Mobile CT Scanner With Retractable DR Detector for Lower Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a mobile CT imaging system that can integrate an on-board digital radiography imager and/or an on-board ultrasound imager to reduce radiation exposure for patients, while maintaining the mobility and scanning capabilities of a mobile CT imaging machine.
Innovation Solution
A mobile CT imaging system is equipped with a rotatable disc housing a CT imaging unit, an X-ray emitter, an X-ray detector, and an interchangeable digital radiography imager or ultrasound imager that can switch between retracted and extended positions to facilitate both CT and digital radiography or ultrasound imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mobile CT imaging machine uses X-ray emitter and detector for CT scanning, then it can perform cross-sectional imaging of patient anatomy, but it exposes the patient to higher radiation doses compared to alternative imaging modalities
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile imaging system is designed with a universal X-ray emitter that can serve multiple imaging modalities including both CT scanning and digital radiography. The system can switch between full 3D CT acquisition and reduced-dose 2D radiography projections, allowing the same hardware to provide cross-sectional imaging capability when needed while offering lower-radiation alternatives for other diagnostic needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system segments the X-ray detection capability into two distinct detector configurations: a full CT detector array for cross-sectional imaging and a radiography detector for 2D projection imaging. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate detection mode based on diagnostic requirements, thereby reducing unnecessary radiation exposure while maintaining CT imaging capability when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile CT imaging machine carries multiple separate imaging systems (CT, digital radiography, ultrasound), then it can serve diverse imaging needs, but it increases the device complexity and size
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple imaging modalities into a single integrated mobile platform. The X-ray emitter serves both CT and digital radiography functions, while the detector can operate in multiple modes (full array for CT, subset for radiography). An ultrasound transducer array is also integrated into the same housing, allowing three distinct imaging modalities to coexist in one mobile system without requiring separate machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile imaging system employs universal components that perform multiple functions. The X-ray emitter can generate both CT scan data and radiography projections. The detector system can operate as a full CT detector or a radiography detector. The ultrasound transducer array provides additional imaging capability. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed while maintaining versatility.
3Measurement precision
If the detector plate is positioned in the extended position for digital radiography imaging, then it aligns with the X-ray beam for optimal imaging, but it blocks the X-ray beam from reaching the CT detector
Solution Approach 1:
The detector plate is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move between retracted and extended positions. When digital radiography imaging is required, the detector plate extends into the X-ray beam path to capture 2D projections. When CT scanning is needed, the detector plate retracts to allow the full X-ray beam to reach the CT detector array. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to switch between modalities without permanent structural compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector plate acts as an intermediary element between the X-ray emitter and the CT detector. It can be positioned to mediate the X-ray beam path for radiography imaging, and when retracted, it allows direct beam transmission to the CT detector. This intermediary mechanism enables selective activation of different imaging modalities based on diagnostic 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 system allows for reduced radiation exposure during digital radiography or ultrasound imaging by using the same X-ray emitter, while maintaining the mobility and versatility of a mobile CT imaging machine for various scanning modalities.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray emitter mounted to the rotatable disc and configured to emit an X-ray beam
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector mounted to the rotatable disc in alignment with the X-ray beam
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for imaging an object, the imaging system comprising: a housing having a center opening; a CT imaging unit mounted to the housing, the CT imaging unit comprising: a rotatable disc extending around the center opening; an X-ray emitter mounted to the rotatable disc and configured to emit an X-ray beam; and an X-ray detector mounted to the rotatable disc in alignment with the X-ray beam; and a digital radiography imager comprising a detector plate mounted to the rotatable disc, the detector plate being configured to assume (i) a retracted position in which the detector plate is not aligned with the X-ray beam, whereby to permit the X-ray beam to contact the X-ray detector, and (ii) an extended position in which the detector plate is aligned with the X-ray beam, whereby to permit the X-ray beam to contact the detector plate.