Mobile C-Arm X-Ray Lithium-Ion Battery System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile C-arm X-ray apparatuses face challenges with long charging times of lead-acid batteries and limited storage capacity of condenser units, leading to obstructive and hazardous power cable connections in confined hospital areas, limiting their autonomous operation and safety.

Innovation Solution

A mobile C-arm X-ray apparatus equipped with a high current-capable lithium-ion battery system, featuring two electrically separate energy storage regions for the X-ray source and system power supply, allowing for extended autonomous operation and quick charging, reducing the need for power cables in operating theaters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If lead-acid batteries are used to power mobile X-ray apparatus, then the apparatus can be moved between facilities, but the charging time becomes excessively long (5-7 hours)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operation timeVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition and electrical parameters of the energy storage device from lead-acid battery to lithium-ion battery, achieving a transition from 5-7 hour charging times to approximately 1 hour charging times, while increasing energy density and autonomous operation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the energy storage system into two electrically separate regions: a first region (lithium-ion battery) dedicated to powering the X-ray source with high current capability, and a second region for system power supply, allowing independent optimization of each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If condenser units are used for current storage, then high amperage can be provided for X-ray imaging, but the storage capacity becomes very limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent output capabilityVSAvoidenergy storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from condenser-based energy storage to lithium-ion battery technology, changing the fundamental parameters of energy density and storage capacity while maintaining the ability to deliver high currents required for X-ray source operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dedicated first energy storage region optimized specifically for X-ray source power delivery, separating it from the general system power supply, thereby ensuring sufficient energy capacity for imaging operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of stationary object

If power cable connections are used to supply electrical energy, then continuous operation can be maintained, but the cables become obstructive and safety hazards in confined areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidobstruction and safety hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power supply dependency from the mobile X-ray apparatus by equipping it with an autonomous lithium-ion battery system, eliminating the need for trailing power cables and enabling truly cable-free operation in confined hospital areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the energy supply mode from external grid connection via cable to internal autonomous battery power, fundamentally altering how the apparatus obtains and uses electrical energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables longer autonomous operation of the C-arm X-ray apparatus without additional energy supply cables, ensuring continuous operation and safety by separating energy storage for the X-ray source and system, and facilitating quick recharging during breaks between operations.

Implementation Method 1

A mobile C-arm X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c) according to an embodiment includes an electrically operated X-ray source (3) and an electric energy storage device (6) with a high current-capable battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS10588584B2Mobile C-arm X-ray apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.03.17 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • US10588584B2 patent drawing
  • US10588584B2 patent drawing
  • US10588584B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile c-arm X-ray apparatus is described. The mobile X-ray apparatus includes an electrically operated X-ray source. The mobile C-arm X-ray apparatus also includes an electrical energy storage device having a high current-capable accumulator. The electrical energy storage device includes a first electrical terminal electrically connected to the electrically operated X-ray source and a second electrical terminal used by a system energy supply. A method for operating the mobile X-ray apparatus is also described.