Rotatable PET Detector Ring for Portable Bedside Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PET-scanning devices are bulky, limiting their accessibility and usability for patients who cannot travel, particularly the elderly or sick, and are not versatile for various applications beyond standard oncology.
Innovation Solution
A PET-scanning device with a detector ring that can be rotated and displaced relative to a U-shaped supporting structure, allowing for adjustable positioning and mobility, including wheels for easy transport and versatile scanning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional PET-scanning devices are used, then scanning capability is provided, but portability and accessibility are limited due to bulky size
Solution Approach 1:
The PET-scanning device is divided into separate functional modules: a detector ring unit that can be detached from the main supporting structure. This segmentation allows the detector ring to be transported and positioned independently, significantly improving portability while maintaining complete scanning capability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector ring is designed to be dynamically adjustable relative to the main supporting structure. It can be rotated about a vertical axis and displaced along guide rails, allowing the device to adapt to different scanning scenarios and subject positions, thereby maintaining reliability across diverse applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detector ring is made adjustable for versatility, then adaptability to different subjects and positions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector ring is designed as a universal component that can scan various subjects (humans, animals, plants) in multiple positions (sitting, lying, standing) using the same basic structure. The rotatable and displaceable design allows one detector ring to perform multiple scanning functions without requiring complex subject-specific configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector ring incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including rotation about a vertical axis and displacement along guide rails. These dynamic features enable the device to adapt to different scanning scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Ease of operation
If PET-scanning device is made portable, then accessibility to different locations is improved, but stability during scanning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a movable detector ring and a stable main supporting structure. The detector ring can be easily attached and detached, providing portability when needed while relying on the stable main structure for support during scanning operations, thus balancing portability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector ring is equipped with attachment mechanisms that secure it to the main supporting structure before scanning begins. This pre-securing ensures stability during the scanning process while maintaining the ability to easily attach and detach the detector ring for portable operations.
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
Enables scanning in various positions and locations, enhancing accessibility for patients and versatility for different subjects, including in-room monitoring during hadron therapy.
Implementation Method 1
a detector ring for detecting emitted PET-radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A positron emission tomography (PET)-scanning device is provided, having a detector ring for detecting emitted PET-radiation and a main supporting structure which has or to which is attached a U-shaped portion with two arms for holding the detector ring between the arms. The detector ring is held by the two arms in such a way that the detector ring can be rotated about an axis of rotation that extends through the U-shaped portion, in particular through the two arms of the U-shaped portion.