Balanced Integrated Power Source for CT Gantry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computed tomography (CT) imaging systems with slip rings experience misalignment and wear, leading to increased maintenance frequency and electrical impedance, which affects imaging quality and system reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a balanced integrated power source mounted on the rotatable section of the gantry, which includes an integrated electrical storage device that can be electronically isolated from a stationary power source, eliminating the need for a slip ring and providing power to the x-ray tube and other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a slip ring is used to transfer electrical power from the stationary section to the rotatable gantry, then power can be continuously supplied during rotation, but the slip ring experiences misalignment and wear leading to increased maintenance frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slip ring component entirely from the system. Instead of using a slip ring to transfer power during rotation, the system uses a stationary power source that charges an integrated electrical storage device (battery) mounted on the rotatable gantry. The battery then supplies power to the x-ray tube and other components during rotation, completely eliminating the wear and misalignment issues associated with slip rings.
2Power
If a slip ring is used to transfer high electrical current during x-ray operation, then power can be transmitted to the rotatable gantry, but electrical impedance increases affecting imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the slip ring's power transmission function by replacing it with an integrated electrical storage device (battery) mounted on the rotatable gantry. The battery supplies electrical current directly to the x-ray tube during rotation without requiring a slip ring, thereby completely eliminating electrical impedance issues that affect imaging quality.
3Reliability
If an integrated electrical storage device is mounted on the rotatable section, then the need for a slip ring is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated electrical storage device (battery) serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power to the x-ray tube and other components during rotation, acts as a counterweight to balance the rotatable gantry section, and eliminates the need for a slip ring. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing several benefits from a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the integrated electrical storage device (battery) on the rotatable gantry section to serve as a counterweight, balancing the weight of the x-ray tube and other components. This counterbalancing function reduces mechanical stress on the rotation mechanism and improves system stability, offsetting the complexity of adding the battery.
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 configuration reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, enhances imaging quality by minimizing oscillation and mechanical load, and increases system reliability by eliminating slip ring-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated electrical storage device mounted to the rotatable section
Implementation Method 2
a motor configured to drive a rotatable section of a gantry
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for an imaging system including a gantry with a rotatable section including an integrated power source. The integrated power source is configured to provide power to an x-ray tube and other components coupled to the rotatable section and is configured to rotate with the rotatable section. The integrated power source is configured to provide a counter-weight to other components coupled to the rotatable section to increase a rotational balance of the gantry.