PCCT Detector Cooling via Movable Thermal Conduction Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photon counting computed tomography (PCCT) apparatuses face insufficient cooling of photon counting detectors due to significant heat generation, affecting temperature stability and detector performance.
Innovation Solution
A radiography apparatus with a thermally conductive rotation plate and a heat dissipation mechanism using a thermally conductive material that moves between a non-contact and conductive position with the detector, aided by a spring or motor-driven system, to dissipate heat effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an openable and closable opening is formed in the housing to selectively open and close based on temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but cooling efficiency is insufficient when the opening is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the thermally conductive material movable between a first position (contacting both detector and rotation plate for heat dissipation) and a second position (contacting only the rotation plate). This dynamic repositioning allows the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions, ensuring effective heat dissipation when needed while maintaining structural integrity and operational stability.
2Loss of energy
If the thermally conductive material is always in contact with the detector, then heat dissipation is maximized, but the detector cannot be cooled sufficiently due to excessive heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the thermally conductive material to move between positions. When the detector temperature rises excessively, the material can be repositioned to optimize heat dissipation pathways, allowing the system to respond dynamically to thermal conditions and achieve sufficient cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the thermal conductivity parameter through repositioning the thermally conductive material. By changing the material's position relative to the detector and rotation plate, the system adjusts the thermal conduction pathway to achieve optimal heat dissipation under varying operational conditions.
3Device complexity
If a fixed thermal conduction path is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but temperature stabilization is insufficient under varying heat generation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed thermal conduction path to a dynamic one where the thermally conductive material can be repositioned. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain temperature stability under varying heat generation conditions while adding manageable complexity to the heat dissipation structure.
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
Enhances temperature stabilization of the detector by improving cooling efficiency, ensuring consistent detector performance and accurate imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a heat dissipation mechanism that is disposed in the gap and has a thermally conductive material for dissipating heat of the radiation detector to the rotation plate
Data Source
AI summary
A radiography apparatus includes a thermally conductive rotation plate that rotates about a rotation axis and to which a radiation source is fixed, a radiation detector that includes a thermally conductive housing and is fixed to the rotation plate with a gap partially present between the radiation detector and the rotation plate at a position opposite to the radiation source across the rotation axis of the rotation plate, and a heat dissipation mechanism that is disposed in the gap and has a thermally conductive material for dissipating heat of the radiation detector to the rotation plate, in which the thermally conductive material is moved to a position at which the radiation detector and the rotation plate are caused to be thermally conductive from a non-contact position with the rotation plate or the radiation detector in a situation where a temperature of the radiation detector rises.