Portable CT Device Segmentation Reduces Shielding Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computed tomography systems are too large and heavy to be portable, exceeding weight limits set by occupational safety regulations, and existing portable systems are not suitable due to their size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A computed tomography device design where only the X-ray source, object space, and X-ray detector exposed to X-rays are shielded, with other components like the high-voltage generator and control devices outside the shielded area, along with innovative cooling and a rail system for precise alignment, allowing for a compact and lightweight construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire housing is surrounded by a shield to protect all components, then radiation protection is improved, but the weight and dimensions increase making the system non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a shielded room and an unshielded area. Only the X-ray source and object space are enclosed in the shielded room, while electronic components and control devices are placed in the unshielded area outside the shield, reducing the amount of shielding material required.
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic components and control devices are extracted from the shielded room and placed outside in the unshielded area. This allows the shielding to be limited only to where X-ray radiation is generated and where objects are positioned, significantly reducing shield weight.
2Strength
If steel is used as the basic element to obtain necessary rigidity, then structural strength is improved, but the weight increases beyond portable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The housing uses a composite construction combining aluminum profile frames with plastic covers. The aluminum profiles provide necessary structural rigidity and positioning precision, while the plastic covers provide protection without the weight penalty of steel, achieving a balance between strength and portability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If all components are arranged within a shielded housing, then radiation protection is improved, but the device dimensions become too large for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a compact shielded room containing only the X-ray source and object space, and an unshielded area housing electronic components. This segmentation allows the shielded portion to be minimized in size while accommodating all necessary electronics outside, reducing overall device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The layout optimizes spatial arrangement by placing the X-ray source and detector on opposite sides of the object space in a linear configuration, with electronic components arranged around the periphery outside the shield. This dimensional optimization minimizes the footprint of the shielded area while maintaining functional requirements.
4Temperature
If the X-ray source is cooled using conventional methods, then thermal management is improved, but the device dimensions and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system uses a compact design with heat sinks and thermal conduction paths integrated into the X-ray source housing, replacing bulky conventional cooling mechanisms. The aluminum profile structure serves dual purposes as both structural support and heat dissipation pathway, reducing overall device dimensions.
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 device is made portable, weighing less than 25 kg, enabling it to be carried by one person with compact dimensions, facilitating helical computed tomography and reducing shielding material, thus achieving a lightweight and efficient portable CT system.
Implementation Method 1
means for cooling the x-ray source, which may be partially or fully located within the shielded room
Implementation Method 2
at least one fan for transporting heat from the cooling fins to the outside
Implementation Method 3
the shielding material can be reduced, and consequently the weight of the computed tomography device
Implementation Method 4
an x-ray source and an x-ray detector can be moved in a housing relative to an object
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A computed tomography device comprises a portable housing and a plurality of components arranged within the housing, configured to generate signals that enable a computed tomographic representation of an object. A shielding device is provided, defining a shielded space within the portable housing to protect the surrounding environment from X-rays generated within the portable housing. The components exposed to X-rays are arranged within the shielded space. At least one of the components is located outside the shielded space within the housing.