Grounding Slip Ring Integration in CT Gantry Carrier Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computed tomography systems face challenges in efficiently and space-effectively grounding rotatable gantry sections, which complicates the contactless transmission of electrical power and data, often requiring cumbersome grounding slip rings and brushes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a grounding slip ring within a contactless carrier ring on both the rotatable and fixed gantry sections, allowing for a conductive sliding contact using treated materials like carbon or brushes, enabling efficient and space-saving grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate grounding slip rings and brushes are used for grounding the rotatable gantry section, then reliable electrical grounding is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grounding function with the existing carrier ring structure by integrating a grounding slip ring into the carrier ring that already handles power transmission. This merging of grounding and power transmission functions into a single integrated carrier ring system reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby decreasing device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical grounding through the integrated grounding slip ring.
2Reliability
If traditional grounding slip rings and brushes are used, then grounding connection is established, but space requirements and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding slip ring is integrated into the existing carrier ring structure, merging two previously separate functions (power transmission and grounding) into a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate grounding slip rings and brushes, thereby reducing the space required in the stationary part while ensuring reliable grounding connection through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding slip ring is nested within or integrated into the carrier ring structure, allowing the grounding function to be housed within the existing power transmission framework. This nesting approach enables the grounding system to occupy minimal additional space while maintaining functional independence and reliability.
3Reliability
If separate grounding components are used, then grounding is achieved, but assembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the grounding slip ring with the carrier ring into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled. The integrated design allows the grounding function to be built into the carrier ring structure during manufacturing, thereby reducing assembly effort and complexity while ensuring reliable electrical grounding.
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
This solution simplifies the assembly process and reduces space requirements by integrating the grounding system within the contactless power transmission setup, ensuring reliable electrical grounding and power transmission between the gantry sections.
Implementation Method 1
The grounding slip ring is connected to the first carrier ring in an electrically conductive manner
Implementation Method 2
An electromagnetic induction transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding is used. The primary winding in provided on the stationary part, and the secondary winding is provided on the rotating part.
Implementation Method 3
The transmitter unit has at least one high frequency line connected to a transmitter as a transmit antenna. The transmit antenna moves past the receive antenna fixed to the stationary part at a slight distance therefrom, so that signals propagating on the transmitting high frequency line crosstalk in a near field on the receive antenna.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments include an arrangement for contactless transmission of electrical power between a fixed gantry section and a gantry section of a computed tomography system that is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The arrangement includes a first carrier ring in annular form arranged on the rotatable gantry section in an electrically conductive manner, and at least one first conductor element arranged in or on the first carrier ring, the at least one first conductor element being insulated from the first carrier ring and being for contactless receiving of the electrical power. The arrangement also includes at least one grounding slip ring arranged in or on the first carrier ring. The at least one grounding slip ring is connected to the first carrier ring in an electrically conductive manner.