CT Detector Light-Sealed Enclosure Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computed tomography (CT) detector assemblies face issues with electromagnetic interference (EMI), light sensitivity, and fluid contamination, leading to performance degradation and frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A light-sealed and liquid-cooled detector assembly design featuring a modular structure with a light-sealed enclosure formed by rails and a back support, incorporating digital cables for signal transmission, and liquid-cooled modules to mitigate EMI, light interference, and fluid exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual seals are provided for detectors to reduce fluid contamination, then fluid resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated light seal structure that simultaneously provides light sealing and fluid sealing. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate individual seals for each detector element, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive fluid resistance across the entire detector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The light seal structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a light barrier for photodiode protection and a fluid barrier for contamination prevention. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed while achieving both light isolation and fluid resistance requirements.
2Reliability
If detectors are designed to deal with each issue individually (EMI, light, fluid), then protection against each specific factor is improved, but overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple protective functions into a unified enclosure structure that simultaneously provides EMI shielding, light sealing, and fluid sealing. This consolidation reduces the number of separate protective components while maintaining comprehensive protection against all three harmful factors through a single integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure structure is designed as a multi-functional protective barrier that performs EMI shielding, light isolation, and fluid sealing simultaneously. This universal protective structure eliminates the need for separate protective layers for each type of contamination, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining robust protection.
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 reduces electromagnetic interference, protects against light and fluid contamination, and simplifies field replacements by integrating EMI shielding, light sealing, and fluid protection within a single, easily replaceable unit, enhancing the reliability and maintenance efficiency of CT systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light-sealed enclosure formed by at least first and second rails, a back support, and a light seal structure
Implementation Method 2
a scintillator for converting x-rays to light energy adjacent the collimator
Implementation Method 3
photodiodes for receiving the light energy from the adjacent scintillator and producing electrical signals therefrom
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of liquid-cooled modules positioned in the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A CT system includes a gantry having an opening for receiving an object to be scanned, an x-ray tube attached to the gantry, and a detector assembly. The detector assembly is positioned to receive x-rays that pass through the object and includes a light-sealed enclosure formed by at least first and second rails, a back support, and a light seal structure, and a plurality of liquid-cooled modules positioned in the enclosure. Each module includes a digital cable that passes from inside the enclosure, and each module is configured to convert the x-rays to a digital signal and output the signal via a digital cable.