Rotating Boundary Data Transfer Antenna for CT Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slip-ring assemblies used in CT imaging and other applications for transferring data between rotating components are prone to dust generation, unreliability, noise, and limited data transfer speed and frequency, which are inadequate for modern radiation imaging modalities requiring high-speed and wide-frequency data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A data communication system utilizing a receiving antenna with a dielectric portion and a conductive portion of varying length and width, designed to accommodate non-constant impedance and multi-reflection geometry, allowing for higher frequency and bandwidth data transfer across an airgap without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip-ring assemblies are used to transfer data between stator and rotor, then data transfer can be achieved through physical contact, but dust is generated, reliability decreases, and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip-ring assembly with an electromagnetic coupling system consisting of a primary winding on the stator and a secondary winding on the rotor. This substitution eliminates physical contact between rotating and stationary components, thereby preventing dust generation from wear while maintaining reliable data transfer through electromagnetic induction across an airgap.
2Productivity
If conventional contactless assemblies are used to transfer data, then dust generation and wear are eliminated, but data transfer speed and frequency range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the electromagnetic coupling parameters including the airgap distance, winding configurations, and operating frequency to achieve high-speed data transfer. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system overcomes the limitations of conventional contactless assemblies and enables gigabit-per-second data transfer rates while maintaining the advantages of contactless operation.
3Ease of operation
If slip-ring assemblies are used for data transfer, then power and control information can be supplied to the rotor, but the assembly becomes complex and costly due to special materials and mechanical precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical slip-ring assembly with a simpler electromagnetic coupling system. The primary winding on the stator and secondary winding on the rotor provide both power transfer and data communication without requiring precision mechanical components, special materials, or complex alignment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
4Reliability
If metal brushes are used in slip-ring assemblies, then electrical contact is maintained, but the contact surfaces wear and the assembly becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical contact between metal brushes and slip-rings by using electromagnetic induction through an airgap. The primary winding on the stator magnetically couples with the secondary winding on the rotor, transferring both power and data without physical contact. This eliminates wear on contact surfaces entirely, ensuring indefinite operational life and maintaining reliable electrical connection throughout the system's service life.
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
Enables efficient and reliable wireless data transfer at higher frequencies and bandwidths, overcoming the limitations of conventional slip-ring assemblies and contactless systems, while maintaining mechanical integrity and reducing interference.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving antenna coupled to the stator or the rotor for wirelessly receiving data between the stator and the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A receiving antenna for wirelessly receiving data between a stator of a computed tomography (CT) imaging modality and a rotor of the CT imaging modality is provided. The rotor rotates about a rotational axis. The receiving antenna includes a dielectric portion and a conductive portion coupled to the dielectric portion. A second surface of the conductive portion extends between a first end and a second end along a conductive axis that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis. The second surface of the conductive portion has a first length at a first length location along a first length axis that is substantially parallel to the conductive axis. The second surface of the conductive portion has a second length at a second length location along a second length axis that is substantially parallel to the conductive axis. The first length is different than the second length.