Self-Shielding Movable Gantry for Compression-Free Breast CT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breast computed tomography (BCT) systems require high X-ray doses, are bulky and stationary, necessitating shielded rooms, limiting space utilization, and face challenges in moving and installing, while mammography apparatuses cause patient discomfort and image deformation due to breast compression.
Innovation Solution
A self-shielding and movable gantry with a miniaturized, low-dose X-ray system and high-sensitive detector, allowing for low-dose imaging and easy installation, combined with a breast computed tomography apparatus that uses gravity-based positioning for accurate 3D imaging without compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional BCT systems are used, then imaging coverage is comprehensive, but X-ray dose is high and installation requires shielded rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shielding function into modular lead plates that can be selectively positioned around the gantry. Instead of requiring complete room shielding, the lead plates are attached to specific sections of the gantry structure where X-ray leakage occurs, creating localized shielding zones that protect against harmful radiation while maintaining system mobility and reducing overall shielding material requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lead plates as intermediary shielding elements between the X-ray source and the surrounding environment. These lead plates act as mediators that absorb and block X-ray radiation, allowing the system to achieve adequate radiation protection without requiring complete enclosure in a shielded room, thus reducing installation complexity and cost
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional BCT systems are used, then imaging capability is comprehensive, but the system is stationary and requires dedicated installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary gantry structure into a movable system by introducing wheeled mobility mechanisms and detachable lead plate shielding components. The gantry can be moved to different positions and the lead plates can be attached or removed based on imaging needs, enabling the system to adapt to various clinical environments without requiring permanent installation in a dedicated shielded room
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the shielding function from the fixed building structure and integrates it directly onto the movable gantry as detachable lead plates. This separation allows the shielding capability to move with the imaging system, eliminating the need for a permanent shielded room and reducing the footprint of dedicated installation space
3Manufacturing precision
If mammography apparatus uses compression member, then image quality is improved and radiation dose is reduced, but patient experiences pain and image deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a gravity-based positioning system. Instead of using a compression member to press the breast against the detector, the system uses gravitational force to naturally position the breast in the correct orientation and maintain contact with the detector during imaging, eliminating the need for external compression forces that cause patient discomfort and tissue deformation
4Use of energy by moving object
If breast compression is applied, then radiation dose is reduced, but postoperative monitoring and lesion volume measurement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the compression-based imaging approach with a gravity-based positioning system that maintains natural breast anatomy. The breast is positioned using gravitational force without external compression, allowing for accurate three-dimensional imaging and precise measurement of lesion volume while still achieving adequate radiation dose reduction through optimized imaging protocols and detector sensitivity
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 solution provides low-dose, comfortable, and accurate 3D imaging with reduced installation costs and space requirements, enabling flexible use and integration of AI for precise breast cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the frame includes a shield on an entire inner surface thereof to shield against the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube
Implementation Method 2
a perovskite type high-sensitive low-dose X-ray detector coupled to a second side of the rotary gear, receiving the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through a subject, converting the received X-rays into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
a low-dose subminiature nano cold-cathode field-emission digital X-ray tube coupled to a first side of the rotary gear and generating X-rays based on high voltage applied thereto
Implementation Method 4
positioning is based on only gravity, and lymph nodes are easily observed without limitations on diagnosis areas
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a self-shielding and movable gantry and a breast computed tomography apparatus with the same, in particular, in which the BCT can be freely installed and moved through its own X-ray shielding, which enables examinations with no physical or clinical limitations through a full three-dimensional isotropic image of a breast without compressing the breast, does not require complementary examinations such as MRI or ultrasound, allows for a comfortable, accurate and versatile examination with the minimum face-to-face and contact, and the use of the taken images can be maximized along with AI.