 4212 is moved by the detection module 200. When the detection module 200 malfunctions, the photoelectric interface 4211 stops, and the light-shielding plate 4212 is pulled by the detection module 200 and separated from the photoelectric interface 4211, thereby opening the cylinder and activating the air brake guide block to fix the detection module 200.

[0029] In a common application example, there are two detection modules 200. The slide rail 310 is arranged vertically, and the two detection modules 200 are respectively arranged at opposite ends of the slide rail 310. The cross-section of each detection module 200 is C-shaped, and the cross-section of the combined module is roughly annular. The cylinder includes an upper buffer cylinder 411 and a lower buffer cylinder 412. Each of the upper buffer cylinder 411 and the lower buffer cylinder 412 is equipped with a corresponding switch (421, 422). The switch 421 of the upper buffer cylinder 411 is connected to the detection module 200 located at the upper end of the slide rail 310, and the switch 422 of the lower buffer cylinder 412 is connected to the detection module 200 located at the lower end of the slide rail 310, thereby preventing both detection modules 200 from falling.

[0030] Furthermore, in the above example, the fall protection mechanism 400 also includes a gas cylinder 430, which is connected to the cylinder and mounted on the frame 100, thus achieving device integration.

[0031] Furthermore, in the above example, the fall protection mechanism 400 also includes a one-way valve 450, which is disposed on the pipeline 470 between the gas cylinder 430 and the cylinder.

[0032] Furthermore, in the above example, the upper buffer cylinder 411 and the lower buffer cylinder 412 share the gas cylinder 430. The upper buffer cylinder 411 and the lower buffer cylinder 412 are connected in series and can form a circuit with the gas cylinder 430 through a two-position three-way valve 460, a pipeline 470, and a one-way valve 450. When the detection module 200 falls, the switches (421 / 422) are opened. For example, when the upper detection module 200 falls, switch 421 is opened, and when the lower detection module 200 falls, switch 422 is opened. Simultaneously, the one-way valve 450 opens, and the high-pressure gas (e.g., 0.6-1.2 MPa) in the gas cylinder 430 flows through the pipeline 470 to the corresponding air brake guide block, synchronously driving the cylinder piston to move in the opposite direction. The air brake guide block is pressed and generates friction with the slide rail 310, thereby clamping the slide rail 310 to fix the corresponding detection module 200. Because the upper buffer cylinder 411 and the lower buffer cylinder 412 are connected in series, the gravity of the two detection modules 200 can cancel each other out, balancing their weight.

[0033] Furthermore, in the above example, the detection module 200 includes a mounting panel 230 and a plurality of detectors (210, 220), with the plurality of detectors (210, 220) integrated on a mounting panel 230.

[0034] The positron emission tomography (PET) device provided in this application uses pneumatic principles to fix the detection module. The instantaneous force is quiet and stable, avoiding the instantaneous rigid impact of mechanical hard-stopping and the generation of violent rebound, thus preventing secondary impacts. The device boasts high operational stability and effectively protects the precision sliding mechanism, detection module, and main frame structure, preventing mechanical damage, loss of accuracy, or functional failure caused by impacts. This ensures the accuracy of scanning positioning and the stability of image acquisition. This is crucial for diagnostics requiring high-precision image fusion.

[0035] Furthermore, compared to traditional hydraulic buffer systems that require complex oil circuits and are bulky, the gas-based pneumatic mechanism eliminates the need for oil tanks and dense piping. This perfectly meets the stringent requirements of the extremely compact internal space of PET equipment racks, facilitating direct integration near the sliding mechanism and detection module without sacrificing valuable scanning aperture or structural space for safety devices. Moreover, the gas medium only requires air, eliminating the risk of leakage and contamination, unlike hydraulic oil which poses the risk of leakage contaminating the detection crystal or precision guide rails, thus meeting the cleanliness standards of medical equipment. The system has a simple structure, and key components (such as cylinders and one-way valves) have a long lifespan, significantly reducing daily maintenance costs and downtime risks.

[0036] In the description of this specification, the references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and / or "some embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," "ideal embodiments," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example, and certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this specification may be appropriately combined.

[0037] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0038] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

[0039] The basic concepts have been described herein. It is obvious that the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this specification. Although not explicitly stated herein, various modifications, improvements, and corrections may be made to this specification by those skilled in the art. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this specification and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0040] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various aspects of this specification can be described and illustrated in several patentable ways, including any new and useful combinations of processes, machines, products, or substances, or any new and useful improvements thereof. Accordingly, various aspects of this specification can be implemented entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or by a combination of hardware and software. All of the above hardware or software may be referred to as a “data block,” “module,” “engine,” “module,” “component,” or “system.”

[0041] Furthermore, unless expressly stated in the claims, the order of processing elements and sequences, the use of numbers and letters, or other names described in this specification are not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods described herein. Although various examples have been discussed in the foregoing disclosure of some embodiments of the invention that are currently considered useful, it should be understood that such details are for illustrative purposes only, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments; rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that conform to the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein. For example, while the system components described above can be implemented using hardware devices, they can also be implemented solely using software solutions, such as installing the described system on existing servers or mobile devices.

[0042] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description disclosed herein and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing description of embodiments in this specification may sometimes combine multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this method of disclosure does not imply that the subject matter of this specification requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of a single embodiment disclosed above.

[0043] In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified in some examples with the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "generally." Unless otherwise stated, "approximately," "approximately," or "generally" indicates that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may be changed depending on the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account specified significant digits and employ a general method of digit reservation. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm their breadth of range in some embodiments of this specification are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such values ​​are set as precisely as feasible.

[0044] For each patent, patent application, patent application publication, and other material such as articles, books, specifications, publications, and documents referenced in this specification, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This excludes historical application documents that are inconsistent with or conflict with the content of this specification, as well as documents that limit the broadest scope of the claims in this specification (currently or subsequently appended to this specification). It should be noted that in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in the supplementary materials to this specification and the content of this specification, the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in this specification shall prevail.

[0045] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the embodiments described herein. Other variations may also fall within the scope of this specification. Therefore, alternative configurations of the embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and should be considered consistent with the teachings of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are not limited to those explicitly introduced and described herein.

Claims

1. A positron emission tomography device, characterized by, The utility model relates to a detection device, which comprises: a rack; at least one detection module connected to the rack; a sliding mechanism connected to at least one of the detection modules, configured to drive the detection modules to move in a predetermined direction under control; a fall-prevention mechanism connected to the sliding mechanism and the detection modules, configured to limit the fall of the detection modules by using a pneumatic principle.

2. The positron emission tomography device of claim 1, wherein, The sliding mechanism comprises a sliding rail connected to the rack and a sliding block connected to at least one of the detection modules. The fall-prevention mechanism comprises a switch, a pneumatic cylinder, and a pneumatic brake guide block. The switch is arranged at the opening of the pneumatic cylinder and is connected to the sliding mechanism and the detection modules. The pneumatic brake guide block is connected between the sliding rail and the detection modules. When the detection modules fall, the switch is pulled to open the pneumatic cylinder, which activates the pneumatic brake guide block to fix the detection modules.

3. The positron emission tomography device of claim 2, wherein, The switch comprises a photoelectric interface and a light shield. The photoelectric interface is connected to the pneumatic cylinder and the sliding rail. The light shield is connected to the detection modules. When the detection modules fall, the photoelectric interface is disconnected from the light shield, and the pneumatic cylinder is opened.

4. The positron emission tomography device of claim 2, wherein, The sliding rail is arranged in a vertical direction.

5. The positron emission tomography device of claim 4, wherein, The number of detection modules is two, which are arranged on opposite ends of the sliding rail.

6. The positron emission tomography device of claim 5, wherein, The pneumatic cylinder comprises an upper buffer pneumatic cylinder and a lower buffer pneumatic cylinder. Each of the upper buffer pneumatic cylinder and the lower buffer pneumatic cylinder is provided with a switch. The switch of the upper buffer pneumatic cylinder is connected to the detection module at the upper end of the sliding rail, and the switch of the lower buffer pneumatic cylinder is connected to the detection module at the lower end of the sliding rail.

7. The positron emission tomography device of claim 6, wherein, The fall-prevention mechanism further comprises a gas cylinder connected to the pneumatic cylinder and arranged on the rack.

8. The positron emission tomography device of claim 7, wherein, The fall-prevention mechanism further comprises a one-way valve arranged on the pipeline between the gas cylinder and the pneumatic cylinder.

9. The positron emission tomography device of claim 7, wherein, The upper buffer pneumatic cylinder and the lower buffer pneumatic cylinder share the gas cylinder.

10. The positron emission tomography device of claim 7, wherein, The upper buffer pneumatic cylinder and the lower buffer pneumatic cylinder are connected by a pipeline.

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