Integrated stationary and rotating computed tomography gantry structure with a unified drive

A computed tomography (CT) imaging system, comprising:

• an integrated gantry structure, comprising:
• a rotating component configured to couple to imaging components, wherein the rotating component comprises a drive mechanism integrated on the rotating component that is configured to drive rotation of the rotating component and the imaging components in response to a driving force, wherein the drive mechanism includes drive teeth;
• a stationary component configured to support the rotating component, wherein the rotating component and the stationary component form an annular recess, wherein the rotating component comprises a first annular structure having an outer surface facing away from a rotational axis of the rotating component in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotational axis, and the stationary component comprises a second annular structure having an inner surface facing toward the rotational axis in the radial direction, and wherein the annular recess is formed between an interface between the outer surface and the inner surface;
• a wire race bearing disposed within the annular recess;
• and
• an annular retainer sleeve disposed about the outer surface of the first annular structure while abutting a lateral surface of the second annular structure, wherein the annular retainer sleeve is configured to keep the rotating component coupled to the stationary component via the wire race bearing.

A method for forming an integrated gantry structure of a computed tomography imaging system, comprising:

• providing a rotating component configured to couple to imaging components, wherein the rotating component comprises a drive mechanism integrated on the rotating component that is configured to drive rotation of the rotating component and the imaging components in response to a driving force, wherein the drive mechanism includes drive teeth;
• disposing an annular retainer sleeve about the rotating component;
• providing a stationary component configured to support the rotating component;
• inserting a portion of the rotating component into the stationary component with a bearing disposed within an annular recess defined by the portion of the rotating component and the stationary component, wherein the portion of the rotating component is inserted until the annular retainer sleeve abuts the stationary component adjacent the annular recess to keep the rotating component coupled to the stationary component via the bearing.