CT Collimator Single-Motor Drive with Electromagnetic Gate Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiograph CT systems require multiple motor drive systems for collimator aperture width adjustment and Z tracking, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A CT collimator with a single-motor drive system utilizing an electromagnet system and a metal plate to engage and disengage gates, allowing for continuous aperture width adjustment and radiation beam tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-motor drive system is used for collimator aperture adjustment and Z tracking, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to maintain consistent amplitude coefficient during rotation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cam-based Z-tracking mechanism with an electromagnet system that uses magnetic force to engage and disengage the star-shaped rotor with the drive shaft, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages while maintaining precise rotational control and consistent amplitude coefficients
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor drive system is designed to perform multiple functions: aperture width adjustment through gate movement and Z-tracking through star-shaped rotor engagement with the drive shaft, controlled by the electromagnet system that engages/disengages these components as needed
2Device complexity
If a single-motor drive system with star-shaped rotor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but aperture width adjustment becomes limited to fixed values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable gates that can dynamically adjust their positions along the X-ray beam path, allowing continuous variation of aperture width rather than fixed positions. The gates are driven by the single motor through a transmission mechanism that enables smooth, continuous adjustment while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator aperture is divided into multiple adjustable gate segments that can move independently to create variable aperture widths. This segmentation allows flexible aperture configuration while using a single drive system, as each gate segment can be positioned to achieve the desired aperture size
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the mechanical structure, reduces costs, and enables continuous variable aperture width adjustment and radiation beam tracking using a single motor drive system.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet system arranged on one of the first gate and the second gate; and a metal plate arranged on the other side of the one of the first gate and the second gate relative to the electromagnet system
Data Source
AI summary
A CT collimator comprising: a first gate and a second gate arranged in parallel on a slide rail, the first gate being fixed to a support rack of the CT collimator via elastic members; an electromagnet system arranged on one of the first gate and the second gate; and a metal plate arranged on the other side of the one of the first gate and the second gate relative to the electromagnet system, one end of the metal plate being fixed on the other of the first gate and the second gate and the other end of the metal plate extending to below the electromagnet system, wherein the electromagnet system is configured to engage the first gate and the second gate via the metal plate when the electromagnet system is triggered.