Gantry-less CT Apparatus with L-Shaped Detector Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gantry-less CT apparatuses for safety inspection are bulky and inefficient due to a lack of consideration for the layout of the X-ray source and detector, resulting in a large overall size and low inspection rate, which is unsuitable for quick inspections in safety inspection settings where space and speed are critical, and radiation shielding is a high priority.
Innovation Solution
A CT apparatus without a gantry, featuring a stationary X-ray source with multiple ray emission focal spots and stationary detector modules arranged in an L-shape, with the focal spots and detectors in the same plane, ensuring sufficient data acquisition while minimizing the apparatus' size and optimizing the layout to reduce floor space and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detector is laid out in a straight line or circular arc shape in early gantry-less CT systems, then data can be acquired at different angles, but the overall size of the apparatus becomes large and the inspection rate becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D straight line or circular arc detector layouts to a 3D spatial arrangement where multiple detector arrays are positioned at different heights and angles around the scanning passage. This multi-dimensional configuration enables comprehensive data acquisition from multiple perspectives simultaneously, achieving the measurement precision of large apparatus while maintaining a compact footprint through optimized spatial utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where multiple detector arrays are arranged concentrically around the scanning passage at different radial distances and angular positions. This nesting approach allows the system to pack multiple detection planes within a compact volume, enabling comprehensive angular coverage without proportionally increasing the overall apparatus size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scanning passage is made large enough for safety inspection applications, then inspection capability is improved, but the floor space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by arranging detector arrays at different heights above and below the scanning passage, and positions X-ray sources at multiple elevation levels. This multi-level configuration expands the effective inspection volume upward and downward rather than only horizontally, thereby increasing inspection capability while minimizing the horizontal floor space footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of X-ray sources and detector arrays, with components strategically placed at non-uniform distances and angles around the scanning passage. This asymmetric layout optimizes the utilization of available space, allowing the scanning passage to be sufficiently large for inspection purposes while the overall apparatus occupies minimal floor space through efficient spatial packing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple X-ray sources and detectors are arranged to ensure sufficient data acquisition, then CT reconstruction quality is improved, but the layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detector system into multiple independent detector arrays, each positioned at specific locations around the scanning passage. Each array can be independently configured and optimized for its specific angular and spatial position. This segmentation allows complex multi-angle data acquisition to be achieved through modular, manageable units rather than a single complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the X-ray sources and detector modules with universal characteristics, where each source-detector pair is configured to serve multiple reconstruction angles and perspectives. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, as each element contributes to multiple data acquisition functions, thereby simplifying the overall layout while maintaining high reconstruction quality.
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 enables miniaturization of the CT apparatus, reducing its floor space and improving its availability for safety inspections by ensuring efficient data acquisition with a compact design that meets the stringent requirements of safety inspection settings, including high radiation shielding needs.
Implementation Method 1
a stationary X-ray source arranged around the scanning passage and comprising a plurality of ray emission focal spots
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of stationary detector modules arranged around the scanning passage and disposed opposite the X-ray source
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A CT apparatus without a gantry is disclosed. The CT apparatus comprises a scanning passage; a stationary X-ray source arranged around the scanning passage and comprising a plurality of ray emission focal spots; and a plurality of stationary detector modules arranged around the scanning passage and disposed opposite the X-ray source. In embodiment, at least some of the plurality of detector modules are arranged substantially in an L shape, a semicircular shape, a U shape, an arc shape, a parabolic shape, or a curve shape when viewed in a plane intersecting the scanning passage. The present invention ensures that the stationary gantry type CT system has a small size, and a high data identification accuracy.