Versatile Pet Detector With Interchangeable Sensor Tiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current PET detectors require different configurations for varying energy, timing, and spatial resolution needs, making it costly and impractical to address diverse market requirements with a single platform, as high-end systems like LYSO-based ToF PET imagers demand maximum SiPM fill factor while low-end systems like BGO scintillators can use light sharing to reduce fill factor.
Innovation Solution
The VersaTile concept introduces interchangeable sensor tiles with universal outer dimensions and a universal mechanical interface, allowing for different fill factors that correlate with reduced timing resolution and manufacturing costs, enabling scalable PET detectors for various performance grades while maintaining constant outer dimensions and interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If maximum SiPM fill factor is used for LYSO-based ToF PET imagers, then timing resolution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor tile platform that can be configured with different fill factors to serve multiple applications. The same mechanical interface and scintillator array accommodate varying SiPM fill factors (from maximum for ToF to reduced for non-ToF), allowing a single platform to address both high-end timing resolution requirements and cost-effective manufacturing needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the SiPM fill factor parameter within a universal sensor tile design. By changing this key parameter while maintaining consistent outer dimensions and mechanical interfaces, the system can optimize timing resolution for ToF applications or reduce manufacturing costs for non-ToF applications without requiring complete redesign
2Measurement precision
If different PET detector configurations are used for varying energy, timing, and spatial resolution needs, then performance requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sensor tile platform with standardized mechanical interfaces, scintillator arrays, and electronics that can accommodate different SiPM fill factors. This single platform design eliminates the need for multiple completely different detector configurations, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to meet varying performance requirements through parameter variation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detector into modular sensor tiles with standardized interfaces. Each tile can be independently configured with different fill factors while maintaining compatibility with the overall system architecture, allowing flexible assembly to meet specific performance needs without increasing overall system complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If reduced SiPM fill factor is used for non-ToF scintillators, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but timing resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sensor tile platform allows the same mechanical and structural design to support both maximum fill factor configurations (for optimal timing resolution in ToF applications) and reduced fill factor configurations (for cost-effective non-ToF applications). The system adapts to timing resolution requirements through fill factor selection rather than requiring different fundamental designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fill factor as a controllable parameter that can be adjusted based on application requirements. For non-ToF applications where timing resolution is less critical, the fill factor is reduced to lower manufacturing costs. For ToF applications requiring optimal timing resolution, the fill factor is maximized, all within the same universal platform
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 reduces manufacturing costs and enhances device scalability, allowing for variable PET performance and cost structures while maintaining consistent electromechanical and thermal interfaces, optimizing energy, timing, and spatial resolution across different applications.
Implementation Method 1
each sensor die having a plurality of scintillator crystals coupled thereto
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
A scalable medical imaging detector arrangement is provided having interchangeable sensor tiles with fixed outer dimensions for a fixed or universal mechanical, electrical, and cooling interface. Different sensor tile types with different performance grades and production costs care configured with a common interface for coupling to the medical imaging device, while the rest of the imaging system can remain unchanged.