DMAS Arced Support for CT Anti-Scatter Plate Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-slice X-ray CT systems face challenges in aligning and securing anti-scatter plates due to labor-intensive processes and susceptibility to interference from long cables carrying small electric charges, which affects image quality.
Innovation Solution
The Data Measurement and Acquisition System (DMAS) uses arced support structures and curved anti-scatter toothed metal strips to align and secure anti-scatter plates efficiently, and high-density connectors to reduce cable length and interference, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If anti-scatter plates are aligned and secured using traditional methods, then alignment precision is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the anti-scatter plates with alignment features and pre-positioning them on the support structure before final assembly. The support structure includes pre-formed curved surfaces and positioning elements that guide the anti-scatter plates into correct alignment, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment procedures during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be self-aligning through its curved geometry and positioning features. The anti-scatter plates are secured in positions that automatically ensure proper alignment with the X-ray source and detector array, allowing the system to self-configure without requiring external alignment tools or procedures.
2Ease of operation
If long cables are used to connect detectors to processing electronics, then connectivity is achieved, but signal interference increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal transmission function from long external cables by integrating processing electronics directly into or near the detector modules. This eliminates the need for long cable runs and associated interference problems while maintaining full connectivity between detectors and the processing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing stages within the detector module itself, where signals are processed locally before being transmitted to the main processing system. This intermediary processing reduces the sensitivity to interference by handling signals at their source rather than over long distances.
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 DMAS system reduces manufacturing costs and minimizes image artifacts by streamlining the alignment process and reducing signal interference, enabling efficient operation across different X-ray source focusing distances.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of X-ray scintillator arrays for receiving and converting X-ray photons to light photons
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of photodiode modules with the X-ray scintillator arrays being mounted on for converting the light photons to analog signals
Data Source
AI summary
A Data Measurement and Acquisition System (DMAS) for multi-slice X-ray CT systems and multi-slice X-ray CT systems using the DMAS are disclosed; wherein the DMAS comprises a plurality of X-ray scintillators, a plurality of photodiode modules, a plurality of digitizing cards, one or more motherboards, and an arced support structure for mounting and securing the photodiode modules, the digitizing cards, and the motherboard(s); wherein the multi-slice X-ray CT systems comprises one or more X-ray sources, and one or more DMAS.