X-ray CT Apparatus Battery Power Slip Ring Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray CT apparatuses require frequent maintenance due to slip ring abrasion and noise-induced picture quality deterioration from traditional power supply methods, increasing maintenance costs and potentially degrading image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a battery-powered system with a console device to monitor and manage power supply, eliminating the need for a slip ring and reducing noise-related issues by using a battery to power the rotating body, which supports the X-ray tube and detector, and processing circuitry to determine scanning conditions based on battery capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a slip ring is used for power supply to the rotating body, then electricity can be supplied continuously, but abrasion occurs and maintenance is required frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The rotating body is equipped with a power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a transmitter in the fixed part, eliminating mechanical contact and thus abrasion entirely while maintaining continuous power supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the fixed part and the rotating body. This intermediary enables power transmission without direct mechanical contact, solving the wear problem of slip rings while maintaining reliable power delivery
2Power
If a traditional power supply device is used, then high voltage can be applied to the rotating body, but noise is generated that deteriorates picture quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic power supply devices that generate noise with a battery-powered system. The battery provides power without generating the electromagnetic interference and noise that deteriorate picture quality, while still enabling high voltage supply to the X-ray tube through appropriate voltage conversion circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a battery as a finite energy source that can be replaced periodically. This disposable energy source eliminates the need for complex noise-filtering power supply systems, simplifying the overall design while ensuring clean power delivery without noise interference
3Ease of operation
If a slip ring system is implemented, then power can be supplied to the rotating body, but the system becomes complex requiring regular maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical slip ring assembly with a streamlined wireless power transmission system. This substitution eliminates brushes, commutators, and associated mechanical components, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining full power supply functionality to the rotating body
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic slip ring component from the system entirely. By eliminating this complex mechanical interface, the system becomes simpler with fewer moving parts, reduced maintenance requirements, and improved reliability while preserving essential power delivery capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray CT apparatus of an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a data processor, a battery, a rotating body, and processing circuitry. The X-ray detector is configured to detect X rays output from the X-ray tube. The data processor is configured to process a signal output from the X-ray detector. The battery is configured to supply electric power to the data processor. The rotating body is configured to rotatably support the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, the X-ray tube facing the X-ray detector, and further to rotatably support the data processor and the battery. The processing circuitry is configured to monitor a remaining capacity of the battery, and determine a scanning condition on the basis of the remaining capacity.