CT Detector Facility Power-Saving Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computed tomography systems require high power consumption, especially from individual analog detectors, leading to significant energy usage even when not in use for patient examinations, which is inefficient and generates excess heat.
Innovation Solution
A detector facility with a power-saving mode that deactivates portions of individual detectors and their controller components, allowing for reduced power intake without compromising system readiness, by separating voltage supplies and using a switching mechanism to manage power distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the entire computed tomography system is shut down during idle periods to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the time required to return to operating mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector facility is divided into multiple individual detectors, each capable of independent shutdown. This segmentation allows the system to power down only the specific detectors needed for current imaging tasks rather than the entire system, reducing power consumption while maintaining readiness of critical components for rapid reactivation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic power management where individual detectors can be selectively activated or deactivated based on real-time imaging requirements. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt power consumption levels to actual operational needs, balancing energy efficiency with operational readiness.
2Speed
If maximum power is continuously supplied to the detector facility to maintain operational readiness, then the time to return to operating mode is reduced, but unnecessary energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic power cycling at the individual detector level, where detectors are powered down during idle periods and activated only when needed for imaging. This periodic action eliminates continuous power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly restore functionality when imaging requirements arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply parameters for individual detectors are dynamically adjusted based on operational state. During idle periods, power parameters are reduced or shut off completely for non-critical detectors. When imaging is required, power parameters are restored, enabling the system to maintain operational readiness with variable power consumption levels.
3Speed
If all components of individual detectors remain active during idle periods, then fast operational readiness is maintained, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each individual detector is segmented into separatable components with independent power control. This allows selective shutdown of power-intensive components while maintaining standby readiness of essential elements, reducing overall power consumption without completely sacrificing operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply for individual detectors is extracted and controlled independently from the main system power. This separation enables the system to remove power from specific detectors during idle periods while maintaining the capability to quickly restore power and operational status when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A detector facility for a medical imaging system is described. The detector facility has a plurality of individual detectors and at least one detector controller. The detector facility is embodied such that it can be switched to at least one power-saving mode, in which at least one portion of the components of the individual detectors is deactivated and concurrently at least one portion of the components of the detector controller is not deactivated. A medical imaging system, in particular a computed tomography system, having such a detector facility; and a corresponding method for operating a detector facility of a medical imaging system are also described.