Charging Station for Portable X-ray Detectors with Biasing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable digital X-ray detectors used in radiological imaging systems require a solution for efficient charging and storage, as they are not affixed to specific systems and need periodic power replenishment, and existing solutions lack flexibility in accommodating detectors of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A charging station with interchangeable detector slots, capable of holding different sizes of portable detectors, which uses biasing members for alignment and power transfer via connectors or electromagnetic field effects, and a monitor for tracking detector status and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a charging station is designed to accommodate detectors of varying sizes, then the adaptability and versatility of the charging station is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for interchangeable detector slots and biasing members
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is designed with universal detector slots that can accommodate multiple detector sizes through interchangeable configurations. The biasing members are configured to work with different detector types, allowing a single charging station to serve multiple detector sizes without requiring separate charging devices for each detector type.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector slot is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently adjusted or configured. This segmentation allows the slot to adapt to different detector sizes by reconfiguring the internal components, particularly the biasing members, to match the specific detector being charged.
2Ease of operation
If biasing members are used to align connectors, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing members are configured to automatically align the connectors when a detector is inserted into the charging slot. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to position connectors correctly, as the biasing members naturally guide the detector into the proper alignment position through their mechanical configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members act as intermediary mechanical elements between the detector and the charging station housing. They facilitate the connection process by mediating the alignment between the detector's complementary connector and the housing connector, ensuring proper engagement without requiring precise manual positioning.
3Productivity
If multiple detector slots are provided, then the productivity is improved by enabling simultaneous charging of multiple detectors, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detector slots are combined into a single integrated charging station housing. The slots share common structural elements, power supply connections, and control systems, allowing simultaneous charging of multiple detectors while avoiding the need for separate charging devices. This merging approach consolidates functionality into one unit, improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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 efficient charging and storage of portable X-ray detectors of various sizes, ensuring they are ready for use and providing a centralized hub for management and tracking of detector status, usage, and location.
Implementation Method 1
a non-pin interaction region configured to transfer power to a portable radiation detector via electromagnetic or field effects
Data Source
AI summary
A charging station for a portable X-ray detector is described. In one embodiment, the charging station includes one or more biasing members that act to guide and align a portable detector when inserted into the charging station. In certain embodiments, a physical, pin-type connector for connecting to an inserted portable detector is present, while in other embodiments no pin-type connector is present.