Multi-Spherical CT Detector Assembly for Signal Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In CT imaging systems, the angular offset of mini-modules due to flat mounting surfaces leads to reduced signal efficiency and gaps between detector modules, complicating the design and assembly of large-scale detectors for cardiac imaging, which is exacerbated by manufacturing costs and logistical challenges of individualized module designs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-spherical detector assembly with support structures tangent to a hypothetical sphere centered at the focal spot, where additional support structures are angled in the X-Y plane to maintain alignment and minimize gaps, allowing for efficient placement and replacement of mini-modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mini-modules are placed on a flat mounting surface, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but angular offset from the focal spot occurs leading to reduced signal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface is changed from flat to curved (spherical), where each mini-module is positioned on a spherical surface centered at the focal spot. This curvature ensures that all mini-modules are properly angled toward the focal spot, eliminating the angular offset problem while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized mounting interfaces.
2Area of stationary object
If the detector width in the Z-axis is increased for cardiac imaging, then imaging coverage is improved, but gaps between modules increase and alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning mini-modules on a spherical surface rather than a flat surface, the curvature naturally accommodates the increased Z-axis width needed for cardiac imaging. The spherical geometry ensures that all modules, regardless of their position along the Z-axis, are properly angled toward the focal spot, maintaining alignment precision across the entire extended detector area.
3Reliability
If individualized module designs are used to compensate for angular offset, then signal efficiency is improved, but manufacturing costs and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical mounting surface provides a universal solution that works for all mini-modules regardless of their position. Instead of designing individualized modules for different positions, the same standardized mini-module design can be used throughout, with the spherical geometry providing the necessary angular compensation. This reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies logistics while maintaining signal efficiency.
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 configuration enhances signal efficiency by ensuring mini-modules are accurately aligned towards the focal spot, reduces manufacturing costs, and minimizes gaps between modules, improving the overall performance and reliability of CT detectors.
Implementation Method 1
These detectors generally have scintillation crystal/photodiode arrays, where the scintillation crystal absorbs x-rays and converts the absorbed energy into visible light
Implementation Method 2
A photodiode is used to convert the light to an electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A detector assembly for a CT system includes a first support structure having a first plurality of mini-module support surfaces, each of the first plurality of mini-module support surfaces being tangent to a hypothetical sphere that is formed having a center of the hypothetical sphere positioned at a focal spot of the CT system, the first plurality of mini-module support surfaces at a first distance from the center of the hypothetical sphere, and a second support structure positioned next to the first support structure and having a second plurality of mini-module surfaces, the second support structure being angled in an X-Y plane with respect to the first support structure such that the second plurality of mini-module surfaces are tangent to the hypothetical sphere and at the first distance from the center of the hypothetical sphere.