Adjustable Detector Ring for Emission Tomography Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emission tomography devices have a narrow application scope due to fixed detector module sizes, which limits detection sensitivity, especially when used for subjects like children or small animals.
Innovation Solution
A support unit for emission tomography devices with movable fastening means that adjust the detector ring diameter, allowing for a larger or smaller bore diameter, thereby optimizing the detection sensitivity by altering the space angle around the detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detector modules are permanently fixed with the same size, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the detection sensitivity decreases when applied to children or small animals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the detector module configuration changeable rather than fixed. The support device includes multiple support units with adjustable fastening means that can move between contraction and extension positions, allowing the detector ring diameter to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the same device to adapt to different subject sizes (adults, children, small animals) while maintaining reliable structural connections through the fastening mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If the detector ring diameter is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection sensitivity is limited for varying subject sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detector support structure into multiple independent support units, each capable of being adjusted individually. The detector ring is segmented into multiple detector modules that can be repositioned along the support units. This segmentation allows flexible adjustment of the detector ring diameter to optimize detection sensitivity for different subject sizes while keeping each individual support unit relatively simple in structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fastening means are movable between contraction and extension positions, then the detector ring diameter becomes adjustable for different subjects, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the flexible shells principle through the use of movable fastening means that can slide or adjust along the support units. The fastening means act as flexible connection elements that allow the detector modules to be repositioned radially. This provides the necessary flexibility for adjusting the detector ring diameter while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable support device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A support unit (200), a support device (100) and an emission tomography device using the support device (100) are provided. The support unit (200) comprises: a support body (210), in which an accommodation space (220) that penetrates through the support body is provided, comprising multiple support positions (230A, 230B) that are distributed along a circumferential direction of the accommodation space (220); and multiple fastening means (240A, 240B), connected to at least some of the multiple support positions. At least some of the multiple fastening means (240A, 240B) can move between a contraction position and an extension position along a radial direction of the accommodation space (220). The fastening means (240A, 240B) are used to fasten detectors of the emission tomography device. When the fastening means (240A, 240B) are located at the contraction position, a first detector fastening ring of a first diameter is formed, and when the fastening means (240A, 240B) are located at the extension position, a second detector fastening ring of a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter is formed. The emission tomography device using the support unit (200) can adjust at least a radial length of a detection chamber, so that a relatively large three-dimensional space angle can be obtained, thereby improving detection sensitivity.