Power Transmission Link for CT Scanner Rotating Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging devices, such as computed tomography scanners, face challenges in efficiently and compactly transmitting power from a fixed to a movable section due to differing power requirements between radiation sources and detectors, leading to under-utilization of power transmission links and space constraints in the rotating ring.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission system that includes a fixed device section with a power source, a movable device section with main and secondary electrical consuming devices, and an energy storage device, where the energy storage device is switchably connected to secondary consuming devices, allowing for efficient power distribution during baseload and main load operations, eliminating the need for separate power transmission links and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power transmission links are used for X-ray emitter and detectors, then each device can be supplied with appropriate power, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate power transmission links into a single integrated link that serves both the X-ray emitter and detectors. The power transmission link includes a power source, an energy storage device, and switching means that can dynamically allocate power to different consuming devices. This merging reduces the number of transmission links from two to one, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to independently control power delivery to each device type.
2Measurement precision
If detectors are kept energized between scanning operations, then they maintain optimal resolution, but the baseload power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the switching means can change the operational state of detectors based on real-time requirements. During scanning operations, detectors are fully energized to maintain optimal resolution. Between scanning operations, the switching means can reduce or eliminate power to detectors that do not require continuous energization, thereby reducing baseload consumption. The energy storage device provides the necessary power buffering to enable these dynamic transitions without affecting the precision during active scanning.
3Volume of moving object
If space is optimized in the rotating ring, then more components can be accommodated, but power transmission becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the power transmission links for the X-ray emitter and detectors into a single integrated system, the patent reduces the total space required in the rotating ring. Instead of accommodating two separate transmission links and their associated components, the system uses one shared link with centralized power management. This space optimization allows for more efficient packaging of components within the constrained rotating ring environment.
4Device complexity
If a single power transmission link is used for both X-ray emitter and detectors, then space is saved and complexity is reduced, but power distribution management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy storage device as an intermediary between the power source and the consuming devices. This intermediary acts as a buffer and control point, managing the distribution of power to the X-ray emitter and detectors through switching means. The energy storage device absorbs excess power during low-demand periods and releases it during high-demand periods, while the switching means selectively connect or disconnect devices from the power link. This intermediary structure simplifies the control logic compared to managing two independent links, as all power management decisions are centralized at this single point.
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 enables efficient power management, reduces the need for separate power transmission links, and maximizes space on the movable device section, allowing for continuous operation of secondary devices and high-power bursts from the main devices without additional hardware, enhancing the operational efficiency and space utilization of medical imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission link designed to transmit power from the fixed device section to the movable device section is disposed between the fixed device section and the movable device section
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage device are disposed on the movable device section
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging device includes a stationary device part and a moveable device part moveably mounted for this purpose. A power source is arranged on the stationary device part. A number of main electrical consumers, a number of secondary electrical consumers, and an energy storage device are arranged on the moveable device part. A power transmission link, arranged between the stationary device part and the moveable device part, is designed to transmit power from the stationary device part to the moveable device part. On the stationary device part, an energy emitting component of the power transmission link is connected to the power source and on the moveable device part, an energy receiving component of the power transmission link is switchably connected to the main consumer and to the secondary consumer via switching device(s), and to the energy storage device. The energy storage device is switchably connected to the secondary consumer.