PET CT Coaxial Alignment via Guiding Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Positron Emission Tomography (PET) systems face challenges in achieving precise alignment and efficient integration with other modality imaging systems, such as CT, for high-quality multi-modality imaging.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a multi-modality imaging system design that includes a detector with a scintillator unit, photodetector unit, circuit unit, and supporting components, along with an installation method using guiding blocks and supporting blocks to align and mount PET and CT systems coaxially, ensuring precise alignment and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-modality imaging system integrates PET and CT apparatus, then imaging quality and diagnostic capability are improved, but alignment precision and integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guiding blocks with guiding grooves and guiding protrusions as intermediary alignment components between the PET and CT apparatus. These guiding structures act as mediators that automatically ensure coaxial alignment when the apparatus are assembled together, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding blocks are pre-installed on the housings of both PET and CT apparatus during manufacturing. The guiding grooves and protrusions are pre-configured to match specific geometric relationships, so that when the apparatus are brought together for assembly, the alignment is automatically achieved without requiring complex adjustment procedures during installation.
2Productivity
If guiding blocks and supporting blocks are used for alignment and mounting, then alignment efficiency and integration speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment and mounting function is segmented into two independent components: guiding blocks responsible for positional alignment and supporting blocks responsible for mechanical support and mounting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without interfering with the other, simplifying the overall design while improving integration speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding blocks serve multiple functions: they provide alignment guidance through grooves and protrusions, define the relative position between PET and CT apparatus, and ensure coaxial alignment. The supporting blocks simultaneously provide mechanical support and mounting functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Measurement precision
If detectors with multiple units (scintillator, photodetector, circuit) are used, then imaging performance is improved, but detector complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scintillator unit, photodetector unit, and circuit unit into an integrated detector assembly. These functionally distinct components are merged into a single modular detector structure that maintains their individual functions while reducing overall system complexity. The supporting block serves as a common platform that holds all three units in precise spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector structure employs a nested arrangement where the circuit unit is positioned on the supporting block, the photodetector unit is positioned adjacent to the circuit unit, and the scintillator unit is positioned adjacent to the photodetector unit. This nested-like compact arrangement minimizes the overall detector footprint while maintaining functional separation and ease of assembly.
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 approach enables accurate alignment and efficient operation of PET and CT systems, enhancing the quality of multi-modality imaging by ensuring precise spatial alignment and improved data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
The detector may include a scintillator unit
Implementation Method 2
The detector may include a photodetector unit
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system is provided. A method for installing the imaging system is provided. The imaging system may include a first modality imaging apparatus. The first modality imaging apparatus may have a detector including a scintillator unit, a photodetector unit, a circuit unit, a supporting block, and a supporting board. The supporting block may be disposed on an end of the scintillator unit. The supporting board may be disposed between the photodetector unit and the circuit unit.