Modular Gamma Imaging Device with Hierarchical Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gamma cameras are difficult to repair due to their fragile components and modular design, which often requires mechanical assistance and can result in additional damage during maintenance, limiting access and increasing repair costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular gamma imaging device with a removable radiation-shielding enclosure and hierarchical electronic communication system, allowing for component replacement by a single person without mechanical assistance, while maintaining tolerance between components and reducing the need for extensive disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gamma cameras use fragile components and modular design, then imaging functionality is achieved, but repair difficulty increases and additional damage may occur during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The gamma camera is divided into modular detector assemblies that can be independently removed and replaced. Each detector assembly is a self-contained module with standardized interfaces, allowing technicians to replace only the faulty module rather than the entire detector system, thereby simplifying repair while maintaining imaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector assemblies are designed to be extractable from the camera housing through accessible access points. The modular design enables complete removal of detector modules without requiring disassembly of the entire camera system, facilitating easy transport to repair facilities and reducing repair complexity.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical assistance is used for component replacement, then access to components is achieved, but risk of additional damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector assemblies are designed with self-contained mounting mechanisms that allow for tool-free or minimal-tool installation and removal. The modules feature standardized connectors and alignment features that enable technicians to handle and replace components without requiring complex mechanical assistance, reducing the risk of damage during replacement operations.
3Ease of operation
If extensive disassembly is performed for repairs, then component access is improved, but repair time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is pre-configured with accessible access points and standardized mounting locations for detector assemblies. The modular design allows detector modules to be accessed and replaced without requiring disassembly of the camera housing or other components, enabling rapid repair operations while maintaining full component accessibility.
4Productivity
If hierarchical electronic communication system is implemented, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic communication system is organized into a hierarchical structure with multiple levels: detector modules at the base level, intermediate communication processors, and central control systems. This segmentation allows each level to handle communication tasks independently, improving overall communication efficiency while distributing system complexity across manageable modules rather than concentrating it in a single complex subsystem.
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
Facilitates easier and less damaging repairs by allowing single-person access to components, reducing the risk of further damage, and enhancing communication efficiency through a hierarchical system that reduces heat and processing requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation lining arranged within the casing to provide a radiation shield
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of gamma detectors including semiconductor crystals
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides an imaging device, including: an enclosure comprising a casing and a radiation lining arranged within the casing to provide a radiation shield, wherein the enclosure comprises a removable portion; a plurality of modular components; each of the plurality of modular components comprising a plurality of gamma detectors including semiconductor crystals and being removable from the imaging device; the plurality of modular components being arranged such that the plurality of gamma detectors are configured in an array configuration with each of the plurality of gamma detectors having a predetermined spacing from each other gamma detector; a plurality of electronic communication components, wherein the plurality of electronic communication components facilitate communication from each of the gamma detectors to a processor using a hierarchical communication technique; and a cooling system. Other aspects are described and claimed.