Imaging Detector Module Cooling via Sealed Cover Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging systems, such as PET and CT systems, face issues with detector module overheating due to inefficient heat dissipation, leading to inaccurate signal detection and reduced image quality, as heat accumulates unevenly across the detector components.
Innovation Solution
A detector module design incorporating a cover assembly with a cooling assembly that uses a refrigeration circuit and thermoelectric cooler to circulate a cooling medium, ensuring even cooling of detector components by forming a sealed structure to maintain low temperatures and prevent temperature gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the detector module uses a larger size to efficiently receive X rays, then the detection capability is improved, but the heat accumulation increases and cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector module is divided into multiple independent detector components arranged in rows and columns, with each component having its own cooling channel. This segmentation allows heat to be dissipated from multiple locations simultaneously, preventing heat accumulation while maintaining large detection area.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling medium (gas or liquid) is introduced as an intermediary to transfer heat from the detector components to the cooling system. The cooling medium flows through channels between detector components, absorbing heat and transporting it away, thus solving the heat accumulation problem in large-sized detectors.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the detector module operates for extended periods to improve service life, then reliability is improved, but heat accumulation causes overheating and reduces stability
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling medium flows continuously through the cooling channels during detector operation, providing constant heat removal. This continuous cooling action maintains stable temperatures throughout extended operation periods, preventing overheating and ensuring reliable, stable performance over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is integrated directly into the detector module structure, with cooling channels formed between detector components themselves. The detector components serve both their detection function and as part of the heat dissipation structure, eliminating the need for separate external cooling systems and enabling sustained operation.
3Temperature
If cooling gas flows between different sides of the detector module to cool it, then cooling is achieved, but the cooling efficiency is limited due to fan size
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cooling the detector module from external sides using large fans, the cooling system utilizes the internal space between detector components (the dimension between rows and columns). Cooling channels are formed in this internal dimension, allowing efficient heat removal without requiring large external cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid cooling system using gas or liquid is implemented, where the cooling medium flows through channels between detector components. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach provides superior cooling efficiency compared to air cooling with fans, while requiring minimal space and avoiding the need for large cooling components.
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 overheating and temperature gradients, enhancing the accuracy of signal detection and extending the service life of the detector module by maintaining optimal operating temperatures across all components.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one cooling assembly may be configured to cool the detector assembly by providing a cooling medium to the cover assembly
Implementation Method 2
A detector module design incorporating a cover assembly with a cooling assembly that uses a refrigeration circuit and thermoelectric cooler to circulate a cooling medium
Implementation Method 3
A detector module design incorporating a cover assembly with a cooling assembly that uses a refrigeration circuit and thermoelectric cooler to circulate a cooling medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure may provide a detector module of an imaging apparatus. The detector module may include a detector assembly configured to detect a signal associated with an object; a cover assembly configured to accommodate the detector assembly; and at least one cooling assembly operably coupled to the cover assembly. The at least one cooling assembly may be configured to cool the detector assembly by providing a cooling medium to the cover assembly.