CT Gantry Flexible Covering for Sealed Translational Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computed tomography devices require a scanning movement where the examination object is moved relative to the gantry, necessitating a covering solution for the gantry region to protect against external interventions and contamination.

Innovation Solution

A computed tomography device with a gantry featuring a first and second part, where the first part has a projection data acquisition system and is movably mounted via a linear guiding arrangement, utilizing a flexible material sheet spanned between the parts by a tensioning apparatus to cover the gantry region, allowing translational movement while maintaining a seal against contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid covering structure is used to protect the gantry region, then protection against external interventions and contamination is improved, but the ability to accommodate translational movement of the first gantry part deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against dust and fluidsVSAvoidaccommodation of translational movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible material sheet instead of a rigid covering structure. The flexible material sheet can be tensioned to cover the gantry region, providing protection against dust and fluids while allowing the first gantry part to move translationally along the linear guiding arrangement without compromising the seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic covering solution where the flexible material sheet can be tensioned and adjusted during operation. The tensioning apparatus allows the covering to adapt to the moving first gantry part, maintaining the seal while accommodating the translational movement required for scanning examinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a covering is added to the gantry region, then protection against contamination is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal against contaminantsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible material sheet provides an effective seal against contaminants without requiring a complex rigid structure. The sheet can be tensioned over the gantry region and maintained in place by the tensioning apparatus, achieving protection with relatively simple construction compared to traditional rigid enclosures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The covering is applied locally to the specific region that requires protection (the gantry region where the first gantry part moves), rather than enclosing the entire device. This localized approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective contamination protection where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the flexible material sheet is tensioned to maintain a seal, then protection against contaminants is improved, but tensile stress on the sheet increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidtensile stress resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible material sheet is specifically designed to withstand the tensile stresses generated by the tensioning apparatus. The material's flexibility allows it to be tensioned effectively to maintain a seal against contaminants while the inherent strength of the material prevents failure under the applied tension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning apparatus is designed to apply controlled tension to the flexible material sheet, pre-compensating for any relaxation or deformation that might occur during operation. This ensures the seal remains effective while keeping tensile stress within safe limits for the material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution effectively seals and protects the gantry region from dust and fluids, ensuring smooth translational movement without significant tensile stress changes, thus enhancing the operational integrity and cleanliness of the scanning process.

Implementation Method 1

the gantry has a tensioning apparatus for the flexible material sheet and that the flexible material sheet has a covering section, wherein the covering section is spanned between the first gantry part and the second gantry part so as to cover a region to be covered of the gantry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS12582362B2Computed tomography device and method for covering a region to be covered of a gantry of a computed tomography device

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A computed tomography device has a gantry having a first gantry part, a second gantry part and a flexible material sheet. The first gantry part has a rotor having a projection data acquisition system and is movably mounted, via a linear guiding arrangement, relative to the second gantry part such that the first gantry part is configured for translational movement relative to the second gantry part. The gantry has a tensioning apparatus for the flexible material sheet. The flexible material sheet has a covering section, wherein the covering section spans between the first gantry part and the second gantry part to cover a region of the gantry.