Movable PET Detector Linkage for Compact CT/MRI Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing PET-CT/MRI systems face challenges due to their large size, making installation and transportation inconvenient and costly, and the far traveling distance of the scanning bed leads to deformation and inaccurate fusion images during image diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical linkage system that includes a PET host, a CT/MRI host, and a moving system with a transmission device connected to the PET detector, allowing the PET detector to be moved into or out of the CT/MRI host's scanning field of view, reducing the scanning bed's traveling distance and improving image accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the PET detector and CT/MRI host are positioned far apart in traditional systems, then the system can accommodate larger components and maintain structural stability, but the scanning bed travels a long distance causing deformation and inaccurate fusion images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the PET detector movable relative to the CT/MRI host through a moving system. The PET detector can be dynamically adjusted to move into or out of the scanning field of view, allowing the system to adapt its configuration. This dynamic adjustment enables the PET detector to be positioned close to the CT/MRI host during scanning, reducing the scanning bed's traveling distance and minimizing deformation, thereby improving fusion image accuracy while maintaining structural flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the imaging system into separable modules: a CT/MRI host, a PET detector, and an independent moving system. This modular segmentation allows the PET detector to be independently positioned and moved relative to the CT/MRI host, enabling optimized spatial arrangement that reduces the scanning bed's travel distance while maintaining functional integrity of each module.
2Manufacturing precision
If the PET detector is moved close to the CT/MRI host, then the scanning bed's traveling distance is reduced and fusion image accuracy improves, but the system becomes more complex with additional moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The moving system is designed with multi-functionality, serving multiple purposes: it positions the PET detector for scanning, enables movement into and out of the scanning field of view, and facilitates compact system configuration. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated moving mechanism rather than separate systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving the goal of reduced scanning bed travel distance and improved image accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If the system is designed as a compact integrated unit with the PET detector movable into the CT/MRI field of view, then installation and transportation become more convenient and costs are reduced, but the mechanical linkage and moving mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the PET detector system with the CT/MRI host into a single compact integrated unit. The moving system serves as a connecting mechanism that enables the PET detector to be part of the integrated structure while maintaining the ability to move into and out of the scanning field of view. This merging reduces the overall system footprint, making installation and transportation more convenient and reducing manufacturing costs, while the mechanical linkage is designed to be as streamlined as possible to minimize added complexity.
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 solution reduces the deformation of the scanning bed and enhances the accuracy of fusion images by allowing the PET detector to be positioned closer to the CT/MRI host, thereby simplifying installation, reducing costs, and improving diagnostic image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a driving motor; two or more rotating screws respectively connected with one of an inner side and an outer side of the PET detector fixing plate; respective rotating wheels installed on the rotating screws, where a rotating wheel on one of the rotating screws is a main rotating wheel, and the driving motor is in transmission connection with the main rotating wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanical linkage system of PET and CT/MRI and a linkage scanning method thereof are disclosed. According to an example of the disclosure, the mechanical linkage system includes a PET host, a CT/MRI host, a scanning bed, and a moving system. The PET host includes a PET detector installed in a PET detector fixing plate and configured to form a positron emission computed tomography image. The CT/MRI host has a larger aperture than the PET detector. A front end of the PET host and a front end of the CT/MRI host are oppositely disposed. The scanning bed is located to an end of the CT/MRI host. The moving system is connected with at least one of the PET host or the CT/MRI host and configured to move the PET detector into or out of a scanning field of view of the CT/MRI host.