CT Gantry Balance Measurement Using Scan-Based Vibration Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT systems require significant human intervention for measuring and adjusting dynamic balance, which is inconvenient and inaccurate, and the optical components' examination is labor-intensive and requires accessory equipment.
Innovation Solution
A CT system with a gantry, ray source, detector, controller, and processor that performs test scans to automatically determine the status of the optical path and dynamic balance, analyzing data to identify abnormalities and adjust the gantry's balance using a counterweight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual examination of optical components is performed, then detection of faults and foreign objects is possible, but the process requires significant operator attention and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically examining optical components using the existing X-ray beam and detector. The processor analyzes transmission data to detect faults and foreign objects without requiring operator intervention, making the system examine itself rather than relying on manual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with automated electronic detection. The processor electronically analyzes X-ray transmission data to identify optical component defects, substituting the mechanical/visual examination process with computational analysis that occurs during normal scanning operations.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement and adjustment of dynamic balance is performed, then the gantry's dynamic balance can be adjusted, but the process is inconvenient and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically measures and adjusts its own dynamic balance without requiring external operators or equipment. The processor analyzes scanning data to detect vibration patterns and imbalance conditions, then controls the counterweight mechanism to correct the imbalance, enabling the gantry to self-diagnose and self-correct.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where scanning data is continuously analyzed to detect dynamic balance conditions. The processor uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the counterweight position, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal balance without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If accessory equipment is used for examining optical components, then detection capability is enhanced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing X-ray scanning system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary imaging function and optical component examination simultaneously. The same X-ray beam, detector, and processor used for medical imaging are also used to detect optical component faults, eliminating the need for separate examination equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical component examination function with the normal scanning operation. By combining these functions into a single integrated process, the system eliminates the need for separate accessory equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If high rotational speed is used to reduce motion artifact, then image quality improves, but vibration increases due to dynamic imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vibration through scanning data analysis and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the counterweight. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high rotational speeds for image quality while dynamically compensating for vibration caused by dynamic imbalance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a counterweight mechanism that is automatically positioned based on detected imbalance conditions. The counterweight generates an opposing force to balance the dynamic imbalance in the rotor, reducing vibration while allowing the gantry to operate at high rotational speeds necessary for producing high-quality images with minimal motion artifact.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a method for detecting an abnormity in a ray source in a CT system, comprising obtaining scanning data obtained from at least two scans that are performed by a medical device, the medical device including a ray source configured to generate a plurality of rays and a detector configured to detect the plurality of rays; determining, based on a difference of the scanning data, a status characteristic index of the ray source; and determining whether abnormity exists in the ray source based on the status characteristic index.