Gantry system for CT imaging system and methods of assembling same
Inventors
Hills, Steven Leslie • Garzon, Pedro Andres • Murch, Anthony James
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10024998-B2
Publication Date
2018-07-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
A gantry system for use with a computed tomography (CT) imaging system is provided. The gantry system includes a gantry assembly configured to rotate about a rotational axis to collect imaging data from an object. The gantry assembly includes a support rail. A radially inner surface of the support rail includes a canted first portion and an oppositely canted second portion. The gantry system also includes a plurality of roller assemblies rotatably supporting the gantry assembly. Each of the plurality of roller assemblies comprises a first roller sleeve configured to engage the first portion and a second roller sleeve configured to engage the second portion.
Core Innovation
The problem addressed is providing a gantry system for use with a computed tomography (CT) imaging system in which a gantry assembly rotates about a rotational axis to collect imaging data from an object, while improving mechanical support and engagement between the gantry and a roller-supported structure. The document describes a support rail with a radially inner surface that includes a canted first portion and an oppositely canted second portion, which are engaged by corresponding roller sleeves.
The core architecture uses a gantry assembly and a plurality of roller assemblies that rotatably support the gantry assembly. Each roller assembly comprises a first roller sleeve configured to engage the first portion and a second roller sleeve configured to engage the oppositely canted second portion, and the roller assemblies can be coupled to a base so the canted rail portions are engaged via the first and second roller sleeves.
The engagement geometry is described in terms of rotatable engagement without slipping and self-alignment behavior. The support rail portions are oppositely canted to provide self-alignment under perturbations, and the roller sleeve and engagement surface geometry is configured so engagement surfaces are substantially parallel to the respective canted rail portions. The document also describes roller sleeves shaped as frusto-conical forms symmetric about corresponding spindles, and it states that use of off-the-shelf roller components reduces part count, cost, and maintenance time.
Claims Coverage
The document includes three independent claims. The inventive coverage is anchored by a rotating CT gantry assembly supported by roller assemblies that engage a support rail having a radially inner surface with oppositely canted first and second portions via corresponding first and second roller sleeves.
Rotatable gantry supported by oppositely canted rail engaged by first and second roller sleeves
A gantry assembly configured to rotate about a rotational axis to collect imaging data from an object; a support rail including a radially inner surface having a canted first portion and an oppositely canted second portion; and a plurality of roller assemblies rotatably supporting the gantry assembly, where each roller assembly comprises a first roller sleeve configured to engage the first portion and a second roller sleeve configured to engage the second portion.
CT imaging system with radiation source and detectors supported by canted rail engaged by first and second roller sleeves
A computed tomography (CT) imaging system comprising a base; a plurality of roller assemblies coupled to the base, each roller assembly comprising a first roller sleeve and a second roller sleeve; and a gantry assembly rotatably coupled to the plurality of roller assemblies for rotation about a rotational axis, the gantry assembly comprising a radiation source, at least one detector configured to detect radiation emitted by the radiation source, and a support rail with a radially inner surface including a canted first portion engaged by the first roller sleeve and an oppositely canted second portion engaged by the second roller sleeve.
Assembly method coupling roller assemblies to base and engaging oppositely canted rail portions by first and second roller sleeves
A method of assembling a CT imaging system including a base comprising coupling a plurality of roller assemblies to the base, each roller assembly comprising a first roller sleeve and a second roller sleeve; and coupling a gantry assembly to the plurality of roller assemblies such that a canted first portion of a radially inner surface of a support rail is engaged by the first roller sleeve of each roller assembly and an oppositely canted second portion is engaged by the second roller sleeve of each roller assembly.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage is the rotating CT gantry assembly supported by roller assemblies that engage a support rail having a radially inner surface with oppositely canted first and second portions via corresponding first and second roller sleeves. One independent claim additionally sets the system context with a radiation source and detector detection of emitted radiation, and another independent claim covers coupling-based assembly of the CT imaging system so the canted portions are engaged by the roller sleeves.
Stated Advantages
Use of off-the-shelf roller components reduces part count, cost, and maintenance time.
Documented Applications
A gantry system for use with a computed tomography (CT) imaging system to collect imaging data from an object by rotating about a rotational axis.
A computed tomography (CT) imaging system including a radiation source and at least one detector to detect radiation emitted by the radiation source, supported by roller assemblies engaging a canted support rail.
A method of assembling a CT imaging system by coupling roller assemblies to a base and then coupling a gantry assembly so oppositely canted portions of a support rail are engaged by corresponding roller sleeves.
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