Active Resonant Voltage Switching for X-Ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT and radiographic x-ray imaging systems face limitations in voltage switching speed due to capacitance in high-voltage cables and x-ray tube capacitance, leading to reduced material characterization sensitivity and streak artifacts in images, particularly in applications requiring fast switching like cardiac imaging.
Innovation Solution
A voltage switching system utilizing active resonant modules with switching devices, capacitors, and inductors for resonant switching, allowing for fast and efficient energy transfer between voltage levels, enabling rapid switching between high and low voltage states while recovering and reusing energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional high-voltage cable and x-ray tube capacitance is used for voltage switching, then system stability is maintained, but voltage switching speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capacitance into two functional parts: system capacitance (Csys) that maintains voltage stability, and an additional capacitor (Cadd) that enables fast switching. This segmentation allows each capacitance component to serve its specific purpose without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary circuit configuration with switching devices (S1, S2) that mediates between the system capacitance and the voltage switching requirement. The switching devices act as intermediaries to control charge transfer between capacitors, enabling fast switching while preserving system stability.
2Measurement precision
If rapid voltage switching is implemented for material characterization, then energy discrimination capability is improved, but switching delay due to capacitance reduces fidelity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the voltage switching path in advance by pre-charging the additional capacitor (Cadd) during the low-voltage state. When high-voltage switching is required, the pre-charged capacitor is rapidly connected, eliminating the need to charge the full capacitance during the critical switching moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the effective capacitance parameter dynamically by switching between different capacitor configurations. During low-voltage states, the full capacitance (Csys + Cadd) is utilized for energy storage. During high-voltage transitions, only the smaller Cadd is actively switched, reducing the time constant and enabling faster response.
3Reliability
If high-frequency voltage switching is used for cardiac imaging, then motion artifact reduction is improved, but energy loss during switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers energy that would otherwise be lost during voltage switching. The additional capacitor (Cadd) captures residual energy during voltage transitions and returns it to the system during subsequent cycles, reducing overall energy consumption and heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the additional capacitor charged and ready for rapid deployment. Rather than repeatedly charging and discharging the full system capacitance, the pre-charged Cadd provides continuous fast-switching capability with minimal energy expenditure.
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
This approach enables faster voltage switching, improving material decomposition and effective atomic number estimation, reducing electromagnetic interference, and enhancing image fidelity by maintaining stable voltage during scanning integration periods.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor (e.g., an energy-store capacitor) connected to the pair of switching devices and configured to receive a discharge energy from the system capacitance during a resonant operating cycle when switching an output voltage from the first (e.g., high) voltage level to the second (e.g., low) voltage level, wherein the energy-storage capacitor is further configured to restore system energy when switching from the second voltage level to the first voltage level
Implementation Method 2
a resonant inductor configured to transfer energy to and from the energy-storage capacitor
Implementation Method 3
a resonant inductor configured to transfer energy to and from the energy-storage capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for active resonant voltage switching are provided. One active resonant switching system includes a voltage switching system having one or more active resonant modules to provide a switching voltage output. Each of the resonant modules includes a plurality of switching devices configured to operate in open and closed states to produce first and second voltage level outputs from a voltage input. The resonant modules also include a capacitor connected to the switching devices and configured to receive a discharge energy during a resonant operating cycle when switching an output voltage from the first voltage level to the second voltage level, wherein the capacitor is further configured to restore system energy when switching from the second to first voltage level. The resonant modules further include a resonant inductor configured to transfer energy to and from the capacitor.