CT Gantry Scan Window Engaging-Lock Deformation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

CT scanning devices face challenges in maintaining a thin scan window to minimize X-ray attenuation while ensuring safety and preventing deformation under external forces, which can lead to hazards from contact with rotating parts.

Innovation Solution

A gantry with a low deformation scan window engaging-lock structure using hard or semi-hard engaging mechanisms, combined with elastic soft sealing materials and an elastic band, to restrict deformation and maintain a liquid seal between housing components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the scan window is made thinner to reduce X-ray attenuation, then X-ray transmission is improved, but the scan window becomes more prone to deformation under external force

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveX-ray attenuationVSAvoiddeformation resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The scan window is designed as a thin annular window body that provides low X-ray attenuation while the thin profile enables flexibility for assembly and disassembly operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The scan window assembly is segmented into multiple components including the window body, engaging structures, and sealing elements, allowing the thin window body to be supported by separate structural elements that prevent deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the scan window is made thinner to improve patient imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but safety is worsened due to increased deformation risk contacting rotating parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Engaging structures are provided that preemptively prevent excessive deformation of the thin scan window by mechanically constraining it between housing components, thereby preventing potential contact with rotating parts before it can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

Sealing components and engaging structures act as intermediary elements between the thin scan window and the housing, providing mechanical support and safety protection without interfering with the thin profile needed for imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If a thin scan window is used to reduce attenuation, then X-ray transmission is improved, but sealing reliability is worsened due to potential liquid leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveX-ray attenuationVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is separated from the window body by providing dedicated sealing components that can be independently optimized for sealing performance while the window body remains thin for imaging purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Sealing components are introduced as intermediary elements between the scan window and housing, providing reliable liquid sealing without requiring the window body itself to be thick or rigid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces deformation of the scan window, ensures safety by preventing contact with rotating parts, and allows for the use of thinner materials with lower X-ray attenuation, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining a secure seal.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic band, disposed at both sides of the inner surface of the annular window body along edges of the annular window body, to provide elastic pressure to press the scan window assembly towards the first and second housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the engaging of the first window engagement with the first housing and the engaging of the second window engagement with the second housing are implemented respectively by one of convex/concave surface engaging-lock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11219419B2CT scanning device and gantry thereof

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a gantry of a CT scanning device comprising: a first housing having a first bore; a second housing having a second bore, disposed opposite to the first housing, wherein there is a gap between the first bore and the second bore, as a ray scanning bore; a scan window assembly comprising an annular window body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the scan window assembly being engaging-locked with the first housing and the second housing and sealing and covering the ray scanning bore. In this way, the engaging-lock can restrict deformation of the annular window body when an external force is applied on the scan window assembly, and the sealing can prevent liquid in the first and second housing from leaking out and prevent liquid inside the scan window assembly from leaking into the first and second housing.