X-ray CT Rotary Base Reinforcing Ring Centrifugal Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing X-ray computed tomographic apparatuses face image quality deterioration and deformation issues due to high-speed rotation of the rotary base, leading to deviations in the X-ray tube and detector installation angles, which affects the precision of X-ray detection and image quality, especially when the center of gravity of heavy components like the X-ray tube and detector deviate from the rotary base's axis, causing centrifugal forces that deform the base.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a reinforcing ring made of materials with higher rigidity than the rotary base, such as iron, stainless steel, or titanium, fixed to the rotary base to counteract centrifugal forces and maintain the installation angle precision of the X-ray tube and detector, preventing deformation and ensuring stable image quality during high-speed rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the rotary base rotates at high speed to improve productivity, then the scanning speed increases, but centrifugal force deforms the rotary base causing installation angle deviation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning speedVSAvoidinstallation angle precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the rotary base by adding a reinforcing ring with different material properties (higher rigidity) to modify the overall stiffness characteristics, allowing high-speed rotation without excessive deformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction by combining the original rotary base material with a reinforcing ring made of different materials (iron, stainless steel, or titanium) that have higher rigidity, creating a composite structure that resists centrifugal force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If the rotary base is reinforced to prevent deformation, then installation angle precision is maintained, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation angle precisionVSAvoidapparatus size
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local reinforcement by adding a reinforcing ring only at specific locations on the rotary base where stiffness is most needed, rather than uniformly thickening the entire structure, thus maintaining compact size while improving precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively prevents image quality deterioration and deformation of the rotary base, allowing for high-speed rotation without deviating the X-ray tube and detector angles, thus maintaining precise image capture without enlarging the apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

when the rotary base rotates at high speed, a great centrifugal force may be generated in heavy loads, such as the X-ray tube, the X-ray detector, and the high-voltage generator, which are fixed inside the rotary base, and consequently the rotary base may be deformed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP1762177B1X-ray computed tomographic apparatus
Publication Date: 2014.11.05 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP1762177B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1762177B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1762177B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An X-ray computed tomographic apparatus includes a cylindrical rotary base (11) supported so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis, an X-ray tube unit (12) mounted on the rotary base (11), an X-ray detecting unit (13) mounted on the rotary base (11), and a reinforcing ring (15) fixed to an end of the rotary base (11), and having a greater rigidity than the rotary base (11).