Gantry Cooling Fan Placement for CT Scanner Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing X-ray computed tomography apparatuses face inefficiencies in cooling the X-ray detector and data acquisition system due to air stagnation points and suboptimal exhaust fan placement, which hampers the overall cooling efficiency and increases noise during gantry rotation.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray computed tomography apparatus incorporates a configuration where the X-ray tube cooling device is positioned at the 0° stop position, with outlets and cooling fans strategically placed to enhance airflow and reduce noise, allowing for improved cooling efficiency by directing air flows effectively through the gantry, particularly above the X-ray detector and data acquisition system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the X-ray tube is placed at 0° at the waiting time of the gantry, then the startup time for scanography is shortened, but air stagnation points occur above the X-ray detector and data acquisition system, reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry is divided into multiple cooling zones with separate airflow paths. One airflow path is dedicated to cooling the X-ray tube area, while another path is dedicated to cooling the X-ray detector and data acquisition system, allowing independent optimization of each zone's cooling efficiency without interfering with the other
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the gantry are provided with differentiated cooling solutions. The X-ray tube area receives cooling from one direction while the detector and data acquisition system receive cooling from another direction, with each region's cooling characteristics optimized for its specific thermal load and spatial constraints
2Loss of energy
If the outlet is placed near the oil cooler to exhaust heat efficiently, then heat dissipation from the oil cooler is improved, but the cooling fan cannot effectively cool the X-ray detector and data acquisition system due to air stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system is segmented into multiple outlets positioned at different locations within the gantry. One outlet is positioned to efficiently exhaust heat from the oil cooler area, while another outlet is positioned to effectively exhaust air from the detector and data acquisition system area, allowing each outlet to serve its specific zone without compromising the other's cooling performance
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling approach transitions from a single-direction airflow to multi-directional airflow by positioning outlets at different angular positions around the gantry. This three-dimensional distribution of outlets creates independent airflow paths that can simultaneously address thermal management needs of different components located at different spatial positions
3Temperature
If the gantry design is optimized for cooling efficiency, then cooling performance is improved, but the gantry size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry structure is designed so that the same structural components serve both mechanical support functions and thermal management functions. The cover and housing structures that provide mechanical protection also serve as airflow channels and heat dissipation pathways, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cooling structures and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into single components. The gantry cover simultaneously provides mechanical enclosure, airflow guidance, and heat dissipation. The structural supports also serve as mounting structures for cooling components, integrating thermal management into the existing mechanical framework rather than adding separate complex cooling systems
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 configuration enhances cooling efficiency by minimizing air stagnation points and noise, while allowing for a more compact gantry design by optimizing the placement of outlets and fans, ensuring effective heat dissipation and reduced noise levels.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray tube cooling device 103 performs cooling by circulating oil between itself and the X-ray tube 101
Implementation Method 2
The cooling fan 109 sends air inside the gantry to the outlet 107 to exhaust the air outside
Implementation Method 3
A gantry side surface cover 105 is provided with an outlet 107 to efficiently exhaust heat conducted from the oil cooler 103 to the outside of the gantry
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray tube and An X-ray detector are mounted on a gantry rotating unit. A gantry fixing unit supports the gantry rotating unit so as to allow it to rotate about a rotation axis. A cover covers the gantry rotating unit and the gantry fixing unit. At least one outlet for discharging air inside the gantry is formed in the cover at a position shifted from an area squaring facing the outer circumference of the gantry rotating unit along the rotation axis. At least one cooling fan is mounted on the gantry fixing unit so as to be located near at least one outlet, and sends air to at least one outlet.