Non-Rotating Dampening Material in Roller Trucks for CT Gantry Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CT scanner systems face challenges in effectively damping vibrations caused by the rotation of the gantry, which can lead to faulty image information due to interference with operational frequencies, especially at higher RPMs and varied speeds, despite previous attempts to shift vibration frequencies or use vibration-damping materials.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a roller truck system with non-rotating dampening materials, such as fiberglass or vinyl, integrated into the roller truck's structure to absorb and mitigate vibration frequencies, allowing for effective dampening and reduced energy transfer between the rotating gantry and the support frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration-damping materials are used in the roller truck, then vibration transfer is reduced, but the energy required to rotate the gantry increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transferVSAvoidenergy required to rotate gantry
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the dampening material by making it rotatable along with the gantry, changing its state from stationary to rotating. This allows the material to maintain its vibration-damping properties while rotating, rather than creating friction against a fixed surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The dampening material is designed to rotate dynamically with the gantry rather than remaining static. This dynamic configuration reduces friction and energy requirements while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness throughout the rotation cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the dampening material rotates with the gantry, then friction and energy requirements are reduced, but the effectiveness of vibration dampening may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy required to rotate gantryVSAvoidvibration dampening effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dampening material rotates dynamically with the gantry, maintaining continuous contact and damping effectiveness throughout the rotation cycle while reducing static friction and energy requirements compared to a fixed material configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable dampening material acts as an intermediary between the gantry and the roller truck frame, absorbing and dissipating vibration energies while allowing smooth rotational motion through its ability to rotate with the gantry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution significantly reduces vibration-induced distortions in CT scanner images by converting mechanical energy into heat, thereby improving image quality and operational stability across a range of rotation speeds.

Implementation Method 1

The roller truck comprises a non-rotating dampening material for dampening vibrations caused by the rotation of the rotating gantry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

significantly reduces vibration-induced distortions in CT scanner images by converting mechanical energy into heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy conversion to heat: Viscous Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2725981B1Vibration damping for apparatus comprising rotating gantry
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 ANALOGIC CORP
  • EP2725981B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2725981B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2725981B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

One or more techniques and/or apparatuses described herein provide a roller truck comprising non- rotating dampening material that is configured to dampen vibrations and mitigate the transference of vibrations from a rotating gantry 204 to a support frame 210 and vice-versa during rotation of the rotating gantry 204 relative to the support frame 210. It will be appreciated that two different types of roller trucks, base roller trucks 216 and z-axis roller trucks 206, are described herein, and the non -rotating dampening material may be inserted into one or both types of roller trucks. While the instant disclosure finds particular application in the context of computed tomography apparatus, the instant disclosure is not intended to be limited to such applications.