CT Detector Heat Control via Passive Thermal Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat controlling apparatuses for CT machine detectors are complex, costly, and require multiple modules and a fan for temperature regulation, leading to inefficiencies and artifacts in CT images due to temperature fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

A simplified heat controlling apparatus using a heat conducting frame, a heater, a heat dissipating member, and a heat isolating member, which eliminates the need for a fan by maintaining stable temperature through thermal contact and controlled heat dissipation, reducing complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a fan and control module are used for temperature regulation, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the fan and control module from the temperature regulation system. Instead of using active cooling components, the invention relies on passive heat dissipation through the heat conducting frame that conducts heat away from the detector to the housing, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat conducting frame performs dual functions: it provides structural support for the detector and simultaneously serves as a heat dissipation pathway. The housing structure itself becomes part of the thermal management system, eliminating the need for separate active cooling components and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Temperature

If a fan and control module are used for temperature regulation, then temperature control capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the fan and control module components, directly reducing material costs and assembly complexity. The temperature regulation is achieved through the existing heat conducting frame and housing structure, eliminating the need for expensive active cooling subsystems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat conducting frame serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the detector array and simultaneously acts as a heat dissipation structure. The housing serves both as structural enclosure and as part of the thermal management system, reducing the need for additional specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If temperature fluctuates, then temperature control capability is reduced, but artifacts appear in CT images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidartifacts in CT images

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heat conducting frame is designed to proactively conduct heat away from the detector before temperature fluctuations can occur. By establishing a continuous thermal conduction pathway to the housing, the system prevents temperature drift that would otherwise cause detector performance degradation and CT image artifacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 effectively stabilizes the temperature of CT machine detectors, reducing artifacts in CT images and lowering operational costs by eliminating the need for a fan and simplifying the control loop, while maintaining temperatures within safe limits.

Implementation Method 1

a heat conducting frame, which is disposed at a side where a chip on a circuit board in the detector is located

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a heater, which thermally contacts with the heat conducting frame and is used for heating the heat conducting frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a heat dissipating member, which is connected with the heat conducting frame and used for dissipating heat produced by the detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

a heat isolating member, which is wrapped at a periphery of a collimator of the detector, the heat conducting frame and the heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS9817133B2Heat controlling apparatus for a detector of a CT machine and a detector

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A heat controlling apparatus for a detector of a CT machine and a detector. The heat controlling apparatus comprises: a heat conducting frame, which is disposed at a side where a chip on a circuit board in the detector is located; a heater, which thermally contacts with the heat conducting frame and is used for heating the heat conducting frame; a heat dissipating member, which is connected with the heat conducting frame and used for dissipating heat produced by the detector; and a heat isolating member, which is wrapped at a periphery of a collimator of the detector, the heat conducting frame and the heater.