Self-Shielded CT Scanner Gantry with Rotating Lead Shields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT scanners are large and require expensive lead shielding to protect operators from x-rays, making them costly and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A compact CT scanner design featuring a gantry with lead shields positioned on opposing sides of the x-ray source and detector, which rotate with the gantry to limit x-ray exposure to the operator, allowing for safer operation in the same room without the need for lead-lined rooms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional CT scanners are designed to scan entire bodies with large gantry structures, then scanning capability is improved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the CT scanner into modular components: a compact gantry structure separate from the detector assembly, with the gantry containing only essential elements (x-ray source, shields, rotation mechanism). This segmentation allows the scanning function to be achieved with reduced overall device volume, resolving the contradiction between scanning capability and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the computer control system from inside the traditional gantry structure to an external location, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. The gantry is designed with minimal internal volume requirements, allowing the computer to be placed outside while maintaining control functionality, thus reducing the overall device envelope.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lead shielding is installed in the room to protect the operator from x-rays, then operator safety is improved, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The CT scanner incorporates self-shielding capabilities through lead shields integrated into the gantry structure itself. These shields are positioned to block x-ray radiation from reaching the operator during operation, allowing the operator to work from outside the gantry area without requiring extensive lead lining of the entire room, thus reducing both cost and space requirements while maintaining operator safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead shields act as an intermediary radiation-blocking element positioned between the x-ray source and the operator. These shields intercept and absorb x-ray radiation before it can reach the operator, providing protection without requiring the operator to be isolated in a separately lead-lined room, thereby reducing the overall area requiring shielding.
3Ease of operation
If the operator is positioned close to the x-ray source for monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but radiation exposure to the operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
Lead shields are positioned as intermediary elements between the x-ray source and the operator's working position. These shields block radiation pathways while allowing the operator to maintain close proximity to the gantry for effective monitoring and control, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and radiation exposure by using the shields as a protective barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding is applied locally at specific critical positions where radiation exposure would be highest, rather than uniformly throughout the entire room. Lead shields are strategically placed around the x-ray source and detector areas where radiation intensity is greatest, providing targeted protection that allows operator accessibility while minimizing overall shielding material requirements.
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 provides effective operator shielding, reducing costs and space requirements by allowing the operator to safely use the scanner in the same room without extensive lead shielding, while maintaining efficient scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Lead shields are located on opposing sides of the x-ray source and extend between the x-ray source and the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A CT scanner includes a pair of shields to protect an operator from x-rays from the CT scanner. The CT scanner has a gantry that provides structural support and housing for the components including an x-ray source and a detector arranged on the gantry to face one another. Lead shields are located on opposing sides of the x-ray source and extend between the x-ray source and the detector. The CT scanner further includes a computer located on an opposing side of the gantry from the x-ray source and the detector. The lead shields rotate with the gantry and prevent the x-ray from reaching the operator while the CT scanner is in operation.