Rotating CT Frame Asymmetry for Compact Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical image capturing apparatuses, such as CT scanners, face challenges in allowing subjects to easily approach the imaging unit due to the need for large spaces for the apparatus to retract and the burden imposed on the subject by the apparatus's width, particularly when the imaging unit is positioned across the subject.
Innovation Solution
A medical image capturing apparatus with a rotatable and movable annular frame that has a width smaller than the radiation source and detector, allowing the radiation source and detector to protrude from either the upper or lower edge, and a processor-controlled moving mechanism to adjust the frame's position and rotation for efficient subject positioning and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the imaging unit is retreated above the head of the subject to allow subject approach, then subject access is improved, but a large space is required in the upper portion of the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is made movable both vertically and rotatably instead of being fixed. The frame can be retreated vertically above the subject's head and simultaneously rotated so that the radiation source and detector overlap the columns, allowing compact retraction while maintaining subject access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit is rotated in the horizontal dimension in addition to vertical movement. By rotating the frame so that the radiation source and detector overlap the columns, the apparatus achieves compact retraction in the vertical dimension while using horizontal rotation to clear the subject approach path
2Ease of operation
If the imaging unit is moved down to the lowest point to allow subject approach, then subject access is improved, but the imaging unit having certain width is disposed across the subject imposing a burden on the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is made rotatable in addition to vertical movement. By rotating the frame so that the radiation source and detector overlap the columns rather than extending across the subject, the apparatus clears the subject's body while maintaining imaging capability, thus reducing the burden on the subject
Solution Approach 2:
The frame width is made smaller than the width of the radiation source and detector. This asymmetric design allows the radiation source and detector to protrude beyond the frame edges and overlap the columns, enabling the imaging unit to be positioned without extending across the subject's body
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
Enables easy subject access and reduces the burden on the subject by minimizing the required space for apparatus retraction and improving the stability and rotation of the imaging frame, leading to enhanced imaging quality and operational convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source that emits radiation, a radiation detector that detects the radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A CT apparatus includes an annular frame that rotates around a subject positioned in a bore, three columns that hold the frame to be rotatable and movable up and down in a vertical, an elevation mechanism that moves up and down the frame, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the frame. A radiation source and a radiation detector are attached to the frame at positions facing each other. The frame has a width smaller than a width of the radiation source and the radiation detector in a height direction over a whole periphery. An imaging controller performs control for operating the elevation mechanism in response to a return instruction from an operator to move the frame to a retreat height position set at a position of a highest point in an elevation range of the frame on an upper end side of the columns. The imaging controller performs control for operating the rotation mechanism in response to the return instruction from the operator to rotate the frame to a position of 60° that is a first rotation position where the radiation source overlaps the columns.