A direct drive system for CT scanners has been developed by the Schaeffler Group for a number of leading CT scanner manufacturers. The ‘Simtus’ system incorporates a novel, integrated mechatronic turning unit, which not only helps to halve noise levels on the CT scanners from 12dBA to 6dBA, but also enables images to be generated and recorded 50% faster than previous machines.
Simtus features a low noise bearing originally developed for helicopters; a direct drive ring motor/segment motor; a position measuring module; and high precision components and bearing rings. It incorporates bearings from Schaeffler’s ‘INA and FAG’ range, an ‘IDAM’ direct drive ring motor and components from its super-precision ‘Barden’ range of bearings. In total, the CT scanner machine and patient table utilise eight linear guidance systems, one CT main bearing, two slewing rings and one X-ray tube bearing unit.
Barden super-precision X-ray bearings were used to support the spinning X-ray anode, which rotates at speeds in excess of 10,000rpm under extreme conditions. The operating environment is high voltage, high temperature (400°C to 500°C) in a vacuum down to 10-8 torr.