CT Gantry Fluid Reservoir Chamber for Bubble and Particle Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bubbles and particles in the fluid reservoirs of CT imaging system components degrade the performance of cooling and electrical isolation due to reduced thermal conductivity and electrical breakdown voltage, necessitating frequent fluid replacement.
Innovation Solution
A chamber is fluidically coupled to the reservoir to receive bubbles and particles forced radially by centrifugal forces during gantry rotation, effectively separating and removing them from the fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reservoir is sealed to prevent fluid escape, then fluid containment is improved, but bubbles and particles accumulate in the fluid over time
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into two functional zones: a main fluid storage area and a separate bubble/particle collection chamber. This segmentation allows the fluid to remain sealed and contained while providing a dedicated space for harmful bubbles and particles to accumulate without degrading the overall fluid performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes bubbles and particles from the fluid by providing a collection chamber where these harmful elements can be separated and accumulated. This extraction process prevents bubbles and particles from remaining in the circulating fluid, thereby maintaining fluid effectiveness without requiring frequent replacement.
2Productivity
If the gantry rotates at high speed for imaging, then imaging productivity is improved, but centrifugal forces generate more bubbles and particles in the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of centrifugal force, which generates bubbles and particles during high-speed rotation, into a beneficial separation mechanism. The same centrifugal force that creates the problem also drives bubbles and particles toward the collection chamber, enabling automatic purification without additional energy input or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble collection chamber is designed to be dynamically responsive to centrifugal forces during gantry rotation. The chamber allows bubbles and particles to be forced outward by rotation and then trapped when the gantry decelerates or stops, providing a dynamic purification system that adapts to the operating conditions.
3Temperature
If fluid is circulated continuously for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but fluid degradation from heating and circulation accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a discarding mechanism for degraded fluid elements by collecting bubbles and particles in a separate chamber. This allows the bulk fluid to continue circulating and providing cooling while the harmful contaminants are discarded in the collection chamber, extending the service life of the cooling fluid without compromising cooling effectiveness.
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
Reduces the impact of bubbles and particles on component performance by utilizing centrifugal forces to segregate and remove them, enhancing the efficiency and longevity of the fluid in the reservoir.
Implementation Method 1
bubbles or particles in the fluid which are forced radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the gantry as a result of centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during the rotation of the component around the axis of rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
A computed tomography, CT, imaging system (100) includes a rotatable gantry (110), and a component (120). The component (120) is mechanically coupled to the gantry (110), and the gantry is configured to rotate the component around an axis of rotation (130). The component includes a reservoir (140) for containing a fluid, and a chamber (150). The chamber (150) is fluidically coupled to the reservoir (140), and the chamber is configured to receive bubbles (160) or particles (170) in the fluid which are forced radially (180) with respect to the axis of rotation (130) of the gantry (110) as a result of centrifugal forces acting on the fluid during the rotation of the component around the axis of rotation.