Dual Loop Heat Transfer Device for X-ray Detector Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current heat transfer devices in X-ray imaging equipment are limited by ambient temperature conditions, failing to effectively and rapidly heat or cool X-ray detectors across a wide temperature range, restricting the operating environment of X-ray detecting apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A dual heat transfer loop system with a heater and radiator, utilizing a heat transfer fluid such as liquid state metal alloy, and electromagnetic pumps to control fluid flow, enhancing heating and cooling efficiency and maintaining constant detector temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a resistance type heater and radiator with fan are used for heat transfer, then the structure is simple, but the heat transfer efficiency is low and the device is affected by ambient temperature conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heat transfer device is divided into two independent loops: a first heat transfer loop for heating the X-ray detector and a second heat transfer loop for cooling it. Each loop operates independently with its own heat transfer fluid circulation system, allowing optimized heat transfer performance for both heating and cooling functions simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses liquid heat transfer fluids circulating through closed-loop piping systems to transfer heat between the heater/radiator and the X-ray detector. This hydraulic heat transfer system provides more efficient and controllable heat transfer compared to direct contact or air-based systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Temperature

If ambient temperature is low, then the X-ray detector needs effective heating, but the resistance type heater cannot effectively and rapidly heat the detector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector temperatureVSAvoidheating speed
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The heat transfer fluid circulates continuously through the first heat transfer loop, carrying thermal energy from the heater to the X-ray detector without interruption. This continuous circulation ensures rapid and effective heat transfer to maintain the detector temperature even in low ambient temperature conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state and flow parameters of the heat transfer fluid to optimize heat transfer efficiency. By controlling the fluid flow rate and temperature differential in the first loop, the system achieves rapid heating capability when ambient temperature is low

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If ambient temperature is high, then the X-ray detector needs effective cooling, but the radiator with fan cannot effectively and rapidly cool the detector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector temperatureVSAvoidcooling speed
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The heat transfer fluid circulates continuously through the second heat transfer loop, efficiently carrying heat away from the X-ray detector to the radiator. This continuous circulation enables rapid cooling capability when ambient temperature is high, overcoming the limitations of fan-based cooling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts the flow rate and thermal parameters of the heat transfer fluid in the second loop to maximize cooling efficiency. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves rapid heat dissipation from the detector even under high ambient temperature conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If a single heat transfer loop is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different ambient temperature conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of heat transfer loopsVSAvoidoperating environment range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The heat transfer system is segmented into two independent loops: a first loop for heating operations and a second loop for cooling operations. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different ambient temperature conditions by activating the appropriate loop, significantly expanding the operating environment range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-loop heat transfer system provides multi-functionality by capable of both heating and cooling the X-ray detector through separate dedicated loops. This makes the device adaptable to various ambient temperature conditions, from low to high temperatures, without being constrained by a single-function design

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

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

The dual heat transfer loop system improves heat transfer efficiency, maintains uniform temperature distribution, and allows X-ray imaging equipment to operate across a wider ambient temperature range, ensuring consistent image quality.

Implementation Method 1

a heater, configured to heat a heat transfer fluid in the first heat transfer loop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a radiator, configured to cool the heat transfer fluid in the second heat transfer loop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

a first heat transfer loop, configured to implement heat transfer with an X-ray detector; a second heat transfer loop, disposed to implement heat transfer with the X-ray detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS10631804B2Heat transfer device, X-ray detecting apparatus and X-ray imaging equipment
Publication Date: 2020.04.28 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • US10631804B2 patent drawing
  • US10631804B2 patent drawing
  • US10631804B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a heat transfer device, an X-ray detecting apparatus and an X-ray imaging equipment. The heat transfer device comprises a first heat transfer loop configured to implement heat transfer with an X-ray detector, a heater configured to heat a heat transfer fluid in the first heat transfer loop, a second heat transfer loop disposed to implement heat transfer with the X-ray detector and a radiator configured to cool the heat transfer fluid in the second heat transfer loop. Hence, heat transfer efficiency can be increased.