Switchable SPECT Collimator for Flexible Imaging Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SPECT systems face challenges with complex and time-consuming collimator replacement operations, low flexibility, and high production and maintenance costs due to the large size and weight of collimators, which limits the ability to switch between different fields of view, resolutions, and sensitivities.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a switchable collimator that includes multiple collimating units arranged along the circumference direction, allowing these units to be switched between effective and invalid states via rotation around the axis of the accommodation space, enabling flexible switching between different imaging requirements without physical replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If collimator replacement operations are performed to switch between different fields of view, resolutions, and sensitivities, then imaging flexibility is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is divided into multiple independent collimating units arranged along the circumference direction, each capable of being independently switched between effective and invalid states. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific collimating units to achieve different imaging configurations without replacing the entire collimator assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator incorporates a rotation mechanism that enables dynamic switching between different collimating units by rotating around the accommodation space axis. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition between different fields of view, resolutions, and sensitivities on-demand, transforming a static replacement operation into a dynamic switching process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If collimator replacement operations are performed to switch between different imaging configurations, then adaptability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism enables rapid switching between different collimating units by simply rotating the collimator assembly, eliminating the time-consuming process of physically removing and replacing entire collimators. The system can switch between imaging configurations dynamically during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single collimator assembly integrates multiple collimating units with different configurations (different fields of view, resolutions, sensitivities) into one universal component. This multi-functional design allows the system to perform multiple imaging tasks with a single device, eliminating the need for multiple separate collimators and the time required to replace them.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple collimators with different configurations are used to achieve different fields of view and resolutions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple collimating units with different configurations are merged into a single collimator assembly, arranged along the circumference direction. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components from multiple independent collimators to one integrated unit, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the capability to switch between different imaging parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator assembly serves as a universal component that can provide multiple imaging configurations (different fields of view, resolutions, and sensitivities) through the selection and activation of appropriate collimating units. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized collimators, reducing system complexity and maintenance requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If collimator replacement operations are performed to switch between different imaging modes, then versatility is improved, but production and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple collimating units are manufactured and integrated into a single collimator assembly, reducing the total number of components that need to be produced, stored, and maintained. This consolidation lowers production costs by eliminating redundant manufacturing processes and reduces maintenance costs by reducing the number of replaceable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal collimator assembly can perform multiple imaging modes through internal configuration switching rather than requiring separate specialized collimators for each mode. This reduces the bill of materials, simplifies inventory management, and decreases maintenance burden, directly impacting production and maintenance costs positively.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an imaging system. The imaging system may include a detector including a detector including detecting modules arranged along the circumference direction of the imaging apparatus and configured to form the accommodation space; and a collimator including collimating modules arranged along the circumference direction and configured to rotate around the axis of the accommodation space that is perpendicular to the circumference direction. One of the collimating modules may include multiple collimating units in different configurations. The multiple collimating units may be arranged along the circumference direction. Each of the multiple collimating units may be switched between an effective state and an invalid state via a rotation of the collimator around the axis of the accommodation space.