CT Detector Temperature Regulation via Segmented Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for CT detector arrays are costly, complex, and provide slower thermal response, as they cool the entire detector array rather than individual elements, affecting the integrity and speed of image acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulation system with individual temperature regulation devices associated with each detector element, including thermal isolation and self-regulating heating elements integrated within a flex circuit, allowing for localized temperature control and feedback to maintain consistent temperatures across photodiode arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used to cool the entire detector array, then the detector array can be cooled, but the thermal response is slow and the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detector array into individual detector elements, each equipped with its own temperature regulation device. This segmentation allows independent temperature control of each element, eliminating the need for a complex system-wide cooling infrastructure while achieving faster thermal response through localized regulation.
2Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used to cool the entire detector array, then the detector array can be cooled, but the thermal response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the temperature control into individual detector elements with dedicated temperature regulation devices, the patent enables parallel thermal regulation across multiple elements. This eliminates the sequential cooling bottleneck of conventional systems and achieves simultaneous temperature control, significantly reducing thermal response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local temperature regulation at each detector element level, allowing each element to be cooled independently according to its specific thermal conditions. This localized approach enables faster thermal response compared to uniform system-wide cooling, as each element can rapidly adjust to operational temperature requirements.
3Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used, then the detector array can be cooled, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature regulation function into simple, standardized devices that can be independently manufactured and assembled at each detector element. This modular approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to conventional monolithic cooling systems, while enabling flexible configuration based on actual detector requirements.
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
This approach enables faster thermal response and reduces costs compared to traditional cooling systems, allowing the CT system to be ready for acquisition more quickly while maintaining precise temperature regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal shunt coupled to the electronics and configured to receive heat generated by the electronics
Implementation Method 2
a thermal isolation layer disposed between the photodiode array and the thermal shunt and configured to thermally isolate the electronics and the thermal shunt from the photodiode array
Implementation Method 3
a temperature regulation device coupled to the detector element and configured to maintain a consistent temperature across the photodiode array
Data Source
AI summary
A detector assembly positionable to receive X-rays from an X-ray source within an imaging system is provided. The detector assembly includes multiple detector elements. The detector assembly also includes a temperature regulation system including multiple temperature regulation devices, wherein each temperature regulation device of the multiple temperature regulation devices is associated with a respective detector element of the multiple detector elements, and each temperature regulation device is configured to independently maintain a consistent temperature across a portion of a respective detector element.