Electric Brush Module With Sealed Wear Debris Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems using slip rings and electric brushes in medical equipment, such as X-ray CT apparatuses, face challenges in efficiently collecting wear debris, which can lead to defects, image quality issues, and patient safety risks due to scattered debris.
Innovation Solution
An electric brush module with a wear debris collecting mechanism that forms a hermetically-closed space using an electric brush holder, dust collecting mechanisms, air passage partitions, a sealing plate, and a wear debris partition to guide and adsorb wear debris effectively, preventing scattering and facilitating efficient collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If wear debris is simply let fall by rotation gravity into a collection box, then collection is possible, but wear debris easily disperses and scattering occurs at the source
Solution Approach 1:
A wear debris collection mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the electric brush and slip ring contact interface and the collection box. This mechanism includes a collection plate positioned near the contact interface and a collection chamber, which actively intercept and guide wear debris before it can disperse, thereby resolving the contradiction between collection efficiency and debris scattering
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful factor of wear debris is extracted from the general environment by creating a dedicated collection pathway. The collection mechanism separates wear debris generation, collection, and disposal into distinct functional zones, preventing debris from contaminating the surrounding area while maintaining efficient collection
2Ease of repair
If a collection groove with maintenance window is provided underneath the slip ring shell, then wear debris can be collected and cleaned, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The collection plate is integrated with the existing slip ring shell structure, merging the collection function into the existing housing rather than adding a completely separate system. The maintenance window is incorporated into the existing shell design, combining collection and maintenance access functions within a unified structure that minimizes overall complexity
3Productivity
If wear debris is collected passively by gravity, then the system is simple, but collection efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The collection mechanism utilizes the dynamic rotation of the slip ring to its advantage. The collection plate is positioned to intercept debris during rotation, and the collection chamber is designed to capture debris throughout the rotational cycle. This dynamic approach leverages the existing motion to enhance collection efficiency without requiring additional active components
Solution Approach 2:
The collection plate is positioned upstream in the debris trajectory, intercepting wear debris immediately after it is generated at the contact interface. This preliminary interception prevents debris from dispersing before collection, significantly improving collection efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple structure
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 solution effectively prevents wear debris scattering, reduces the risk of electrical defects and image quality degradation, and ensures patient safety by enhancing the collection efficiency and maintaining a clean environment within the gantry.
Implementation Method 1
a wear debris collecting mechanism which forms, together with the electric brush and the electric brush holder, a substantially hermetically-closed space
Implementation Method 2
a wear debris collecting mechanism which forms, together with the electric brush and the electric brush holder, a substantially hermetically-closed space
Data Source
AI summary
An electric brush module according to an embodiment is used in an X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) apparatus including a slip ring and a gantry fixed part and includes an electric brush holder, an electric brush, and a wear debris collecting mechanism. The electric brush holder is provided in the gantry fixed part, has an arc shape with an opening part formed therein, and has a plate-like shape. The electric brush is attached to the electric brush holder and is configured to transmit either electric power or a signal, by being in contact with the slip ring. The wear debris collecting mechanism is attached to the electric brush holder, so as to form a substantially hermetically-closed space, together with the electric brush and the electric brush holder.