X-Ray CT Detector Module Alignment Through Electrode Marks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The positioning accuracy of radiation detector modules is difficult to improve due to the reliance on pins, which do not directly adjust the positional relationship between modules, affecting detection accuracy.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating through holes in the first electrode of the radiation detector modules that allow visual recognition of alignment marks, enabling precise positioning of adjacent modules based on the positions of second electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If positioning is performed based on pins provided on a mounting part, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the positioning accuracy of radiation detector modules is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning structure is segmented into multiple functional components: alignment marks on the radiation detector modules, a positioning plate with corresponding mark patterns, and a mounting part with adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while achieving high positioning accuracy through the coordinated interaction of these segmented elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment marks and positioning plate acts as an intermediary between the radiation detector modules and the mounting part. This intermediary system translates the simple pin-based mechanical connection into a precise optical/visual alignment system, enabling accurate positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms in the mounting part itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If pins are used for positioning, then the device complexity is low, but the relative positional relationship between adjacent radiation detector modules cannot be directly adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative positioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical pin-based positioning system is replaced with an optical/visual alignment system using alignment marks and a positioning plate. This substitution allows for direct visual adjustment and precise control of the relative positional relationship between adjacent radiation detector modules, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms while achieving higher positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If alignment marks are made visually recognizable through through holes in the first electrode, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the electrode structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment mark visibilityVSAvoidelectrode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first electrode is designed with local quality variations: it contains through holes at specific locations where alignment marks are positioned, while remaining solid in other areas. This localized modification allows the alignment marks to be visually recognizable through the electrode structure without requiring the entire electrode to be modified, thus achieving improved positioning accuracy with minimal increase in structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4075169B1Radiation detector module, radiation detector, and x-ray CT apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • EP4075169B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4075169B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4075169B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A radiation detector module of an embodiment includes a radiation detector, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a mark. The radiation detector includes an incident surface and is configured to detect radiation incident from the incident surface. The first electrode is provided on the side of the incident surface of the radiation detector. The second electrode is provided to face the first electrode through the radiation detector. The mark is provided on at least one of the incident surface of the radiation detector and the first electrode.