Contactless Data-Link Antenna for Rotating Imaging Gantry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slip-ring assemblies used for transferring power and data between rotating and stationary units in radiation imaging modalities are prone to dust generation, wear, noise, and limited data transfer speeds, which are inadequate for modern photon counting imaging modalities that require faster and wider frequency range data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A wide frequency bandwidth data-link system utilizing a transmitting antenna with two conducting portions, each capable of conducting different frequency ranges, and a receiving antenna that combines and processes radio frequency signals to achieve high-speed data transfer, exceeding conventional limits of 1.5 Gbps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional slip-ring assemblies are used to transfer data between rotating and stationary units, then data transfer can be achieved through physical contact, but the data transfer speed is limited (at most 1.5 Gbps) and the system generates dust, wear, and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip-ring assembly with an electromagnetic induction system consisting of a transmitting antenna on the rotating unit and a receiving antenna on the stationary unit. This substitution eliminates physical contact, thereby eliminating wear, dust generation, and noise while enabling higher data transfer speeds through wireless electromagnetic signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer data between the rotating and stationary units. The transmitting antenna converts electrical signals to electromagnetic signals that pass through the air gap, and the receiving antenna converts them back, serving as a non-contact mediator that enables high-speed data transfer without mechanical contact.
2Ease of operation
If slip-ring assemblies with metal brushes are used, then power and data can be transferred through sliding contact, but dust and particles are generated that interfere with imaging procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding contact system with an electromagnetic field-based transmission system. The transmitting and receiving antennas enable power and data transfer through electromagnetic induction without physical contact, completely eliminating the generation of dust and particles that would interfere with imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mechanical contact components (metal brushes and slip-rings) from the system, removing the source of dust and particle generation. The data transfer function is maintained through electromagnetic signals that pass through the air gap without requiring physical contact surfaces.
3Reliability
If contactless assemblies are used to transfer data, then dust and wear are eliminated, but the data transfer capability and frequency range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple bands and uses multiple transmitting and receiving antenna elements tuned to different frequency ranges. This segmentation allows the system to handle a wide frequency spectrum simultaneously, increasing both data transfer capability and adaptability while maintaining the contactless design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the antenna system to be multi-functional, capable of operating across a wide frequency range and handling various data transfer rates. The universal design allows the same contactless assembly to adapt to different imaging modalities and data requirements without sacrificing reliability or requiring physical contact.
4Device complexity
If a single conducting portion is used in the transmitting antenna, then the structure is simple, but the frequency bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmitting antenna into multiple conducting portions, each designed to operate at different frequency ranges. This segmentation enables the antenna system to cover a broader frequency bandwidth by combining the capabilities of individual conducting portions, while each portion maintains a relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite antenna structures combining multiple conducting portions with different geometric configurations and materials optimized for different frequency ranges. This composite approach enables wide frequency bandwidth coverage while managing the complexity through systematic design of the individual components.
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
The solution enables efficient and reliable high-speed data transfer between rotating and stationary units, supporting modern imaging modalities by reducing signal attenuation and maintaining data integrity across a broad frequency range, thus addressing the limitations of conventional slip-ring assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting antenna mounted to the rotor and configured to radiate radio waves in response to electrical signals, corresponding to at least some of the data, applied to the transmitting element
Implementation Method 2
a receiving antenna mounted to the stator and configured to receive the radio waves and to output electrical signals, corresponding to the radio waves, applied to a receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, one or more data-links for transferring information between a stationary unit and a movable (e.g., rotating) unit, or between two movable units without contact between the units is provided. A transmitting antenna of a data-link comprises at least two capacitive conducting portions, a first portion configured to conduct signals having a first frequency range (e.g., a higher frequency range) and a second portion configured to conduct signals having a second frequency range (e.g., a lower frequency range). The second portion is comprised of a plurality of members (e.g., conductive plates) arranged to create a substantially continuous electrically conductive structure (e.g., although respective members may not be in physical contact with adjacent members). In this way, a loss of capacitance in a transition between two adjacent members is reduced to provide for transferring information at lower frequencies where a higher capacitance is desirable, for example.