CT Contactless Bidirectional Data Communication via Inductive Crosstalk

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CT imaging systems face challenges with unidirectional communication and high operational tolerances in data transfer between rotating and stationary components, necessitating improved contactless communication methods.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a contactless communication system using inductive crosstalk between conductive lines coupled to stationary and rotating components, utilizing orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing and frequency shifting to enable bidirectional data transfer with reduced signal interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optical communication systems or capacitive coupling are used for data transfer between rotating and stationary components, then data communication is achieved, but the system requires relatively high tolerances for proper operation and is limited to unidirectional communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication directionalityVSAvoidoperational tolerances
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact systems (slip rings, capacitive coupling) with an electromagnetic induction-based contactless power and data transfer system. The primary winding on the rotating component and secondary winding on the stationary component create magnetic coupling that eliminates mechanical wear and tolerance requirements, enabling both power and bidirectional data communication simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic coupling system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transfers power from stationary to rotating components, enables bidirectional data communication between both components, and eliminates the need for separate mechanical contact systems. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing versatile communication capabilities without imposing stringent tolerance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional contactless power transfer systems are used, then power transfer is achieved, but bidirectional data communication is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic coupling as an intermediary between the primary and secondary windings, which enables not only power transfer but also bidirectional data communication. By modulating the load on the secondary side, data can be transmitted back to the primary side through the same magnetic coupling channel, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges power transfer and data communication functions into a single electromagnetic coupling interface. The same primary and secondary windings that transfer power also enable bidirectional data communication through load modulation and detection, simplifying the overall system structure while achieving versatile functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Achieves bi-directional, low-tolerance data communication between rotating and stationary components in CT imaging systems, enhancing system efficiency and reducing signal distortion.

Implementation Method 1

inductive crosstalk between said first and second conductive lines provides a contactless communication channel for communicating data between said stationary component and said rotating component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive crosstalk: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3600053B1Contactless data communication in CT systems
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SMITHS DETECTION INC(US)
  • EP3600053B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3600053B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3600053B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A CT imaging system for imaging an object is provided. The CT imaging system includes a stationary component, a rotating component configured to rotate with respect to the stationary component, a first conductive line coupled to the stationary component, and a second conductive line coupled to the rotating component, wherein the first and second conductive lines are positioned proximate one another such that inductive crosstalk between the first and second conductive lines provides a contactless communication channel for communicating data between the stationary component and the rotating component.