Modular CT Gantry Layout for Scatter Noise and Easy Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT devices face challenges with scatter noise between fan beams, high manufacturing costs due to complex rotary gantries, and difficulties in maintaining and replacing components, which hinder real-time imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular CT device design with stationary gantries, offset sources and detectors, and enhanced shielding to minimize scatter noise, allowing easy assembly and maintenance by replacing individual modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional rotary gantry is used, then the device can perform CT scanning, but the manufacturing cost increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The CT device is divided into multiple independent modules, each containing its own source and detector. These modules can be manufactured separately using standardized components and then assembled, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a monolithic rotary gantry system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating a large gantry structure, the invention inverts the approach by using stationary modules that translate along a rail. This eliminates the complex rotary mechanism while maintaining scanning capability through linear motion of individual modules.
2Device complexity
If multiple sources are arranged in four pairs to cover 90° per axis, then the structure becomes simpler, but scanning time increases and image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple modules are arranged in series along the transport direction, with each module continuously scanning as the subject passes through. This creates overlapping scan zones that eliminate gaps between scans, maintaining continuous imaging coverage without the sequential scanning delays of traditional multi-source systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a radial arrangement of multiple sources (4 pairs at 90° per axis) to a linear arrangement of modules along the transport direction. This dimensional change allows for more efficient use of the scanning space and faster acquisition of projection data.
3Area of stationary object
If fan beams are used from multiple sources, then coverage is improved, but scatter noise between beams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful scatter noise by using narrow collimated beams from each module that are directed precisely at the subject. The modular design with individual collimators for each module prevents beam overlap and scatter interference that occurs in multi-source systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module uses localized collimation tailored to its specific beam path, creating narrow, well-defined fan beams that minimize scatter. The local collimator configuration for each module optimizes beam geometry to reduce scatter noise while maintaining adequate coverage.
4Ease of repair
If a stationary gantry design is used, then maintenance becomes easier, but radiation shielding requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shielding is segmented and integrated with each individual module rather than requiring a separate large shielding structure. Each module contains its own shielding components that are optimized for its specific radiation emission pattern, making maintenance easier while effectively controlling radiation leakage.
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 modular design reduces scatter noise, lowers manufacturing costs, and enables convenient maintenance, improving image quality and scanning efficiency while minimizing radiation leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a source disposed on the second surface of the gantry to generate and emit radiation toward the subject
Implementation Method 2
a detector disposed opposite the source on the second surface of the gantry to detect the radiation transmitted through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a computed tomography (CT) device and modules for the CT device. The module includes a gantry for providing an internal space through which a subject is transported, and having a first surface corresponding to an outer circumferential surface and a second surface corresponding to an inner circumferential surface, a source disposed on the second surface of the gantry to generate and emit radiation toward the subject, and a detector disposed opposite the source on the second surface of the gantry to detect the radiation transmitted through the subject.