Dual Rotating Units for CT Imaging Throughput

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation imaging modalities, such as CT systems, face limitations in throughput due to the rotational speed of rotating units, which is constrained by the weight and size of radiation sources and detector arrays, affecting the speed of object translation and image acquisition.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dual rotating unit system where the radiation source and detector array rotate asynchronously and independently around separate axes, allowing for varying relative positions and rotational speeds to enhance throughput and enable faster data acquisition, including the use of multiple radiation sources illuminating the detector array at different times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the radiation source and detector array are mounted on a single rotating unit, then the system structure is simplified, but the rotational speed is limited by the weight and size of the rotating unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidrotational speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the rotating system into two separate rotating units: a first rotating unit carrying the radiation source and a second rotating unit carrying the detector array. This segmentation allows each unit to rotate independently at different speeds, eliminating the weight and size constraints that would limit a single large rotating unit. The radiation source and detector array are decoupled from each other mechanically while maintaining functional coordination through asynchronous rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the rotational speed of the rotating unit is increased to improve throughput, then the examination speed increases, but the weight and size constraints of the rotating unit cannot be overcome

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidweight of rotating unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the rotating system into two separate units, each with its own rotation axis, the patent eliminates the constraint where the total weight and size of a single rotating unit limits rotational speed. The first rotating unit with the radiation source can rotate at one speed while the second rotating unit with the detector array rotates at a different speed, allowing optimized throughput without being constrained by a single heavy rotating assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements asynchronous rotation where the first and second rotating units can rotate at different rotational speeds that are not locked together. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize the rotational speed of each unit independently based on the specific examination requirements, enabling faster data acquisition and improved throughput without being constrained by a fixed mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a single rotating unit is used to maintain simple mechanics, then the system is easier to control, but the speed of translation and image acquisition is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidspeed of translation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asynchronous rotation control where the first rotating unit and second rotating unit can rotate at independently controllable speeds. This dynamic control system, while more complex than a single rotating unit, enables the radiation source and detector array to move at optimized speeds for fast translation and image acquisition. The independent rotational control allows for flexible adjustment of examination parameters without being constrained by a single mechanical rotation speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration increases the speed of examination by decoupling the rotational constraints of the radiation source and detector array, enabling faster data collection and potentially complete 360-degree views in less time than a single gantry revolution.

Implementation Method 1

a first radiation source configured to generate radiation within a first radiation spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a detector array comprised of a plurality of detector cells that are respectively configured to convert radiation that has traversed the object into signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation detection and conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10178980B2Radiation sources and detector array for imaging modality

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 ANALOGIC CORP

AI summary

A radiation system includes a first rotating unit that rotates about a first axis of rotation. The first rotating unit includes a first radiation source that generates radiation within a first radiation spectrum. The radiation system includes a second rotating unit that rotates about a second axis of rotation. The second rotating unit includes a detector array that detects at least a portion of the radiation generated by the first radiation source. The first and second rotating units may rotate, synchronously, asynchronously, at the same speed and/or at different speeds relative to one another.