Liquid Cooling Cold Plate for PET Detector Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation detectors generate significant heat, requiring efficient cooling and precise temperature control to maintain stable operation, especially in densely packed arrays where heat density is high and temperature fluctuations affect sensor performance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-cooled temperature control assembly featuring a thermally conductive cold plate with channels for coolant flow, apertures for electrical connections, and optional heating elements to maintain optimal temperature, ensuring efficient heat removal and humidity control for sensitive electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air cooling is used for radiation detectors, then the structure is simple and easy to implement, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient and temperature control precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from air cooling to liquid cooling by introducing a cooling plate with channels through which coolant flows. The cooling plate is in direct thermal contact with the detector housing, efficiently removing heat from the radiation detector and associated electronics, thereby achieving precise temperature control while managing the increased system complexity through effective thermal management.
2Productivity
If densely packed radiation detector arrays are constructed, then the imaging coverage and detection capability are improved, but the heat density increases and becomes difficult to dissipate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function for both the radiation detector and the associated electronics into a single integrated cooling plate structure. The cooling plate simultaneously cools the detector housing and the circuit boards housing preamplifiers and processing circuits, efficiently managing the high heat density generated by densely packed detector arrays while maintaining compact design.
3Loss of energy
If the cooling plate is in direct contact with electronic components, then the heat removal efficiency is improved, but the risk of humidity damage to electronics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal interface between the cooling plate and electronic components. The cooling plate contacts the detector housing and circuit boards through thermal interfaces that facilitate heat transfer while preventing direct exposure of electronics to the coolant environment, thus maintaining efficient heat removal while protecting sensitive electronics from humidity damage.
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
The solution effectively manages heat dissipation and temperature stability in radiation detectors, preventing damage from humidity and ensuring optimal performance even under high radiation loads, allowing for compact and reliable detector arrays.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid coolant flowing through the channel removes heat transferred to the cold plate from the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board
Implementation Method 2
a cold plate composed of a thermally conductive material and a channel formed in and enclosed by the cold plate
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control assembly that enables precise temperature control for radiation detectors, such as positron emission tomography (“PET”) detectors and other densely packed electronics is described. The temperature control assembly includes a liquid cooling assembly that generally includes a cold plate having formed therein one or more channels through which a liquid coolant is able to flow. The channels are enclosed by the cold plate, such that the liquid coolant does not come into contact with sensitive electronic components used in the radiation detectors. When a liquid coolant is flowing through the channels, a sufficiently low humidity level is maintained external the cold plate. The liquid cooling assembly is removable and can be arranged between layers of printed circuit boards in an array of radiation detectors. Heating elements can be coupled the liquid cooling assembly and operated to increase the temperature as necessary to maintain a precisely controlled temperature environment.