Shock Detection Device for PET Detector Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The repair of detector arrays in positron emission tomography (PET) systems is costly due to difficulty in detecting damage during transport or incorrect operation, leading to significant downtime and replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
A shock detection device is attached to the detector array, featuring an accelerometer, electronic memory, and a power supply to detect vibrations and store data, with adjustable thresholds and a real-time clock for timestamping, allowing for identification of potentially damaging shocks and determination of the responsible party.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detector arrays are transported or operated without shock detection devices, then device complexity is reduced, but damage detection capability is lost leading to costly repairs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The shock detection functionality is segmented into a separate, standalone device that can be attached to the detector array. This segmentation allows the detection capability to be added without permanently increasing the complexity of the detector array itself, as the shock detection device operates as an independent module with its own accelerometer, memory, and power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock detection device serves as an intermediary between the detector array and the damage assessment process. Rather than requiring direct integration of complex sensing and analysis systems into the detector array, the intermediary device captures shock data and provides information about potential damage, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If shock detection devices with continuous monitoring are used, then damage detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock detection device employs periodic sampling of acceleration data rather than continuous monitoring. The microcontroller periodically reads data from the accelerometer and compares it against threshold values, enabling effective damage detection while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the system in a low-power state between measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its operational parameters dynamically - switching between active measurement mode and low-power standby mode based on whether shock events are detected. The sampling rate and processing intensity are adjusted according to the operational state, allowing the system to maintain detection accuracy while optimizing energy usage.
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 reduces downtime and replacement costs by promptly detecting and recording shocks, enabling timely maintenance and reducing the need for costly replacements by identifying the party responsible for damage during transport or operation.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer mounted on the detector array to detect vibration of the detector array
Data Source
AI summary
A shock detection device for a detector array includes an accelerometer mounted on the detector array to detect vibrations. The shock detection device also includes an electronic memory to store data from the accelerometer. The data corresponds to detected vibrations that exceed an active threshold of the accelerometer. The shock detection device also includes a power supply that is separate from the power supply of the detector array.