Rotatable Drum Assembly for Radiology Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cantilevered designs for wide-area detector arrays in radiology imaging modalities face challenges with substantial forces and weight distribution during high-speed rotation, particularly in high-throughput and volume imaging applications, where generating 3D images requires a large detector array to accommodate numerous slices concurrently.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable drum assembly with a bore for positioning the object, where the X-ray source and detector array are mounted diametrically opposite each other, and a support frame facilitates rotation, allowing the detector array to be supported on both sides of the drum rather than being cantilevered, and comprising interchangeable modules for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wide-area detector array is used to accommodate numerous slices concurrently for volume imaging, then the imaging capability and productivity are improved, but the weight and force distribution during high-speed rotation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into multiple detector modules that can be independently mounted on the rotatable drum. Each module can be separately supported and replaced, reducing the burden on any single mounting point and improving weight distribution during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a support frame structure that provides counterbalancing and distributed support for the wide-area detector array during rotation. The diametrically opposite mounting configuration helps balance the weight distribution, reducing centrifugal forces and improving rotational stability at high speeds.
2Device complexity
If the detector array is mounted cantilevered to the rotating gantry, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force distribution and reliability during high-speed rotation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple modules that are distributed around the rotatable drum. This segmentation allows each module to be independently supported by the drum structure, eliminating the need for a complex cantilevered mounting structure while improving force distribution and rotational reliability.
3Productivity
If a large detector array is used for high-speed rotation in volume imaging, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to substantial forces and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into interchangeable detector modules that can be independently removed and replaced. This modular design, combined with the rotatable drum mounting, allows individual modules to be accessed and replaced without moving the entire large detector array, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining high throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable drum design allows the detector modules to be positioned at various angular locations, enabling dynamic access to different modules for maintenance. Modules can be rotated to accessible positions for replacement, making repair easier while maintaining the large detector array configuration needed for high-speed volume imaging.
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 design mitigates the force and weight distribution issues, enabling efficient high-speed rotation and easy module replacement, thereby enhancing the reliability and throughput of radiology imaging modalities, particularly in high-throughput and volume imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source configured to emit X-ray radiation towards an object under examination
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector array configured to detect at least a portion of the emitted X-ray radiation that traversed the object under examination
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, a rotatable drum for a radiology imaging modality is provided herein. The rotatable drum comprises a bore, defined by an inner circumference of a sidewall of the rotatable drum. In one embodiment, the sidewall comprises one or more apertures through which radiation may pass. By way of example, a radiation source and a detector array may be mounted outside of the bore (e.g., on an outside surface of the sidewall) and apertures in the sidewall may permit radiation to pass from the radiation source to the detector array without being attenuated by the sidewall of the drum. In another embodiment, the detector array may be comprised of a plurality of detector modules that may be individually mounted/dismounted from the rotatable drum, and in one example, may provide structural support to the rotatable drum.