Modular Detector Cooling System for Medical Imaging Gantry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for medical imaging apparatuses, particularly those with extended axial field of view (aFOV), face challenges in efficiently cooling multiple rows of detector assemblies due to limited space and increased noise from multiple fans, making them economically unfeasible for various detector orientations and geometries.
Innovation Solution
A modular and scalable fluid-cooling system is introduced, where each detector electronic assembly (DEA) includes a first chill plate for cooling detector elements and a second chill plate for cooling electronic components. The system features a cascading coolant flow path that prioritizes detector element cooling and allows for flexible scaling of heat transfer capability to accommodate varying numbers of DEAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple water-to-air heat exchangers with fans are used to cool extended aFOV imaging systems, then heat removal capability is improved, but device complexity and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detector assemblies into a single integrated cooling unit with a unified coolant circulation system. Instead of using separate heat exchangers and fans for each detector assembly, the invention integrates them into one modular unit that shares common coolant flow paths, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall cooling system architecture while maintaining adequate heat removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling unit is designed as a universal modular component that can accommodate multiple detector assemblies with varying orientations and geometries. The standardized interface and scalable design allow the same cooling unit to serve different imaging system configurations (standard FOV and extended aFOV), eliminating the need for custom cooling solutions for each configuration and reducing system complexity.
2Power
If multiple fans and larger heat exchangers are added to cool extended aFOV systems, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from air-based cooling (fans) to liquid-based cooling (coolant circulation). By using a closed-loop liquid coolant system with pumps instead of multiple noisy fans, the system achieves superior heat transfer efficiency while significantly reducing noise generation. The liquid coolant provides higher heat capacity and more efficient heat removal per unit volume compared to air.
3Temperature
If blown cooling air systems are used for standard aFOV, then cooling is adequate, but the system cannot efficiently cool multiple rows in extended aFOV configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into modular cooling units, each capable of independently cooling a detector assembly. These modular units can be scaled and configured to match different imaging system requirements (standard FOV with fewer rows or extended aFOV with more rows). Each module contains integrated coolant distribution manifolds that can be arranged to cool detectors in various orientations and geometries, providing adaptability across configurations.
4Area of stationary object
If conventional cooling systems are modified for longer aFOV by adding more components, then cooling coverage is improved, but space requirements within the gantry increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels and heat exchange surfaces are integrated within and around the detector assemblies themselves, nesting the cooling function inside the existing detector structure. The coolant flow paths are routed through channels embedded in the detector housing and heat sink structures, eliminating the need for separate external heat exchangers that would consume valuable gantry space. This nested integration allows extended cooling coverage without proportionally increasing space 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 modular cooling system effectively transfers heat out of the gantry, maintaining detector and electronic components within specified temperature ranges, reducing noise, and minimizing construction complexity, thus enabling efficient operation of medical imaging systems with extended aFOV.
Implementation Method 1
a first chill plate thermally conductively coupled to cooling detector elements therein and a separate, second chill plate thermally conductively coupled to other electronic components
Implementation Method 2
coolant flow cascades sequentially through the first chill plate and then through the second chill plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid coolant system for a gantry of a medical imaging apparatus cools scalable detector electronic assemblies (DEAs) within the gantry. Each DEA includes within its modular housing a first chill plate thermally conductively coupled to cooling detector elements therein and a separate, second chill plate thermally conductively coupled to other electronic components therein, such as electronic circuit boards and/or power supplies. In some embodiments, the first chill plate is oriented between the detector elements and the second chill plate, for thermally isolating the detector elements from other heat dissipating components within the DEA. In some embodiments, coolant flow cascades sequentially through the first chill plate and then through the second chill plate.