Profiled Barrel Gantry Frame for CT Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gantry frames for computed tomography systems face challenges in machinability and manufacturing costs due to deformation during machining, which affects precision and stability.
Innovation Solution
A gantry frame with a cylindrical drum frame featuring a profiled barrel structure, preferably with a trapezoidal profile, that maintains mechanical stability while reducing material usage and weight, allowing for precise machining and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional cylindrical drum frame is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the frame deforms during machining which reduces precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a profiled barrel structure with specific geometric features (flutes, ridges, varying wall thickness) at critical locations of the cylinder barrel. This localized structural modification enhances rigidity precisely where needed during machining operations, preventing deformation without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled barrel structure can be manufactured by dividing the cylinder barrel into multiple segments or sections with different profile characteristics. This segmentation allows for optimized machining precision in different areas while maintaining manufacturing feasibility, as each segment can be produced and then assembled to form the complete drum frame.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cylinder barrel wall thickness is increased to reduce deformation, then machining precision improves, but manufacturing costs and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing wall thickness throughout the cylinder barrel, the patent implements a profiled structure with varying local thickness. The barrel features thicker sections at critical stress points and thinner sections where structural support is less critical, thereby maintaining machining precision while reducing overall material consumption and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled barrel structure creates a composite-like effect within the homogeneous material by combining regions of different thicknesses and densities. This internal composite structure optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio, providing sufficient rigidity for precision machining without requiring excessive material throughout the entire barrel.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a profiled barrel structure is implemented, then mechanical stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The profiled barrel structure incorporates curved and rounded geometric features rather than sharp angular transitions. The flutes and ridges are designed with smooth contours that naturally distribute stress and enhance mechanical stability. This curvature-based approach achieves high stability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex profiled structure is achieved through segmentation of the barrel into standardized sections or modules. Each segment features simplified geometry that can be manufactured using conventional processes, and the segments are assembled to create the complete profiled barrel. This modular approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the mechanical stability benefits of the profiled structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A gantry frame for a computed tomography system is described. The gantry frame comprises a cylindrical drum frame with a cylinder barrel which has a profiled barrel structure. A gantry is also described. Additionally, a computed tomography system is described. A method for manufacturing a gantry frame for a computed tomography system is also described.