Overlapping Stepped Detector Modules for Gap-Free Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In typical detectors, gaps form between adjacent detector sub-modules due to functional limitations, leading to discontinuous scanning data and incomplete inspection ranges, which affects the accuracy of medical imaging devices like CT scanners.
Innovation Solution
The detector sub-modules are arranged such that the detecting devices of one module partially overlap with the functional modules of adjacent sub-modules, reducing or eliminating gaps, and are stacked in a stepped structure to ensure continuous scanning data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detector sub-modules are arranged with functional modules, then each sub-module can perform its detection function, but gaps form between adjacent sub-modules resulting in discontinuous scanning data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stepped stacking arrangement. Detector sub-modules are stacked in multiple layers with offset positions, where the first area of one sub-module overlaps with the second area of another sub-module in the stacking direction. This spatial dimensionality change enables continuous scanning coverage while accommodating functional modules within each sub-module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where detector sub-modules are stacked in multiple layers with overlapping areas. The first area of a sub-module in one layer overlaps with the second area of a sub-module in another layer, creating a nested configuration that eliminates gaps while maintaining functional module integration within each sub-module.
2Area of stationary object
If detector sub-modules are arranged adjacently, then the inspection coverage can be expanded, but gaps between sub-modules create incomplete inspection ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the inspection coverage by utilizing the stacking direction (third dimension) in addition to the planar arrangement. Multiple layers of detector sub-modules are stacked with overlapping areas, where the overlap in the stacking direction ensures continuous coverage without gaps, thereby expanding the effective inspection range while maintaining data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite detector structure by combining multiple detector sub-modules in a stepped stacking arrangement. The overlapping first areas and second areas of different sub-modules form a composite detection surface that eliminates gaps and ensures continuous scanning coverage across the entire inspection range.
3Device complexity
If detector sub-modules are stacked in parallel, then the device structure can be compact, but gaps between sub-modules reduce scanning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested stacking arrangement where detector sub-modules are positioned in multiple layers with overlapping areas. The first area of one sub-module overlaps with the second area of another sub-module in the stacking direction, creating a compact yet gap-free structure that maintains high scanning accuracy while achieving structural compactness.
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 arrangement allows for complete scanning data acquisition, enhancing the accuracy of medical imaging by ensuring continuous scanning and improving the diagnosis results.
Implementation Method 1
a detecting device including a scintillation crystal and a photodiode array stacked in this order from an X-ray incident side
Implementation Method 2
a detecting device including a scintillation crystal and a photodiode array stacked in this order from an X-ray incident side
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6C
AI summary
Detector modules, detectors and medical imaging devices are provided. One of the detector modules includes: a support and a plurality of detector sub-modules arranged on the support along an extension direction in which the support extends. Each of the detector sub-modules has a first area and a second area in the extension direction. A detecting device is disposed in the first area, and a functional module is disposed in the second area. The functional module is electrically connected to the detecting device for receiving an electrical signal from the detecting device. The plurality of detector sub-modules includes a first detector sub-module and a second detector sub-module that are arranged adjacent to each other in the extension direction, and the first area of the first detector sub-module at least partially overlaps with the second area of the second detector sub-module.