CT Detector Mini-Module Assembly Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of mini-modules in CT detectors is challenging due to tight mechanical fitting requirements and optical assembly processes, which can lead to placement inaccuracies and errors, especially in the Y-axis, affecting the overall performance and reliability of CT systems.
Innovation Solution
A fixture and method for assembling detector mini-modules that utilize a lower block with orthogonal surfaces for precise positioning in 3-space coordinates (X, Y, Z) using a mount block, intermediate block, and biasing devices to ensure accurate alignment and assembly of components, preventing incorrect orientations and tolerance stack-ups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical assembly processes are used for mini-module assembly, then assembly flexibility is improved, but placement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fixture as an intermediary device between the optical assembly process and the mini-modules. The fixture includes reference surfaces and positioning features that physically constrain the mini-modules during assembly, ensuring accurate placement in the Y-axis while maintaining the benefits of optical assembly flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely optical positioning with a hybrid system that incorporates mechanical constraints through the fixture. The fixture's physical structure provides deterministic positioning in critical dimensions (especially Y-axis) while allowing optical methods to handle less critical alignment tasks.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight mechanical fitting requirements are imposed, then assembly precision is improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing the fixture with accurately machined reference surfaces and positioning features before the assembly process begins. This pre-prepared fixture eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during assembly, reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture is designed to self-align and self-position the mini-modules through its reference surfaces and mechanical constraints. This self-service mechanism reduces the skill level and complexity required for assembly operators, as the fixture automatically ensures proper positioning without requiring complex manual adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture for fabricating a detector mini-module includes a lower block having a Y-datum lower block upper surface, an X-datum lower block surface, and a Z-datum lower block surface orthogonal to both the Y-datum lower and X-datum block surface surfaces. A mount block for a detector is positionable and in contact with the X-datum lower block surface, the Y-datum lower block upper surface, and the Z-datum lower block surface. An intermediate block is positionable on the lower block having an aperture passing through an upper surface and having an X-datum intermediate block surface and a Z-datum intermediate block surface. When a mount block for the detector mini-module is positioned on the lower block, the mount block is biased having an X-axis mount block planar surface aligned with the X-datum lower block surface, and biased having a Z-axis mount block planar surface aligned with the Z-datum lower block surface.